LOGIC LOGIC 2019 Spring Vol 18 No 3 | Page 30

pain management techniques, can help reduce injection pain by 75%. the physical connection to their mother, the act of sucking and the sweet-tasting milk all help to reduce pain for the baby. For best results, the breastfeeding mother should start breastfeeding before the procedure and continue during and after the injections. 3. The power of sugar TEN TIPS FOR REDUCING THE PAIN OF VACCINATIONS So what are the techniques you can use to help children through uncomfortable procedures? How can Buzzy Bee help? Here are our top ten tips for reducing the pain of vaccinations. 1. Knowledge is power As it is the parent’s responsibility to bring their children in for immunisations, empowering them to play their part during the procedure is going to lay the foundations for success. Any information given to them prior to the appointment, that outlines the procedure and what they can do to help their children have the best experience possible, will mean they arrive confident and calm. 2. Breastfeeding infants Research shows that breastfeeding can have analgesic effects. Essentially, Spring 2019 L.O.G.I.C For infants up to 12 months, who are not breastfed, a sucrose solution given 1-2 minutes before the injections, also has the potential to give pain relief. One approach to preparing a sucrose solution is to mix one packet or cube of sugar with 10 ml (two teaspoons) of water in a medicine cup. Alternatively, sucrose solutions can be obtained from some pharmacies. Again, if the parent or caregiver bringing the child to the appointment is given this information ahead of time, they can come prepared. 4. Honesty is always the best policy Building up trust with patients is very much on the agenda, so lying to a child and telling them it won’t hurt is not recommended. It may keep them calm before the first injection, but the inevitable pain will then come as a shock and the patient will have learnt that medical professionals aren’t honest with them. Equally, parents should be encouraged to be honest with their child for the same reason. The truth is, it will hurt a bit; but it’s also true that it’s over quickly. 5. The medical practitioner is not to be feared Once the child and accompanying grown up arrives in the room, it’s important to put them at ease. This is your patch, and you are in control. A friendly and happy medical professional will affirm the thought that this is nothing to worry about and certainly nothing to be fearful of. Introducing Buzzy Bee to the young patient, gives you an opportunity to engage them in conversation and create a rapport with them. 6. Injection order Generally, children will be receiving more than one injection during their appointment, and some vaccinations are more painful than others. Plus, pain increases with every injection. Studies have shown that, when multiple injections are required, giving the most painful injection last will decrease the overall pain from both injections. 7. Sitting up, not lying down Research shows that infants and children sitting up during 28