Our Newborn and Whooping Cough

At two months of age, our second, unvaccinated child contracted whooping cough via his older brother. For toddlers and older children, whooping cough presents as unrelenting coughing and gasping for breath, generally occurring at night and with exercise. Such coughing can continue for many months and may result in permanent lung damage. For a newborn baby, whooping cough is extremely dangerous and at times it can even be fatal.

So a few years ago, Simon and I found ourselves with the haunting nightmare of holding our baby through the night, monitoring his breathing as he coughed and gasped. This experience did indeed test our resolve and we were forced to draw on our support network of healthcare providers. We performed chiropractic checks on our baby daily and utilised a whooping cough homeopathic. I dosed myself with an array of vitamins to boost his immunity via breast milk and kept him hydrated with constant breastfeeding. Whooping cough is often slow to develop and may respond well to conservative management, including chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, herbs, acupuncture or acupressure.

Within two days, the severity of our baby’s symptoms cleared and within a two week period, each of our boys had a complete resolution of their symptoms. Some people may say we were extremely lucky, while others may acknowledge the enormous effort we consistently place in strengthening our children’s health. As a mother, I simply re?ect on this time and give thanks.

I am not suggesting that based solely on our experience readers choose not to vaccinate their child. As a ‘practitioner couple’, we have been blessed with numerous experiences that have built our confidence and trust in the body’s innate intelligence. Even though we were anxious and concerned during the course of this experience (as any parent would be), there wasn’t a moment where we questioned our vaccination decision. It was made without arrogance or ignorance, as we were highly aware of the risks involved with not vaccinating children. This statement is made as a parent who has independently researched this topic and has firm confidence with their vaccination choice. I would recommend to any parent debating this issue that they spend numerous (and I repeat numerous) hours reading literture that discusses both pros and cons and take the necessary time to appreciate the depth of the decision you are making. 

At the end of the day, the responsibility of the health threats associated with vaccinating or not vaccinating lies with us, the parents and guardians, and no one else. We are the ones who will live with the rami?cations and consequences. As a writer who is challenging this social ‘sacred cow’, my wish is that, whatever your vaccination choice may be, you have absolute con?dence with your decision. Putting Vaccines in Perspective  in “Well Adjusted Babies” discusses the health risks involved with vaccinating and not vaccinating, providing a resource for you during your decision-making process.

With Deep Respect,

Dr Jennifer