The Vaccine-Friendly Plan: Dr. Paul's Safe and Effective Approach to Immunity and Health-from Pregnancy Through Your Child's Teen Years

by Paul Thomas, Jennifer Margulis

An accessible and reassuring guide to childhood health and immunity from a pediatrician who's both knowledgeable about the latest scientific research and respectful of a family's risk factors, health history, and concerns

In The Vaccine-Friendly Plan, Paul Thomas, M.D., presents his proven approach to building immunity: a new protocol that limits a child's exposure to aluminum, mercury, and other neurotoxins while building overall good health. Based on the results from his pediatric practice of more than eleven thousand children, as well as data from other credible and scientifically minded medical doctors, Dr. Paul's vaccine-friendly protocol gives readers

- recommendations for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth
- vital information about what to expect at every well child visit from birth through adolescence
- a slower, evidence-based vaccine schedule that calls for only one aluminum-containing shot at a time
- important questions to ask about your child's first few weeks, first years, and beyond
- advice about how to talk to health care providers when you have concerns
- the risks associated with opting out of vaccinations
- a practical approach to common illnesses throughout the school years
- simple tips and tricks for healthy eating and toxin-free living at any age

The Vaccine-Friendly Plan presents a new standard for pediatric care, giving parents peace of mind in raising happy, healthy children.

Praise for The Vaccine-Friendly Plan

"Finally, a book about vaccines that respects parents! If you choose only one book to read on the topic, read The Vaccine-Friendly Plan. This impeccably researched, well-balanced book puts you in the driver's seat and empowers you to make conscientious vaccine decisions for your family."--Peggy O'Mara, editor and publisher, Mothering Magazine

"Sure to appeal to readers of all kinds as a friendly, no-nonsense book that cuts through the rhetoric surrounding vaccines. It offers validation to those who avoid some or all, while offering those who do want to vaccinate help on how to do so safely. This is a great book for anyone with children in their lives."--Natural Mother

"A valuable, science-supported guide to optimizing your child's health while you navigate through complex choices in a toxic, challenging world."--Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School

"An impressively researched guide, this important book is essential reading for parents. With clear and practical advice for shielding children from harmful toxins, it will compel us all to think differently about how to protect health."--Jay Gordon, M.D., FAAP

"Rather than a one-size-fits-all vaccine strategy, the authors suggest thoughtful, individualized decisions based on research and collaboration between parents and clinicians--a plan to optimize a child's immune system and minimize any risks."--Elizabeth Mumper, M.D., founder and CEO, The Rimland Center for Integrative Pediatrics

"This well-written and thought-provoking book will encourage parents to think through decisions--such as food choices and the timing of vaccines--that affect the well-being of their children. In a world where children's immune systems are increasingly challenged, this is a timely addition to the literature."--Harriet Lerner, Ph.D., bestselling author of The Dance of Anger and The Mother Dance

Genres: Parenting, Health, Nonfiction, Vaccines, Science, Audiobook, Reference

448 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2016

About the author

Paul Thomas, M.D., A.B.A.M., F.A.A.P., is an integrative physician and addiction specialist with a thriving clinical practice in Portland, Oregon. He is the founder of Fair Start, an addiction clinic that has successfully treated over 500 opioid addicts since it opened in 2009. His YouTube Channel has over half a million active and engaged subscribers and his most popular video has had upwards of 31 million views. Dr. Thomas received his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School and completed his pediatric residency at the University of California San Diego. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Addiction Medicine and a board-certified pediatrician. He is the father of nine children (ages 21-35), three biological, six adopted. Dr. Thomas lives with his family in Portland, Oregon. Learn more about him at www.paulthomasmd.com.

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dr. Thomas is one of a handful of pediatricians who have tried to position themselves as voices of moderation on the subject of vaccination, along with better-known figures like Bob Sears and Jay Gordon. Like his colleagues, Thomas manages to regurgitate many false antivax tropes and ultimately comes across as deeply antivaccine (for instance, despite authoring a book called "The Vaccine-Friendly Plan", Thomas advises against protecting children against numerous vaccine-preventable diseases (including rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and chickenpox), while giving unconditional support to only 3 of 13 vaccines recommended for pregnant women, children and teenagers).

