A new study suggests that too much consoling and commiserating with your child before immunizations may end up doing more harm than good.
According to pediatrician Neil L. Schechter, M.D., director of the pain relief program at Connecticut Children's Medical Center, the more overly sympathetic parents were, the more likely their children were to complain of pain. He suggests taking a "matter of fact, supportive, nonapologetic approach" by explaining what's going to happen and why he/she is getting the injection.
A sense of humor goes a long way, and distraction techniques can also be very helpful.
Additional Comfort Measures:
Before shots:
Bring your childs immunization record.
Read vaccine information statements.
Ask any questions.
Bring along a favorite toy or blanket.
Stay calm; your baby picks up your feelings.
During shots, distract and comfort by:
Touching soothingly and talking softly.
Making eye contact as you smile at your baby.
After shots, comfort by:
Holding, cuddling, caressing, or breastfeeding.
Talking lovingly and soothingly.
Asking your doctor for advice on using a non-aspirin pain reliever when you get home.
At home:
Mark your calendar for your next appointment.
Review vaccine information statements for possible reactions.
A cool wet cloth can reduce redness, soreness, and/or swelling where the shot was given.
Observe your child for the next few days. You might see a small rash or notice a fever. If your child has any reaction that concerns you, call your doctor or seek medical attention.
To reduce pain or fever, your doctor may recommend you give your child a non-aspirin pain reliever.
Also try giving your child a sponge bath with lukewarm water to reduce fever.
Give your child plenty of fluids. It is normal if he/she eats less than usual for the next 24 hours.~California Dept. of Health
Studies have shown that some parents are reluctant to have their children immunized because they fear their children will experience significant pain during and after the injections. The authors of the study, Analgesic Properties of Oral Sucrose During Routine Immunizations at 2 and 4 Months of Age, examined how the use of an oral sucrose (sugar) solution may help reduce pain response for children ages two to four months. One hundred infants receiving routine immunizations received either a controlled amount of oral sucrose or a placebo. The group receiving oral sucrose had lower pain scores than those in the placebo group. In fact, over the course of 9 minutes, the oral sucrose group had an average of 78 percent lower pain scores than the control group. The authors conclude that oral sucrose is an inexpensive, short-acting, non-sedating, easily-administered method of reducing pain for infants undergoing minor invasive procedures.