Homeopathy Book Reviews

Raising a Vaccine Free Child

Written by Vatsala Sperling

Wendy Lydall’s book, Raising a Vaccine Free Child, is reviewed by Vatsala Sperling

Raising a Vaccine Free Child Raising a Vaccine Free Child jan 2016

Author: Wendy Lydall

First Edition: 2009

Published by: Emryss publishers

ISBN – 978-0-646-52417-7

Reviewer: Vatsala Sperling

To vaccinate or not is a loaded question staring every parent in the eye. It has been considered ever since 1796 when Edward Jenner developed a system of vaccination using pus from cow pox to inoculate children and found that they did not develop small pox. The medical industry claims that infectious diseases have been kept in check or eradicated because of mass vaccination, both routine and compulsory. However, parents of children who have been injured from vaccination question the usefulness and safety of vaccination. The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) is a leading organization that maintains that health care consumers have the right to informed consent, including the right to choose which vaccine they and their children will use. Making an informed decision is not that easy. Some parents come under pressure and buckle…finding it easier to just go ahead, vaccinate and be done. Some parents decide to delay the vaccination schedule and subject their children to the mandated vaccines once the children are older. Several books have been written on the subject of vaccination, that can help parents make informed decisions about what vaccines to get and when, or to go for alternative approach such as homeoprophylaxis. “Raising a Vaccine Free Child” by Wendy Lydall is a welcome addition to this ever growing list of books that educate the parents about vaccination.

What I find most attractive about Wendy’s book is that she has focused on dispelling myths about vaccination. She has selected fourteen of the best known myths propagated by the medical establishment. With the calculated expertise of a sword yielding warrior, she has systematically de-mystified these myths and put them in their exact place. In analyzing and dealing with the fourteen myths, Wendy has used her experience of raising her children in three different countries and dealing with the various medical bureaucracies. She discusses the misinformation that is fed to the public when they are sold the idea of vaccination as the ultimate panacea for all infectious diseases and childhood illnesses. She questions the policy of not declaring all the ingredients of vaccines and points out how media promotes half-truths and untruths while actively suppressing reports of negative effects. Reading through all fourteen myths demystified by Wendy is a good education on the subject of vaccination. After reading this, I gained a thorough understanding of the truth behind each and every vaccine and each disease that they are supposed to “fight” or “eradicate”.

As homeopaths we constantly meet with parents who ask us if we recommend vaccination and if we offer any homeopathic alternative. Though we are asked these questions, our job is not simply to answer the parents, but also help them make an informed choice. For this purpose, I intend to recommend Wendy Lydall’s book, “Raising a vaccine free child” to all those who wonder whether to vaccinate or not.

About the author

Vatsala Sperling

Vatsala Sperling, RSHom (NA), CCH, MS, PhD, PDHom was the Chief of Clinical Microbiology services at a children’s hospital in Chennai, India, when she published extensively and conducted research with WHO, Denmark. On moving to the USA, Vatsala pursued a 4½ year course in Homeopathy at Misha Norland’s school. She has authored twelve books including her latest, Colubrid Snake Remedies and Their Indication in Homeopathy Practice. Journals from US and abroad frequently publish Vatsala’s writings on spirituality, health, and homeopathy. Vatsala continues to study with several teachers and practices classical homeopathy. She has served on the board of directors of NASH and currently she serves as a volunteer with NCH. She can be reached via her website (www.Rochesterhomeopathy.com)

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