Infant test/procedure preparation

DURING THE PROCEDURE

Your presence helps your infant during the procedure, especially if the procedure allows you to maintain physical contact. If the procedure is performed at the hospital or your health care provider's office, you will most likely be given the opportunity to be present.

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If you are not asked to be by your child's side and would like to be, ask your provider if this is possible. If you think you may become ill or anxious, consider keeping your distance, but remaining in your infant's line of vision. If you are not able to be present, leaving a familiar object with your infant may be comforting.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Ask your provider to limit the number of strangers entering and leaving the room during the procedure, since this can raise anxiety.
Ask that the provider who has spent the most time with your child perform the procedure.
Ask that anesthetics be used where appropriate to reduce the level of discomfort your child will feel.
Ask that painful procedures not be performed in the hospital crib, so that the infant does not come to associate pain with the crib. Many hospitals have special treatment rooms where procedures are performed.
Imitate the behavior you or your health care provider need the infant to do, such as opening the mouth.
Many children's hospitals have child life specialists who are specially trained to educate patients and families and advocate for them during procedures. Ask if one is available.