The process of taking blood from a newborn is as exciting, especially for the parents of the child, as it is necessary. In order to minimize the discomfort associated with this procedure, you just need to properly prepare for it.
A blood test is a necessary procedure to assess your baby's health. This control measure should not be neglected, as it is extremely informative and allows you to avoid many problems or solve them at an early stage.
How and when to take blood from a baby
The first analysis is done immediately after birth. Further, in a planned manner, at the age of one month and beyond - each trimester (3, 6, 9). Additional blood samples can be taken in unscheduled situations, in accordance with the recommendations of the supervising physician.
The procedure for taking venous blood from infants practically does not differ from the "adult" version. This method of obtaining information about the health of a small patient is the most common. A tourniquet is applied to the arm above the elbow, the site of the future puncture is wiped with alcohol, a needle with a test tube is inserted into the vein, where blood is collected. At the end, the tourniquet is removed, the needle is removed, and the remaining wound is clamped for 3-5 minutes with a cotton swab with alcohol. There is practically no painful sensation during a puncture, although it depends quite a lot on the qualifications of the nurse.
Until the age of three to four months, it is almost impossible to grope the baby's veins on the bend of the arm, then blood is taken from the veins located on the forearm, the back of the hand, on the calves of the legs or on the head of the child.
How to prepare your baby for a blood test
In addition to the natural and understandable advice: to do the analysis only in a good proven clinic with qualified medical personnel, you need to remember a few more things. For example, the fact that a correct and accurate result will be obtained only when donating blood on an empty stomach, that is, in the early morning. It is not easy to arrange this with newborn children, since, when they wake up, they ask for food, and when they do not receive what they want, they shout. Try to discuss this issue with your pediatrician in advance to find the best solution.
If the medical staff asks you to go out at the time of blood sampling, do not resist: the specialists know what they are doing. For two or three minutes of waiting in the corridor, nothing terrible will happen. In order to distract the baby from the unpleasant process, take a beautiful rattle with you: a new one is better in order to maximize the attention of the baby to it. If there is no rattle, you can show him a mirror. Do not let your child feel your excitement, talk to him calmly, do not start arguments with health professionals. After completing the procedure, feed your baby and try to make up for your morning memories with something pleasant.