Thomas spends a good portion of the book warning parents against vaccine "toxins" (which are actually not toxic at all), while largely ignoring the real toxins - the ones produced by disease organisms. Thomas denounces aluminum (contained in some vaccines as an adjuvant to improve the immune response) and formaldehyde (which may be used in vaccine manufacture to inactivate the infectious agent the vaccine will protect against). What Dr. Thomas doesn't tell readers is that 1) any substance can be toxic depending on dose, including water and oxygen, and that 2) we routinely are exposed to chemicals as part of normal daily living, at doses much higher than what's contained in vaccines, with no harm done. For instance, infants in the first six months of life will get considerably more aluminum from breast milk or infant formula than from all of their recommended vaccinations. You could hardly avoid being exposed to aluminum, since it's one of the most common elements in the earth's crust.
Formaldehyde is made by the human body as a byproduct of normal metabolism - again, in higher amounts than what vaccines contain. Why does Dr. Thomas leave out this information, which is important for parents to know?

Thomas has other bogeymen to scare parents about, including aspartame, fluoridated water and mercury-containing amalgam tooth fillings (he thinks you should get them yanked out). This is nonsense you'd expect to hear from the conspiracy theory set, not a knowledgeable physician.

Thomas criticizes parents who are concerned about childhood illness, calling them "Nervous Nellies", and suggests that they "embrace the fun" of disease (a bizarre attitude for a supposedly caring pediatrician to take). Thomas also attacks health professionals who overwhelmingly reject his views on immunization and health, deriding doctors' "ignorance" and "personal bias" (Thomas has a very undeveloped sense of irony).

Readers can decide for themselves if Thomas is truly a Brave Maverick setting himself at odds with most of the rest of his profession out of concern for children, or a fringe practitioner basking in minor celebrity status while pushing dangerous misinformation.

Update: Paul Thomas' medical license was suspended by the Oregon medical board in December of 2020 for placing many of his patients at serious risk of harm. In one case, an unvaccinated child from his practice contracted tetanus and became severely ill, requiring a two-month hospital ICU stay. He was later allowed to resume practice under restrictions designed to protect patients. His followers would probably claim that he's been "canceled" (a book recently published under the auspices of RFK Jr.'s antivax organization alleges that Thomas has been "persecuted"). Thomas filed a $35 million lawsuit against members of the Oregon Medical Board, then in the fall of 2022 agreed to surrender his medical license after the board decided that he had engaged in:

- unprofessional or dishonorable conduct;
- making false or misleading statements regarding the efficacy of treatments;
- repeated negligence and gross negligence in the practice of medicine;
- willfully violating any provision of this chapter;
- knowingly making a false statement or representation on a matter;
- failing to comply with a Board request; and
- failing to report an adverse action.

lymescience dot org/paul-thomas-integrative-anti-vaccine-friendly-plan/

Also: a paper Thomas co-authored that claimed vaccinated kids have more health problems has been retracted due to errors and lack of scientific validity: retractionwatch dot com/2021/08/11/authors-blame-a-ghoul-for-retraction-of-paper-claiming-vaccines-lead-to-health-and-behavioral-issues/

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think a better title for this book would be "Informed Consent" and that the book should be required reading for ALL parents-to-be. I was confident that I did my homework before both of my kids were born, but there are still things in this book that are eye openers for me. If parents were truly informed with the info in this book, I am sure they would make different decisions for their families.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I drug my feet at first about reading this book because I thought it was going to be another boring text-book type read. Not so! While it does cite great research, it is well written and easy to work through. I highly recommend it! Dr. Paul has great insight into which vaccines are being pushed by pharmaceuticals to make money (i.e.: why are we giving our newborns a vaccine for an STD if their parents don't have this disease?) and which ones are really important for kids to get, as well as a much better schedule than the CDC recommends.

[Ensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an expectant mom, I found it so hard to find information on vaccines that wasn’t on either end of the extreme. I wanted to know the details of each vaccine, its ingredients, effectiveness, side effects, and why the CDC recommends it at a specific time. I heard Dr. Paul on the Birthful podcast and immediately went to buy his book, and I’m so grateful I did. I so appreciate his thoughtful, well-researched approach to vaccination that he can support through decades of pediatric practice. This book provides holistic approach to how to keep your baby as healthy as possible, with (certain) vaccines being a part of that approach. If you’re as confused as I was, READ THIS BOOK. I feel so much more empowered and informed!

