Poking babies for some blood investigations is not that easy. First, we need to decide if poking them / to insert IV line (branula) is really needed. Then, of course we need to explain to mothers why we need to do that.
I always tell my patients (since housemanship phase) that our blood is like our identity. I think I have mentioned this in previous post too. We can check many things from few drops of blood. :) And I love the facts that we can do so.
In paeds, blood taking procedures are RARELY be done bedside (means most of the time, we will take the babies / kids to the procedure room) and we will ask the parents to stay outside of the procedure room, or simply stay in the patient's room. Why? I don't think people loves to see their kids crying with the pain initiated with poking them. Right? I have witnessed lots of mothers (usually) have tears flowing on their cheeks every time they hear their children crying in procedure room.
And to be honest, kids have really good memories - name it from their eyes and even from their body memories. Huhu. Every time we just hold to check their hands & foots for any possible veins, they usually will start crying. But some others are cool haha. Some will only cry once the needle is inside.
EDTA tube - usually for full blood count, full blood picture
Plain tube - for renal profile, liver function test, serology etc.
Tricking the children with some videos are helpful to be honest. It helps to distract the kids. For babies, I discovered that playing some sleep lullaby can help to calm the babies. :)
I always asked my husband why on earth would he prefer Paediatrics compared to Medical Department. He said that both are busy departments, one handling general medicine for babies & children while the other one for adults. But, at least seeing cute babies sooth his mind to continue working. Lol. He handles kids better than me though we both are the youngest in the family.
And now, both of us are Paediatrics MO. Haha. Life is very funny sometimes.
Anyway, please pray together with us to be blessed with kids ya :)
I still remember I will ask your prayers when I was in medical school & housemanship. Hopefully, you will not mind to keep praying for me too.
May Allah bless your day :)
Cyberjaya
20201018
