Womb to Bloom - Maternity & Beyond

Polio, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, lock jaw, and whooping cough—I realize there are illnesses that can hurt my infants worse than a few needle jabs—so I’ve learned to accept immunization shots as a necessary part of their childhood. But I wasn’t always so mature. I’ve had times when I refused to take my little ones to the doctor because I wasn’t going to stand by and allow some mean old nurse to stick them with a handful of needles.

Just because I understand the importance of having my babies vaccinated regularly doesn’t make it any easier for me to do. As a matter of fact, every time I take my kids to get their shots, I have visions of tackling the nurse, sticking her with the needles, grabbing my children, and marching out of the office with the 1970’s tune “We Are the Champions” blazing in the background. But in the name of my girls’ lifelong health (and staying out of jail), I maintain my composure, and do everything I can to ease their post-immunization discomforts.

It’s difficult for a mom to watch her baby experience the pain of vaccinations. But try to keep your emotions under control. Your infant will need your comfort and reassurance immediately after he receives his immunization shots—and if you’re a basket case, your baby will sense your distress, and react accordingly.

Placing a cool, clean compress on and around the injection sites will ease the soreness that your infant may feel after he receives shots. Try to minimize how much you handle your baby’s legs and arms, as these areas will be tender when they are touched--and you don’t want to cause him any unnecessary pain.

Since your baby can’t tell you how he’s feeling after immunization shots, you’ll have to rely on his body language to help you recognize any signs of discomfort or distress. If your infant’s cries indicate that he’s in pain, or the swelling at or around the injection sites is severe, don’t hesitate to contact his pediatrician.

If your infant gets a fever, you’ll have to find ways to manage it. Keep the temperature in your baby’s room comfortable--between 68 and 70 degrees is advisable. If you need to cool your baby down, you can place a fan on a low to medium setting, and let the cool breeze blow directly on him.

Give your tyke plenty of cool liquids to keep him from becoming dehydrated. Also, avoid putting too many clothes on your infant. He can wear a lightweight t-shirt and a diaper. If he needs to be covered up, use a thin sheet.

It’s best to try to manage an infant’s fever without medication, but sometimes using meds is necessary. If your child’s pediatrician gives you the okay, you can give him acetaminophen to reduce his fever. Giving a baby too much medicine can be harmful—so never guess how much to give him. Use a medicine dropper, and follow the dosing instructions to the letter.

After receiving immunization shots, your baby will be a little more tired than usual, so allow him plenty of time to rest. If your infant attends a daycare program, let him stay at home with you, or a close relative the day after he receives his shots. He’ll be able to rest better, and you can monitor him for adverse reactions. Keeping him at home will also minimize the chances of his swollen, tender limbs being handled roughly.

The best comfort you can offer your baby after a nasty round of immunization shots is lots of tender loving care.