Flexible Pediatrician Concerning Immunizations

Consider a family doctor as well. We used to take our daughter to our family physician, he was great with her and very level headed. From her weight (she was on the skinny side) to delaying/spacing out vaccines (which is what we do). When we asked about it he was very honest and said that doctors don't actually really know that vaccines are harmless, but that it has to be a risk benefit analysis.
We have since moved and are now with Swedish Children's Clinic in West Seattle. No issues there either so far.
I have to agree with you though, if your pediatrician does not have good bedside manners, it's time to switch. You may just have to try a few before you find "the right one". Good luck.

Hi T.! I organize a local attachment parenting group with a lot of members who have the same question. The doctors at Pediatric Associates are consistently recommended. We see Dr. Benda at Factoria and are very pleased with her. She's great with our 2 year old and our infant. We've seen other doctors in the same office and they're all pretty good. We just really like her demeanor with us and with our kids. She's a bit business with us (which we encourage), but she's always laid back and friendly with the girls. She's really warm and very accepting of non-mainstream parenting. Both our daughters are nursing and our youngest was born at home for example. Every time we talk immunization, her answer is that it's up to us, but she does give her recommendation. She's never pushed vaccines on us or insisted that we get them all at once or anything like that.

I am not sure what area you are in. But we use a Naturapathic pediatrician. We absoulutley ADORE her. We see her for ourselves and our 2 year old and our baby whos expected to arrive will see her soon too. We delayed and seperated our vaccines and ordered vaccines that didnt have preservatives in them. She is absolutley wonderful. If there was every anything she didnt know how to handle, she would refer us out but she can prescribe regular prescriptions as well. Shes constantly available if needed in the middle of the night she has a emergency phone number. We love her. Oh I am sorry her name is Dr. Jennifer Zorin at Sound Natural Medicine in Kirkland WA. Here is the website for their practice.

http://www.soundnaturalmedicine.com/

Its her and one other doctor named Lisa Wada, who is also wonderful, we have seen her when Dr. Zorin was not in the office. I highly recommend her to everyone I know. She adores our daughter and she knows whats going on with our whole family and looks at the entire person, not just a set of symtoms. I cannot say enough good about her!
M. Mead

We just joined Ballard Pediatrics. I asked about the issue on the phone and was told that all of the docs prefer that you vaccinate, but won't insist on it or give you a hard time if you decide not to (I'm not doing it). Good luck.

Hi T.,
We also love our pediatrician. She is a naturopath and I completely trust her. Our well-baby visits last a minimum of 60 minutes (with her only) so there is plenty of time for questions, discussion, and she really KNOWS my child because she spends so much more time with him than most peds. She will try natural remedies for common childhood ailments, gives nutritional support/advice, prescribes supplements as preventative care, but she can also prescribe any kind of drug/medicine when necessary for treatment.

She also specializes in vaccine counseling and is up on the latest information. She nevers pressures or persuades one way or the other, but provides good information and can make some recommendations based on your gut feelings or comfort level with vaccines.

Her name is Candace Aasan, she's with Cascade Natural Medicine and she's located in Kirkland too. I know she has a waiting list but she might do a meet and greet. Here's a link to her website. http://www.cascadenaturalmedicine.com/

Good luck in your search!