[Page · Rating 1 out of 5]

More anti vaccine nonsense from quacks who are driven by their antisocial political leanings than by anything resembling science.

If you want your kid to be vulnerable - if you want our entire society to be vulnerable - then by all means listen to the non-evidenced based meanderings of those who think they are above the rest of society and should be treated like the extra special lily white snowflakes that they are.

But if you care about fact-based science instead of what conservative Dunning-Kruger types holding their fingers in the air think, then throw this book in the trash where it belongs.

[Max McKinnon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dangerous pseudoscience that poses as the middle ground. There are few positives to be gained from this book. Most points are made without supporting details, demonstrably false, or are misleading.

Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and do real research.

I got this book as a must read from an antivaxxer who has done a lot of reading and political activism in this area. My expectation and hope of this book was getting a balanced risk approach, on the assumption that the vaccine schedule from the doctors is too much at once versus the risk of the disease versus the harm of the disease.

Here’s my due diligence on reading this book and giving my response to it.

Positive takeaways:
Lead safety (but no mention of how to avoid it, just a weak and baseless insinuation that it’s in vaccines at harmful dosages)

Avoid apartame. Amen, great advice.

Breast feed, good advice.

Negatives:

Almost not alternate plan risk discussion, my expectation of the book. There is no math or science to be found, no standard bayesian analysis of choices, no citations to studies (although there are a dump of citations in the back, unclear which goes with which statement). The evidence presented is purely anecdotal.

Only a small part of the book is about alternate vaccine schedule, and very poorly supported at that. Most of the rest of the book is a mix between good child care advice and old waves tales.

No mention that although vaccines have been found to have 0.1ppm lead, spinach routinely has 300ppm.

Throughout the book, the author doesn’t seem to understand priority and opportunity cost.

Book mentions rise of autism many many times, just in the introduction alone. Again insinuating vaccines is the cause. This link has long been proven false, sorry Jim Carrey, I loved Ace Ventura. See autismspeaks.org or many others on this misinformarion autism vs mmr vaccine point.

Long paragraphs on the dangers of mercury, which is great. Doesn’t seem to understand that ethylmercury isn’t the same as methylmercury. It’s just about as moronic an argument as claiming carbon dioxide is anywhere as dangerous as carbon monoxide. Also, calls out all these different medicinal products for containing mercury, bur forgets the big one: food. I had to re-read just to make sure, yes, he’s seriously complaining about the ppm mercury levels in some medicines, while completely oblivious to mercury and other heavy metals found in foods, especially fish, at much higher rates.

He’s gluten free, which maybe is legit, but the reasoning he gives is just as bad as the reasons most people for it. The real problem is sugar. And the herbicides that now comes with gluten.

—-

I never made it past the first few chapters, just too many demonstrably false conclusions and unintelligent drivel which cast great doubt on the veracity of the rest of it. I skimmed the rest, found similar unsupported claims, and had enough. I wish I could be more informed on the imperfections of vaccines and healthcare, because we all know it isn’t perfect, but this book is too off the deep end in claims without evidence to take seriously.

Did some side reading and saw the author Paul Thomas had his license pulled for pushing the autism bs on his clients. https://www.modernhealthcare.com/phys...

Thomas then questioned the woman about why she wanted the polio vaccine and “continually connected vaccines (not specific) with autism” and “asked her how awful she would feel if Patient A got autism and she could have prevented it,” according to the order.


I guess everyone thinks they are the hero, actual facts and actual lives they claim to be in support of be damned. People are almost all good. Not every good person has humility and can self criticize. I wish Paul Thomas would educate himself in the scientific method and publish a rigorous study of the harmful effects of vaccines — or not, that’s how a science hypothesis works! — Rather than this anecdotal armchair philosophy that does more harm than good. He has lots of energy and drive to help people, and this book is a harmful backfire unfortunately. I don’t think it’s malicious as much as negligent and irresponsible.

[Kindra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Thomas tells us that in medical school, students learn the history and importance of vaccines, but not the composition of vacinnes. After following the CDC guidelines and noticing some adverse reactions including autism in his patients, Dr Thomas set out to find the levels of mercury and aluminium in each vaccine (which he states) and gives a fair assessment of the pros and cons of each vaccine. I like how he has put together a list of recommended and/or delayed vaccinations.

