A Friend's Choice: Vaccines and Trust

A friend, let's call her Angela, is raising her baby without vaccines. She's a free spirit, shaped by a tough past. Her baby's father is new to the area, and they tied the knot recently. Angela's past includes abuse and a relationship with someone who believed in wild theories. This influenced her decision to skip the COVID vaccine. During her pregnancy, Angela talked about vaccinating her baby and even getting the Tdap shot herself. But now, she's sharing anti-vaccine posts online and getting defensive when challenged. This has put a strain on her friendships, especially with those who believe in vaccines.Angela is a new mom, and it's a tough time. She's isolated, tired, and her body is still recovering. Maybe she's dealing with postpartum depression. Instead of judging her, it's important to support her. Encourage her to talk to her doctor about how she's feeling. As for the vaccines, it's not just Angela's problem. Her baby's doctor will have chances to discuss it. There will be other moments, like daycare or school, that might lead to vaccination. It's not your job to convince her. If you can't accept her choice, it's okay to step back. But remember, she needs support. It might not be you, and that's okay. Judging her won't help. She's dealing with a lot, and kindness goes a long way.