How Do You Spell Relief: B-R-E-A-S-T-F-E-E-D-I-N-G
September 7, 2007 by Amy Spangler | 2 questions or comments
credits: iStockphoto
What to do? Pain-relieving drugs are the obvious choice for pain relief. But pain-relieving drugs are rarely used during routine procedures in newborns due to concerns over adverse drug effects.
In an effort to find safe alternatives, researchers investigated the effect of breastfeeding during venepuncture (blood drawing). Thirty-eight term infants were included in the study, with each infant serving as his/her own control. Median pain scores were assessed during venepuncture using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). Median pain score when breastfed was 1.5 and 4.0 when not breastfed. The pain scores were not affected by the site of venepuncture or previous venepunctures.
The results published in the Annals of Tropical Pediatrics suggest that breastfeeding should be the first choice for pain relief in infants during routine painful procedures. It is easy to use, readily available, cost effective, and safe. One more reason to breastfeed!
This article is so appropriate for my job at this time. I am a BF peer counselor in a local WIC department in Missouri. I had read of this study a few months ago, but it has become more personal recently. I have a client who BF 2 children, no issues. The third has had weight issues, etc, etc. The mom, through common sense and complete frustration BF through some of the early medical procedures to calm the baby and herself. Worked like a charm!
Another client has a 10 month old with neuroblastoma. Has to take daily multiple shots and very many medical procedures. Was BF at breast when time came to have a procedure. Didn’t want to stop BF so the nurse “Just stuck her anyway” Mom was amazed at the lack of crying, etc. Both of these moms were not informed of this study until afterward, but they were so pleased to hear about it.
Thanks for always keeping us on our toes with current information. I may not have the resources or time to visit the CDC or AMA or AAP websites every day, but you are an absolute help with my job.
Christy Fields
Thank you so much for sharing first hand experiences related to the use of breastfeeding for pain relief. Your clients by their actions show that there is no substitute for common sense and mother’s intuition. How rewarding for a mom to know that she can calm her baby in a way that no one else can - especially during periods of illness.
These moms are fortunate to have a knowledgeable, supportive health care provider - you! So many studies illustrate the importance of breastfeeding support. The WIC Peer Counselor program is such an exciting program - one that is truly beginning to yield dividends. Thank you for all that you do for the families you serve.