He also gives a fair bit of parenting advice... I would have preferred he stick to the vaccine side of things (there are plenty of parenting books out there). Nonetheless this was an incredibly helpful read for me as I consider my child's health and vaccination schedule.

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

His medical license was revoked, and the report showed that he bullied parents, and several of his patients were hospitalized at various points with vaccine preventable diseases. One of his patients made national news when the kid got tetanus, a condition that kills 10% of patients, even with top medical care.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been researching vaccines and immunity for more than 10 years now, since before my first child was born, I was fairly familiar with a lot of the material covered in this book. That said, I have never found a single resource to be so comprehensive and clear on the subject.

The authors don't pull any punches. If a vaccine appears to be more dangerous than the disease itself, or if the chances of an adverse vaccine reaction are greater than the chances of contracting the disease, they recommend against it. If the chances of communicating a disease (like Hepatitis B or tetanus) are nil in a school environment, they take issue with government mandates to require those vaccinations for school entry.

Dr. Thomas also shares a lot of stories of patients he's seen over 20 years of pediatric practice. Those personal stories complement the aggregate data that his practice collected over the years to give both a human and scientific approach to the recommendations. And the authors are also clearly fluent in all the research conducted on vaccines - - and, importantly, the research LACKING around vaccines (ie, comparing vaccinated vs. wholly unvaccinated populations or comparing vaccine side effects to proper placebo controls, not against other vaccine side effects).

Most importantly, the authors take a larger perspective about how to improve the immune health of children - - with specific details about a whole foods diet and attendance to gut health as well as reduction of exposure to other environmental toxins.

Many people coming upon the vaccine discussion for the first time don't realize the vast difference between the current CDC recommendations and those from even 20 years ago. This book makes that abundantly clear, while still giving practical grounded recommendations for parents (most of whom are exhausted taking care of their infants) to help them have informed conversations with their medical practitioners to make the best decisions for their children. (It's also great information to quote to questioning friends and family.)

The reminders in the book that we, as parents, are the most knowledgeable about the health of our children, as well as the best positioned to advocate for their best interests, are a call to action which is particularly stark in the face of government attempts to wrest that control from us.

[Alexa · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title I guess is the bets place to start... “The Vaccine Friendly Plan” “Safe and Effective” ??? But this book is largely anti vaccine? Or at minimum paints vaccination as optional and unimportant, leaning into negative (can It get anymore passive aggressive?)

and this is a smack in the face of science that has proven this kind of lackadaisical attitude is extremely dangerous and in some cases lethal.

I am binging through a variety of science and pandemic books in this age of false information to better educate myself in what could have happened to induce COVID-19 and this environment we find ourselves living in.

And the only positive I can see coming out of 2020 is mandatory vaccination world wide. Inducing herd immunity that should have been present 30 years ago or more!

***update for January 2020
When I wrote up mandatory vaccine I was thinking the big five (MMR), whooping cough and polio not flu vaccinations and the Covid -19 vaccine which is equally promising and problematic. Particularly as we hear about variants, nasty side effects and proper testing that was “waved due to special circumstances” that raises a ton of red flags for people with existing conditions, pregnancy and a family history of epilepsy or seizures

[Morgan Stell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. I really appreciated this middle of the road approach opposed to the far swinging opposites of "vaccines do no harm" and the "vaccines are harmful" stances.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and interesting read. Loved the no nonsense approach and unbiased, fact-based position Dr. Paul provided for every age group. Helpful quick reference at the end of each section.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sensible and easy to read book on the topic of vaccines and how to handle them with your children. Dr. Thomas has a thriving pediatric practice and has tested out his conservative schedule of vaccines and found it has worked well for his patients.
For those who want some vaccine protection but don't like the current schedule and are concerned about danger to their children, Dr. Thomas has a sensible plan that delays many vaccines and avoids some, but does give others. He considers the toxins involved and discusses the issues.
The one issue he does not address really is the fact that some vaccines were grown on aborted fetal tissue. That is something I wish he would have addressed more.
I think this is a great book for any parent to read, especially someone about ready to have a child and trying to sift through through the mass of confusing info on this topic.

[April Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a balanced and well-organized approach for anyone wanting to form their own opinion on vaccines and start looking at both sides of the issue.

