Readers Respond: What are you doing to protect you and your baby?

Responses: 20

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Some of the H1N1 vaccines contain Thimerosal (mercury) which HAS BEEN PROVEN to cause damage to developing babies' brains. Why would they discourage eating fish and risk exposure to lower levels of mercury but push this drug which has not yet been tested? I will take all the precautions I can to stay healthy in my 3rd trimester but I will not be taking the vaccine.
—Guest bek

Though I do think I'll get the regular flu shot at my next prenatal appointment, I'm still debating the swine flu shot. I was on the fence before about having a home birth, but the thought of a hospital filled with illness made me realize babies shouldn't be born there if they don't need to be. I've worked hard to stay low risk. My midwife and my doctor agree home birth is a safe option for me. If I need to go to the hospital, my doctor said she'd let me leave as soon as I was able so that I would be exposed to fewer germs.
—Guest Sassy Pants

There is so much info out there and it can be confusing. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you, which might be different than the general guidelines. I can't take the vaccination, so my family practitioner is helping me learn how to stay safe without the vaccine. She's also calming my fears by explaining the reality without the hysteria. Though she did remind me that a hospital is a germy place. She too said that I should plan on keeping the baby in my room the entire time. She's going to visit baby there for exams. Her office also gave me a brochure on breastfeeding as protection from the flu and other illness.
—Guest Momee2B

Mostly my flu prevention strategy is to stay away from people who I know are ill and washing my hands more frequently than usual. Other than that I am trying to stay away from the hysteria.
—maelli3

I'm not sure about the vaccine, but my doctor and I discussed a plan in case I'm sick. So I know what to look for and when to call. The hospital I'm at is doing away with the nursery and requesting everyone room in to avoid babies getting infected.
—Guest MaryAnn