A few months ago I took my six-month-old to his Well Child appointment at the pediatrician’s office.
As the nurse was gathering information and informing me of the vaccinations that he would receive, I inquired about the possibility of having another nurse administer simultaneous injections. Her puzzled look prompted me to explain that administering shots simultaneously can actually trick the brain and reduce the perceived pain for infants. She joked that I must be a nurse. Cue my elevator pitch on Child Life Specialists and their expertise in preparing and supporting children with pokes! Lol.
Unfortunately, there were no other staff available to assist.
As the nurse prepared the vaccines, I began breastfeeding my baby, which garnered more confused looks and the remark, "I want to let you know I've never done it like this before."
I appreciated her flexibility in allowing me to support my baby in a way that I knew (and research supports) reduces the pain associated with vaccinations.
This experience is not unique to this particular nurse or pediatrician's office. In fact, I’ve never been offered or recommended anything to reduce my child’s pain with needle pokes and quite honestly it surprises me every time. Why wouldn’t they want to make this experience better for children and their caregivers?
Watching your infant in distress during vaccinations, blood draws and IV starts can be heart-wrenching. As parents, our instincts drive us to protect our little ones, but when it comes to those inevitable pokes and needle procedures, it can feel like we are helpless to provide comfort.
According to the 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for procedural pain in neonates, babies experience unnecessary pain during routine procedures.
Studies indicate that babies require effective pain control to prevent long-term adverse consequences and from my personal experience I can tell you that the utilization and availability of pain management techniques remain limited in the majority of outpatient and inpatient healthcare facilities.
The good news is that there are strategies and options available to make these moments less painful for your infant. We hope that knowing what options are available will help you feel confident in advocating for your baby.
Breastfeeding
Were you aware that breastfeeding your baby during vaccinations and needle procedures can alleviate their discomfort? A study revealed that babies breastfed during vaccinations cried for 38 seconds less compared to those who weren't.
This natural approach triggers the release of pain-relieving hormones, soothing and calming your baby during the process, ultimately minimizing their distress.
The physical closeness and the familiarity of breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin which has natural pain-relieving properties. Holding your baby close in a soothing embrace not only reassures them but also provides a calming influence on their nervous system, thereby reducing their sensitivity to pain. This tactile comfort serves as a powerful tool in creating a positive association with medical procedures, fostering a sense of trust and security for the baby.
Not only does breastfeeding offer emotional support and reassurance to your baby, but it also actively involves you, the mother, in providing comfort during the vaccination process.
Swaddle/Comfort Position
Swaddling not only makes the baby feel more secure and comforted but also assists medical staff in safely administering the poke, as swaddling keeps the baby's arms and legs secure. By maintaining a steady and secure position, you can help reduce any unnecessary movement that may cause additional discomfort during needle procedures.
When held in a comforting position, like with breastfeeding, babies experience a sense of closeness and connection with their caregivers. This provides a calming influence and serves to create a positive association with medical procedures.
In addition to its direct benefits for the baby, swaddling and holding provide an opportunity for parents to actively participate in their child's comfort. This involvement not only strengthens the parent-child bond but also allows caregivers to play a pivotal role in alleviating their baby's pain and anxiety.
Oral Sucrose Solutions
Utilizing an oral sucrose solution is a widely acknowledged and effective approach to ease pain during needle pokes in infants. The sweetness of sucrose engages the baby's taste receptors, prompting the release of endorphins—natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Often, oral sucrose is administered while the baby sucks on a pacifier. Non-nutritive sucking, facilitated by a pacifier, further contributes to pain reduction during needle pokes by activating the baby's innate calming reflex. This not only provides a comforting sensation but also aids in minimizing the baby's perception of pain during medical procedures.
The administration of oral sucrose is a simple yet powerful technique that offers a quick and accessible solution to ease the distress associated with needle pokes in infants. The benefits of using oral sucrose extend beyond immediate pain relief. The positive experience associated with the sweet solution can contribute to building a more positive attitude towards medical interventions in the future.
Numbing Cream
Topical numbing cream offers a valuable solution for minimizing pain during vaccinations in babies. To use it, a small amount is applied to the designated area of the baby's skin before the vaccination. This cream works by temporarily numbing the skin, making the injection site less sensitive to pain.
The application process is simple and quick, involving gently spreading the cream over the skin surface, typically 30 to 60 minutes before the vaccination. This brief wait allows the numbing effect to take hold, ensuring a more comfortable experience for the baby during the needle procedure.
Distraction/Comfort Items
Parents can play a crucial role in supporting infants during needle procedures by utilizing distraction and comfort items. Offering a soothing blanket or lovie, a colorful and engaging toy, or a calming music can divert the baby's attention, providing a welcome distraction from the needle-related discomfort.
Additionally, gentle swaying, rocking, or softly singing to the baby can create a comforting environment, promoting a sense of security and ease. The key is to create a reassuring atmosphere by combining familiar comforts and enjoyable distractions.
Some of our favorite distraction items for babies include:
Colorful Rattles:
Rattles with bright colors and varying shapes not only stimulate visual interest but also produce sound, making them engaging for infants.
High-Contrast Toys:
Babies are drawn to high-contrast patterns, so toys with bold black and white designs can be visually stimulating for newborns.
Soft Fabric Books:
Soft fabric or cloth books with colorful illustrations and different textures can capture a baby's attention while being safe for them to explore with their hands and mouths.
Light-Up Toys:
Toys that light up or play soft melodies can be captivating for infants. Light spinners are a great way to quickly gain their attention.
Sensory Balls:
Soft, textured balls with various bumps and grooves are excellent for tactile stimulation and can be rolled or squeezed by little hands.
Soft Teething Toys:
For teething infants, soft and safe teething toys can serve a dual purpose of providing comfort and distraction.
Music:
Music with soothing melodies or familiar songs can create a calming atmosphere during potentially stressful moments.
In advocating for your baby's comfort during medical procedures, it becomes evident that simple yet effective strategies can significantly ease their distress. From breastfeeding during needle procedures to utilizing swaddling and comforting positions, and incorporating oral sucrose solutions or numbing cream, there are various ways to minimize pain and create positive associations with medical interventions. Additionally, the use of distraction and comfort items can play a pivotal role in diverting the baby's attention and fostering a reassuring atmosphere. By combining these approaches, parents can actively participate in alleviating their baby's pain and anxiety, ensuring a more positive experience for both the child and the caregiver. As we navigate these inevitable needle procedures, understanding and implementing these options empower parents to provide optimal support and create a sense of trust and security for their little ones.