[Carianne Feller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mother, I have felt for a while that I needed to do my own research on vaccines. While I don't agree with every single word in here about other parenting topics, the information about vaccines was super enlightening and helpful. Dr Paul provides factual information about each vaccine in the CDC recommended schedule: understanding about the disease and it's prevalence, history and ingredients of each vaccine, the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, and his recommendation. He also understands that immunity and health doesn't only come from vaccinations, but from living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding toxins. In the past, while hearing vaccination arguments from both sides, I have felt lots of fear-mongering and scare tactics, and highly fanatical viewpoints that don't recognize the truth of what the other side might be saying. I am left feeling fearful that I'll never be able to find the truth. Reading this book has made me feel more empowered and educated as a mother. While I still continue my vaccination research, I feel like I have a more clear plan for my family that feels right to me and I don't feel fear about it. I recommend this book to any parent who wants to know more about vaccinations and other health topics for their children.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! I've been seeking solid science backed information on vaccines, not just another Doctor telling me to shut up and fully vaccinate. This book has answered.

Dr. Paul seems to be an intellectual doctor, seeking truth for patients out of a deep place of caring. He has done what doctors do to keep on top of new evidence and practices in all aspects of health; that is to research, read, and evaluate based on peer reviewed studies/research, other doctors experiences, and writings. Within his practice, paying real attention to his own patients through the years, has given him a uniquely evidence based outlook.

All his other points and advice on parenting are a great bonus and speak to the holistic look he takes at peoples lives. This book will definitely be kept safely in our library for reference throughout the next several years.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Of course, the topic of vaccines is always a controversial one, but I felt like this book was a great middle of the road. As other reviewers pointed out, the title could have been something different like "Raising a Healthy Child" and it probably would have more readers. The book covered vaccines but it also presented a lot of parenting information regarding diet, raising a reader, etc. It echoed a lot of the sentiments that my pediatrician has told us for years- avoid tylenol before and after vaccines, do not depend on antibiotics as a cure-all, food as medicine. I look forward to other books by this doctor.

[Kara Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you only read one book as a parent PLEASE make it this book! I loved absolutely everything Dr. Paul said. This book was not only extremely well written with lots of great information but it was very well researched.

Even if you have your mind made up about vaccines (for or against) I think you will find this book helpful. He talks about much more than just vaccines. He talks a lot about toxins in general and has helpful and practical information on how to limit your exposure to them.

I have as hooked after the first chapter and hi-lighted half the book. This will be a book I reference many times throughout my child's life. Hands down the best book for parents out there.

[Stephen Carrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single parent should read this book. The first balanced view on vaccines that I’ve found. The suggested vaccine schedule is great and the author goes through risks for each vaccine on the CDC schedule and gives you pros and cons followed by studies and statistics. This book empowers you to make the best decisions for your children and what vaccines need to stay on the CDC schedule and what vaccines you can safely delay until they are a little older and can handle the vaccines better. Seriously you need to read this if you have kids.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read chapter 12 first!

This is a well-written book with 306 research-based citations. Even though it was published in 2016, Dr. Paul has since update his recommendations as far as what to get and what to skip.

He has recommendations that I disagree with, but I’m comfortable with the research I’ve done to come to those decisions.

[Amy Broadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read a lot of vaccine books out there and this is by far the best, most balanced view of vaccines and children’s health in general. Shouldn’t be called “vaccine friendly plan” but rather “healthy child plan” because he covers everything from making sure you’re drinking filtered water to how to talk to your teen about suicide. A must-read for any parent.

[Bethany B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding this book makes me feel betrayed by all those I discussed this issue with as this was everything I was looking for and more. Super helpful resource which is up to date and does not tout itself as being the only answer.

[Victoria Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shelving this book for now! Not the most helpful in my opinion when looking at a comprehensive view on vaccines.

[Melissa Koser · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The best part of this book is that the doctor seems open-minded and middle-of-the-road in his opinions, which I wish more people would practice in their own lives. Some vaccines he feels are too dangerous to get; others he feels outweigh the risks of adverse effects; and still others should be delayed until a more appropriate age. Also, he is doing his best to empower parents to make the choices they believe best for their children, and recognizes that he does not have the right to bully others into following his preferences and beliefs. Again, more people should follow suit. Lastly, he urges repeatedly to do all you can to keep from having to see the doctor to begin with, and gives practical advice on how to lead a healthy lifestyle. He encourages clean living over prescriptions to fix one’s health problems.

