Blood test for toddler.......

[Janie]

DS needs to have a blood test today, he is 22 months. I'm feeling a bit stressed about it, I can already imagine his sad little face

Any tips on how to help it be not too traumatic? I was thinking chocolate

[NaNa]

It helps if there's a good pathology nurse who's used to dealing with littlies. It probably wouldn't hurt to check first. And the emla cream can be handy, though you need to put it on an hour before the needle, and in the place where the blood will be taken from. I used it for DS on both elbow creases when he had to have blood tests done a little while ago, and he was ok with it, but I imagine it will require a lot more distraction for a toddler! Good luck, it's scary. Chocolate is good, for both of you!!

[Michelle71]

Breastfeeding - although I wouldn't recommend this during the procedure for your nipple safety It is a natural pain reliever.

During the procedure - singing, distraction, blowing bubbles, faces on blown up gloves (or turning them into a fish with the fingers as the dorsal fin ) and keeping as calm and *happy* as possible (ie no crying or screaming from you until later!!).

My preference is to not wrap but some places do. Check before you go so you can be prepared. Also check they have experience with venepuncture and children. And you can call me if you want to

ETA - I forgot about the EMLA!!!

[Janie]

Okay, I could have brought emla home from work!!!!! Bugger! I guess I'll go in and ask them about it, and if they want to apply it we can do so, and then come back later?

BFing I did think of, thanks for all the other tips girls!! I'm so glad you saw this Michelle I know this place has experience (at least some) with children as I know a few other people who have been there with their kids.

I will be happy, happy, happy and hope like hell that we get someone who knows what they're doing so it's over and done with very quickly and easily Singing might be the go, and chocolate. Yes, for both of us

Anything else I need to know Michelle? I know it's only a BT, but it's been awhile since he's been stuck!

[Michelle71]

Nothing else I can think of - but the bubble wands are a great distraction. Even if you get to blow them!!! Favourite toy can get a bandaid / bandage too while getting cuddled during. Get your best singing voice on But really try for the EMLA if you can. And lots of chocolate after for both of you!!!

[Olive]

awww sez hun its going to be tough millie had one in hospital and it was awful, though probably easier on her than on N. will be thinking of you and i cant believe you forgot about emla!!

[aussienic]

We talked to our Ds2 about what was going to happen and got a toothpick and gently poked his skin so he would sort of know what it felt like.. then we talked about how he would get to see his blood and how cool would that be..

He still cried but it was over pretty quick

[Nelle]

Hope all goes well today.

[~Saram~]

I think all of the aboe sounds great. I had a BT at 3 and although I remember being upset, what I remember the most is the hava heart icecream my mum bought me afterwards :-)

[Mother Goose]

Encourage them to NOT take it from places that are more sensitive than others. So NOT from feet, backs of hands, wrist. Encourage them to take it from the elbow.

Take along a Wiggles Bandaid or similar.

Don't stress. And make sure they're quick - don't prolong it. Perhaps even ring ahead and check waiting time.

Singing songs for sure.

Encourage them to look away, so stand so they can't see the nurse. If the nurse is good, hopefully your DS won't feel it.

Pop into the pharmacy and get some Emla for sure!

[Willow]

Good luck Sez, DD is overdue for her 4 year vac cause I can't bring myself to take her!

DS had to have a cannula put in when he was in hospital at about 11 weeks and I couldn't go in, I made DH go and sat in the room and cried. DH came back with tears in his eyes so I think I made the right choice but still feel bad about it now.

Hope N enjoys the bandaids, singing, cuddles and chocolate if not the needle

[Janie]

Thank you everyone, what wonderful support!

We got there, and waited our turn (I needed one too). When we were called in I told her that it was both of us.........um, that seemed to be a problem! I asked if it was because of my little one and she said yes. They are more than happy to do it, but they like to have two nurses, one to draw blood, one to hold his arm. She was really nice about it, and said she would try anyway if I wanted, but I elected to go back at a time when there's two on. So Wednesday morning it is! I had a Milky Way ready and everything and I didn't even eat it myself, although I did have my BT. I'm such a brave girl LOL.

I will DEFINITELY take a wiggles bandaid, thanks for that tip MG! And the elbow tip, although it sounds as though that's where they'll take it from anyway. At least I now know where to apply the Emla! Spewing I didn't bring some home from work

Thank you again, you are ALL wonderful!

[alioops]

It is good that you had one while he was there too. Seeing you have it done it helpful for them. I always spend a few days telling the kids that they need to have a needle before hand and explain that it is so they don't get sick. I even did this when I had to take them with me to get the dog's needles done. Sarah now says every now and then 'Do I need a needle so don't get sick?' For now I have been saying 'Not for a while darling but you will when you are in kindy.' Em knew she was going in for a needle and only cried for a minute when she was most recently jabbed.

[Junglemum]

Make sure he is well hydrated too, much easier to take blood from a well hydrated person.

[Janie]

Of course, thanks Ange! Duh!

[Loula]

Hun Just saw this i hope the little man is OK? keep me posted xx

[Mother Goose]

Make sure he is well hydrated too, much easier to take blood from a well hydrated person.

And get him to run around before hand - gets the blood pumping and brings the veins out!

I would apply the emla to bother arms JIC they can't find a good vein in one arm - give the option And take a couple of bandaids JIC they have to try more than once. If they can't get it after 2 goes though, come back another time.

[Janie]

Thanks again, all great advice! I was very needle phobic until my late teens (around the time I started working in dental surgeries LOL) and I've slowly managed to talk myself out of it. Pregnancy totally cured me! I was so scared as a little one though, I can remember some awful scenes, and I'm really hoping to avoid that for DS. So I appreciate you all being so patient with me