Hi girls, if you want it gentle, a needle and syringe is more gentle with a small needle. A butterfly has exactly the same needle as a vacutainer on it so is no different other than it takes longer cos it has to travel down the tube as well...the emla works but can shrink your veins a little so id suggest only using it if you have good veins...ask to lie down and keep your knees bent and breathe! Its only a small sting when the needle goes in, once it is in, it should not hurt! Good luck, relax and you will be fine! The longer you put it off the more anxious you will get! xxxxxxx