Getting blood tests for kids

[BlackCat]

Call in advance and see if they have someone who is very good with kids that they can put you in with. DS had blood taken twice. The first time was extremely traumatic because she couldnt find his vein etc and she didnt explain anything very well to either of us. The second time was a different person and place. I thought it would be horrific given what happened the previous time. They deliberately made us wait for this person to do it and she explained it all to him in language he understood, she even asked his permission to do so and it was far less traumatic for us both. If your little person has a special toy or blanket, take it with you. We used ours for distraction as well as comfort afterwards. He also got a treat for being such a brave boy afterwards. Good luck with it!

[Lisa B]

We've had blood tests twice. I recommend going to a place that is familiar with doing children. The first time we had a bad experience. I don't recommend Angel cream (some type of topical pain relief). For us it caused raised swelling and made finding the vein more difficult and DS felt every bit of the needle still. The second time no tears and no Angel cream. We had a dummy on hand (his comfort item).

I'm not sure if you are aware but in Victoria anyway you can pretty much go to any pathology despite what is written on the slip.

[Phteven]

Emla.
I can't recommend that shizz enough.
We took DS1 for blood tests and they asked us to use it and then the nurse who did all the children talked him through it and gave him stickers afterwards. I was more traumatised than him - he wanted to go back again