Trypanophobia is the name given to this deep discomfort to needles, which causes sweating, palpitations, nausea, tremors, panic attacks, among other common symptoms.
For parents it is usually a real headache because there are vaccines, medicines and vitamins required by our little ones, whose only way of application is through injections.
Then, just thinking that our child will suffer one of these attacks makes our hair stand on end and we begin to feel anxious about that regular visit to the pediatrician. So that this does not happen or at least you have the best tools to deal with these episodes, we leave you here these tips:
Honesty.
Don't disguise the visit to the doctor, don't subject him to the uncomfortable moment without knowing what to expect. Explain to him in simple language and according to his age (perhaps with audiovisual material, with a story) that he will go to the doctor to receive a vaccine that is associated with a prick but that the discomfort will be mild and will last a few seconds, compare it to a clap. Explain that just like clapping that lasts for a second, makes a noise and if you clap too hard it hurts or tingles in your hands, so will the injection. Temporary but beneficial in the end.
Decreases their anxiety.
If he has an attachment toy or his pacifier, allow him to take it to the office, he will feel accompanied. Give him your hand, confide in him.
Never use this as a punishment.
We have seen parents who use this as a tool to make their children eat their food, take a bath or behave well, for example. Avoid at all costs using it as a decoy for 'the bad' because you will incentivize a fear.
If your child is older and the doctor allows it, involve him or her in the process of deciding where the injection can be given.
Assuming it is to be intramuscular, your child may not want it in the buttocks, but may want it in the arm or thigh. Check with the doctor to see if it is safe and reach that compromise.
Help him/her relax.
Practice breathing techniques beforehand to reduce fear or anxiety, and do it together in the office as a pre-procedure.
If the fear comes from a previous bad experience such as discomfort, fever, allergy to any component of the injection tell him/her that it is unlikely to be repeated. Bodies react in different ways, fever is a symptom that your body is reacting and taking care of you. Tell him you will ask the doctor all the necessary questions to make sure this does not happen.
Praise him.
Compliment his calmness and patience, reward him with a simple reward, from a walk in the park to a candy bar. Let him know that the bad time is over but that the results are beneficial.
Explain your child's fear to the health personnel.
They will help make the process less traumatic and will know how to handle the situation without pressure or stress. Let them know what is happening and lean on them who have more experience. In some cases they may even apply some topical anesthesia or medicine to alleviate the discomfort so that the process goes faster. Do not force it, do not squeeze it hard or try to immobilize it.
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