Body, Mind & Spirit

I’m looking for a family doctor or pediatrician in Albuquerque who is non-vaccine
friendly.  My husband and I have delayed vaccines for our four children,
but are now considering selectively doing a couple.  I would like to find a
doctor who is open to, maybe even supportive of, our decisions and respects us
as educated parents doing what we believe is right for our children.  If
you have any thoughts or suggestions, I’d really appreciate it.  Thanks so
much!!!

Angie

Bebe Care/Dr. Han has always worked with us to delay and selectively vax. They just recently asked us to sign a form saying we’ve been advised of the dangers of doing so, but they didn’t make us feel uncomfortable or anything. We’ve been there seven years, so it looked like a recent formality.

 Dr. Kaufman does not vax, though he is not a pediatrician if that makes a difference for you.

There’s also Dr. Raul Griegos, who is also an MD. I think his office hours are limited, but am not sure. He is also a homeopath.

Hopefully others will have suggestions….

Angie, I’m going to ask a few folks who may have more experiences to share to post here. Also, our Immunization Options class is tomorrow.  Mary Lou can help you make your vax decisions and perhaps share her knowledge of pediatricians in town.

Hands on Health Care does not do vaccinations at all.  They are a Family Practice with an MD – Dr. Meuli, a DO – Dr.Childers , and a Physician’s Assistant.

I had a similar experience as the previous poster with Dr. Bebe Han as far as vaccinations.  He gave a brief spiel about the benefits of vax and the risks of choosing not to vax, but didn’t make me feel bad about it.  My only concern with him is for women considering extended breastfeeding b/c he told me my 18 month old son was no longer getting any nutritional benefits from my breastmilk even though he did acknowledge the importance of the emotional bonding taking place.  I’ve read enough that I knew better but for someone on the fence it might discourage them from continuing breastfeed.

If you have a Preferred Provider list I’d encourage you to call and check with the receptionist about their vaccination policies to save time.  I heard about one place in Rio Rancho, can’t remember the name, where you have to sign something as a new patient saying you understand that there are no compromises allowed on vaccinating and you will follow the doctor’s orders. 

Dr. Crocetti with New Mexico Pediatrics has been very respectful of my wish to postpone vaccination (my child is 3). I’ve heard from others that he’s strongly encouraged them to fully vaccinate, but that hasn’t been my experience. He’s never given me any trouble about it – not once.

I’ve worked with Jeff McCollum who is an FNP at New Mexico Pediatrics and After Hour Pediatrics for all my kids, all their lives.  We selectively vaccinate and Jeff has no problem with that.  He respects that I’ve done my research and that it’s my choice and occasionally I ask his opinion about some so I understand where he’s coming from.  I think most of the pediatricians in that practice are similarly-minded.

Thank you for all the advice!!!  I took Mary Lou’s pediatric herbalism class about a year and a half ago and have treated my kids exclusively with herbs since then.  We’ve never had a reason to go to a doctor.  I’m going to see if any of these docs are on our insurance and go from there….  Angie