Ep. 386 Exploring an Alternative Vaccination Schedule with Brian Thornburg

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Dr. Brian Thornburg, a board-certified pediatrician, to tackle one of the most overwhelming parts of early parenthood: newborn procedures and vaccine decisions.

From the very first hours after birth, parents are presented with a whirlwind of choices—Vitamin K, Hep B, eye ointment, vaccine schedules—and it can feel impossible to sort fact from fear. Dr. Thornburg breaks down what’s truly evidence-based, what questions to ask your care team, and how to advocate for your baby with confidence.

Together, they explore:

• How your newborn’s immune system really works (and mom’s role in it!)
• The ins and outs of Vitamin K, Hep B, and erythromycin at birth
• How antibiotics during labor may impact your baby’s gut health
• Alternative vaccine schedules and what research actually says
• Hot-button topics like vaccine shedding, autoimmunity, and long-term impacts

This conversation is about informed consent—not scare tactics. You’ll walk away empowered to make decisions that feel right for your family while knowing exactly how to navigate conversations with your providers.

05:09 – Meet Dr. Thornburg: advocacy in pediatrics 08:50 – Newborn immune system + maternal impact 18:49 – Vaccinations in pregnancy: risks + research gaps 34:41 – Newborn procedures explained (Vitamin K, Hep B, erythromycin) 53:11 – Antibiotics, Group B Strep, and gut health 01:00:43 – Gut microbiome, leaky gut, and autoimmunity 01:04:28 – Navigating vaccine schedules + global perspectives 01:19:15 – Making vaccine choices: categories, delays, and risks 01:28:29 – Adverse reactions, VAERS, and herd immunity 01:39:08 – Vaccine shedding + payment myths 01:44:57 – Finding a vaccine-friendly pediatrician

Guest Bio:

Dr. Thornburg Wellness focuses on educating families on health and wellness through the generations by the birth of their babies and raising of their children.

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!

Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!

LINKS MENTIONED:

www.drthornburg.com