On the other hand, I did not like the way he presented his sources on different studies. They were all lumped together at the end of the book, without so much as a footnote earlier to let you know where his claims are coming from. Much of what Dr. Paul has to say seems sound, but we can’t just take his word for it, and doing a poor job with citations unfortunately undermines his credibility. All the same, there’s a lot worth considering here, and I would recommend it for readers with discernment.

[TS · Rating 5 out of 5]

My focused reading was on the teen section of this book, as both of my children are past childhood. I did skim through the other chapters and read the summarizations as well.

It was an easy read and backed with what appears to be legitimate research, professionalism, knowledge and forethought. While I did follow a slightly delayed schedule, I wish I’d been introduced to this book much sooner. I am not against vaccinations. I am pro informed consent and pro parental rights. We are only as capable as the knowledge we have or are willing to seek and obtain. It’s a shame that there seems to be a lot of effort to hide things where vaccinations are concerned and where there is such an attempt, one must wonder as to why. At the end of the day, I believe most parents are absolutely doing the best they know how to do. It’s all we can do, really. Seek factual information, pray (if you do so) and decide. May peace go with us all in the journey of parenthood.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book only covered vaccines in about 25% of the book. There was a lot of fluff and repetition of general health principles, and not much in depth discussion about vaccines beyond a basic pro and con as well as the ingredients. When he recommends an alternative or delayed schedule, specifically for autoimmunity which comes up a lot, he doesn't offer background or justification for why the delay, risks of not delaying, or how to proceed once starting. Example - he makes a blanket statement that if you have autoimmunity in your family history to delay all vaccines until at least age 1, and that's it. It is set aside in a box with no discussion and no reference for this recommendation. With the HUGE rise in autoimmunity this is a frustrating oversight in what could be an immensely helpful book. Rather than getting into the details and suggesting catch up schedules, he talks again and again about eating healthy whole foods and not having too much screen time.

[Shivani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A musr read for anyone thinking about getting pregnant, already pregnant, or parents. An evidence based, and yes science based book written by a pro vaccine 30+ year experienced MD with his thinking cap on (bravo!). Parents, you absolutely must do your research on each individual vaccine. It is entirely too broad a statement to say that one is anti or pro vaccine, in my opinion. This book is balanced, easy to read and empowers you to make your own decisions. This book has absolutely reaffirmed my own decisions as well as those we have made for our son. Read it and see for yourself. Because, science (there is plenty of science that show the risks of each vaccine). Lots of great info beyond vaccinations too. Wish my ped would read it.

[Megan Mcnulty Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book empowers parents to do their own research and reminds them they have the ultimate responsibility for protecting and safely raising their kids. I especially appreciate that this Doctor admits the mainstream medical world does not have all the answers, rarely admits their mistakes, and is often guided by profit rather than research. I know that Dr Thomas has been undergoing investigations in CO, and I still am glad that I read this book and can look more critically at what we pump into our bodies and our children's bodies.

[Cami Duron]

It’s hard to rate because I don’t take something as gospel just because one person said it. It was interesting to hear his perspective, and many things he said made sense. I appreciate that he uses science to back up his claims. I don’t see the harm in delaying some of the vaccines by a few months to allow a baby’s immune system to get stronger to withstand the toxins.

Notes:

These are the main things he says to avoid:
-Acetaminophen
-Aspartame (sugar free drinks and gum) (it gets converted to formaldehyde in our bodies)
-Mercury
-Aluminum (when injected)

Toxic doses of aluminum for pregnant and nursing moms and newborns:
-TDAP during pregnancy
-Hep B vaccine
-Aluminum-containing antacids & antiperspirants
-Avoid soy formula. They have high levels of aluminum.
-Space out aluminum-containing vaccines

