Ways to make 12 month blood draw easier? - Page 2

[NEastMomma]

As a pp said, my office does a finger prick for lead, etc.  Perhaps something you could ask about?

Five things that help us:

1. Sugar water - My pediatrician told me that there are studies that say sugar can act as an opiate on the brain, blocking pain receptors, so he always has me give DS a syringe of sugar water immediately before the stick.  Ped said that it is not a 100% guarantee, but why not just do it anyway, in case it does work. 

2. Numbing spray - Ped provides 

3. Mama holds/is up by baby's face 

4. Honesty w/ Baby - even if very small - I've always told DS, "'This will hurt for one minute, then the hurt will go away."  I don't know if he totally understands, but I like the spirit of being honest and not all dramatic about it. 

5. Are you nursing?  I remind Ped that I'd like to be able to nurse DS immediately after the stick.  I used to do that, but now DS barely bats an eye at shots.  Seriously - his face turns red for one minute, but he doesn't even cry and recovers immediately.  It is kinda amazing.

Anyway, good luck!

[gmvh]

We did a blood draw (don't remember how old, but probably around 2) to check for lead and I do not do well with needles at. all. 

My son didn't blink during the process, my daughter (they're twins) was not impressed and was starting to panic before they started.  I nursed her during the draw and the wonderful women in the lab did the whole thing with her arm draped between my legs.  I'm sure there aren't a lot of technicians that would be that accommodating but I could have kissed them!

Good luck!

[1blueheron]

Originally Posted by gmvh 

I nursed her during the draw and the wonderful women in the lab did the whole thing with her arm draped between my legs.  I'm sure there aren't a lot of technicians that would be that accommodating but I could have kissed them!

Ya, I actually think the tech in this office would let me, but no way will DD nurse in such a fun and interesting place....so many shiny things to look at!   Maybe we'll try maple syrup on a finger or something.
 

[1blueheron]

Originally Posted by NEastMomma 

As a pp said, my office does a finger prick for lead, etc.  Perhaps something you could ask about?

Five things that help us:

1. Sugar water - My pediatrician told me that there are studies that say sugar can act as an opiate on the brain, blocking pain receptors, so he always has me give DS a syringe of sugar water immediately before the stick.  Ped said that it is not a 100% guarantee, but why not just do it anyway, in case it does work. 

2. Numbing spray - Ped provides 

3. Mama holds/is up by baby's face 

4. Honesty w/ Baby - even if very small - I've always told DS, "'This will hurt for one minute, then the hurt will go away."  I don't know if he totally understands, but I like the spirit of being honest and not all dramatic about it. 

5. Are you nursing?  I remind Ped that I'd like to be able to nurse DS immediately after the stick.  I used to do that, but now DS barely bats an eye at shots.  Seriously - his face turns red for one minute, but he doesn't even cry and recovers immediately.  It is kinda amazing.

Anyway, good luck!

Thanks for this.  I like the idea of being honest with her.  

[Super~Single~Mama]

Originally Posted by 1blueheron 

Ya, I actually think the tech in this office would let me, but no way will DD nurse in such a fun and interesting place....so many shiny things to look at!   Maybe we'll try maple syrup on a finger or something.
 

Yes to the maple syrup.  Or whatever sweet (or really yummy *treat* that he gets sometimes and loves) maybe a cookie?  It was so easy when my ex was feeding ds chocolates, SO easy it was incredible.

ETA - when I was 25mo I had to get stitches in my head, and I was really strong like the pp who said they used a papoose board, so they used one with me for the stitches.  It is my earliest memory - being completely strapped down with a needle coming towards my head - I would not recommend that unless it is absolutely necessary (and I'm sure it was for me, I don't hold it against my parents at all - its just not a very pleasant first memory yk?)