Our goal
At University of Iowa Children's Hospital, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and child life specialists work together to protect children from pain and suffering. Because children have unique responses to pain and pain-reducing treatments, we look at each
child individually before choosing the best pain and anxiety-reducing therapies. Parents bring special knowledge of their
children’s needs to the health care team and are very important partners in their children’s pain management. Therefore,
parents are involved in helping plan the right treatment, which may include medicine or other non-medication pain
management therapies.
What is pain?
Pain is an uncomfortable feeling (such as
pricking, throbbing, or aching) that signals
something may be wrong in the body. When
babies hurt, nerves send rapid signals into
the spinal cord and then up to the brain.
Pain medicine blocks these signals or
reduces their effect on the brain.
Pain treatment options
Pain medicine can be given to your child
one of three ways:
- by mouth
- through the bloodstream (intravenous or IV)
- into the rectum
Your baby’s doctors or nurses may give pain
medicine at set times to prevent or control
pain. If your baby has surgery, for the first day
or two after surgery, your baby probably will
receive pain medicine through an IV.
Nurses may use non-medicine measures to
decrease pain. These include holding and
rocking, offering a pacifier (sometimes with
sugar water), playing soft music, and helping
your baby relax through repositioning, touch, and gentle hand swaddling.
What are some of
the signs of pain?
All infants feel pain; however, since babies
can’t talk, it may be hard to decide when babies
are showing signs of pain.
Your baby’s doctors and nurses will watch for
signs of pain because they want your baby to be
as comfortable as possible.
Signs of pain include:
- crying
- restlessness
- hard to calm
- stiff arms and legs
- increase in heart rate
- increase in blood pressure
You can help too. Because it can be hard to
decide if a baby is in pain or hungry or upset
about something, learning your baby’s pain
signs can help the doctors and nurses know
when to give pain medication.
If you think your baby is in pain, please
let the doctor or nurse know right away. It is harder
to control pain once it has begun.
Ask questions
Please discuss any concerns you have with
your baby’s doctor or nurse. Feel free to ask
questions as we work together to care for your
baby. You may want to know:
- “Will there be much pain
after the surgery/treatment?”
- “What will be done for pain control
after the surgery/treatment?”
- “How long will pain medicine be given?”
- “What are the side effects
that may occur with pain
medication?”
Last Updated: January 2007
Source: Pediatric Nursing Division
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. |