-Get the TDAP shot after baby is born
-Eat more probiotics, especially during pregnancy, like lacto-fermented sauerkraut and plain cultured yogurt
-Avoid ultrasounds when possible. If I do them, ask them to set it at the lowest possible exposure and do the scan for the shortest amount of time.
-The eye goop they put on babies after birth is in case I have a sexually transmitted disease. If I know I don’t have one, they don’t need it. Same for the hepatitis shot. They should get it when they’re a teenager and actually at risk of contracting the disease. Otherwise, it just pumps a bunch of aluminum into them. If we do a vitamin k shot, ask to see the package insert to make sure they’re getting an aluminum-free shot. The benefits of the vitamin k shot outweigh the risks. We could also do oral vitamin k to avoid trace amounts of polysorbate 80 in the injections.
-Didn’t listen super well at this part but the rotavirus vaccine prevents vomiting and dehydration (which aren’t too serious if you live close to a hospital and can get your child IV fluids) but is too dangerous to give a child that’s a little older so why is it okay for an infant? He refuses to stock that vaccine and none of his patients have had issues. It may be helpful if you’re going to travel outside the country in their first year of life or if you live in a rural area with little access to a hospital.
-The polio vaccine is probably unnecessary unless traveling outside the US. If we choose to do it, don’t do one of the combination options. IPV is the only one that vaccinates only against polio. This one seems to be safe, but it does contain formaldehyde.
-HIB vaccine offers tremendous benefit with minimal side effects. He recommends this one on the normal schedule of 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. He prefers the actHIB brand, which contains no mercury or aluminum.
-There have been no deaths from diphtheria for at least 35 years from the time the book was written. It has been virtually eradicated from the US. The chance of getting it is less than one in one hundred million.
-If our baby is coughing, make sure the pediatrician tests for pertussis (whooping cough). Overall, the dTAP vaccine is probably a good idea. Vaccinate against pertussis.
-Give PCB vaccine only at the 12 month visit. He also recommends giving the prevnar vaccine.
-He doesn’t recommend proquad which gives 4 vaccines at once (measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox/vericella), because it is associated with a much higher rate of seizures.
-Say no to HPV vaccine.
-Chicken pox vaccine is effective (but potentially unnecessary). Hepatitis A may also be unnecessary. He says to say no to both.
-He recommends delaying the MMR vaccine until age 3 and then have their titres tested between the ages of 4 and 6 to determine if they need a booster.
-The benefits of the pneumococcal vaccine outweigh the risks. Don’t do it at the same time as another vaccine that contains aluminum. Don’t take acetaminophen before or after.
-Artificially reducing a fever has negative effects. Let the fever run its course so it can do its job. Use a cold cloth as one option instead.
-Only use lotion I’d be comfortable eating.
-When we start baby on foods, give them lacto-fermented sauerkraut, pickles, and cultured plain yogurt.
-Make sure I’m taking folate, iodine, vitamin d (need 5000 IUs daily), and fish oil supplements during pregnancy.
-Keep empty capsules on hand to fill with turmeric. Take turmeric and use lavender oil and take electrolytes when sick, instead of ibuprofen or Tylenol.
-Use ladybugs to kill insects on the lawn instead of pesticides
-Avoid furniture that is flame-retardant
-Use water and vinegar to clean. Clean the tub with baking soda. Buy perfume-free, dye-free laundry detergent and dish soap.
-Buy natural toothpaste
-Get a reverse osmosis and charcoal filtration system to remove heavy metals and pesticides from water
-They can start eating nut butters and milks (cow’s, goat’s, camel’s) at 1 year old.
-Try eating organic and heirloom wheat instead of regular (farmers have modified wheat so much that we aren’t eating the same wheat we were a few decades ago).
-If our house was built before the 1960s, have them screen baby for lead levels and anemia at 9 or 12 month visit. If the lead levels are over 5 micrograms per deciliter, they’re too high and we need to find the source.
-Let them feed themselves. Feed them lots of foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids like flax seeds, walnuts, sardines (low in the food chain so less likely to be contaminated with heavy metals), salmon, soy beans, and edamame. Give them up to 1000 mg of fish oil a day. Can put liquid form in smoothies. Feed them probiotics like plain cultured yogurt and kefir at every meal.
-Ask dentist not to do x rays unless absolutely necessary.
-Notice a child’s effort, not the outcome. “Are you making a castle with those blocks?” Or “I see you’ve been working hard on that drawing. Tell me about it.” Rather than “you’re a good water drinker.”

[Aeric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super helpful overview to get future or new parents in a place where they feel like they have a foundation of knowledge to make good decisions about their child's life and health.

There is a lot of decisions to make and having a straight forward guide is truly welcome.