I took my DD to the public hospital I work at as the blood techs there are very experienced in getting bloods from children and very sick adults which can be really difficult. They were done in less than 2 minutes from wrapping her to picking her up.

In emerg she had a heel ***** test and it was absolutely terrible, she was really distressed and it took a long time for them to squeeze enough blood out.

I have never heard of emla making veins hard, its topical so shouldn't effect the vein underneath. The cream may make it more slippery and more difficult for the tech if not completely removed.

Good luck, lots of big cuddles for mum and bubs after the test are the most important things