https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:10:22 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2255867 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 18:02:57 +0000 Torchwood 2255867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all for the responses! I'd reply individually, but that's a lot of work on a phone. I did read them all, and they were very helpful. </p> <p>Turned out we weren't allowed in the room during the procedure, which really I'm grateful for. It was very quick and when we went back she was already almost asleep. Still dreading shots, but we got through today! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2255195 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:05:25 +0000 simplyfelicity 2255195@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>During my son's circumcision, I just steeled myself and gave him tons of snuggles after. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2255184 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 08:49:21 +0000 snowjewelz 2255184@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For DD's tongue tie, she was 2 days old and it was so quick that I think she slept through it, lol. I just couldn't be the one holding her and I couldn't look!</p> <p>With shots, I know she just cries really hard for the initial 10 sec and then she's fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2255167 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 08:41:27 +0000 skipra 2255167@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess there is just not much choice but to put on a brave face. The first time my oldest got shots I teared up a bit but it was so quick and he was fine once I was able to pick him up. He had surgery in the spring and I was a nervous wreck, worrying about all the what ifs. I just tried not to let it show to him and focused on the good things - once it was over he would start to feel much better, the doctor was taking his boo boo away, etc. I thought it would be so much harder when they took him to the operating room but all the doctors and nurses were awesome and it was so reassuring. All that to say, you just put on a strong face and it will be over before you know it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2255158 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 08:39:46 +0000 catomd00 2255158@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Shots haven't bothered me. Sure she cries but it's short lived and not a big deal. Plus the benefit far outweighs the discomfort. I think it's important to remain calm and collected since baby feeds off moms energy. I want my daughter to always feel safe, and I think a big part of that is me keeping it together for her benefit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2255137 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 08:29:20 +0000 LovelyPlum 2255137@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For things where LO has to be laying flat (shots, 2 catheters to check for UTI, an IV), I usually stand right by her head, put my head very close to hers, and sing in her ear. She still flips out, but it seems to calm her a bit that I am right there. At least, she reaches for me quickly. When she had to get her blood drawn, I held her, and both the tech and I were very upbeat and told her how proud we were of her. She got through that without a single tear...I was suprised, and SO proud! That was recently, at 15 months. For shots when she was tiny, I always nursed her immediately afterwards. I've also been known to dose her with Motrin while she still laid there, because I know how she reacts to them! No sense waiting for her to completely melt down and spike a fever...best to head it off at the pass :silly: </p> <p>Good luck. It is hard to see them in pain. Thinking of you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2255047 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 06:41:35 +0000 looch 2255047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it has gotten more challenging as my son has gotten older. For example, the first round of shots, he had no idea, what was happening. Now, he sees the needles on the little tray and he knows exactly what is coming, so the nurse literally has 1 try to get done what she needs to do.</p> <p>I get anxious before shots, so I don't expect my son not too either. I have to look away for any kind of procedure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254866 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 19:57:42 +0000 Mae 2254866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hold her and let DH be the one in front of her making happy faces and telling her its okay (and now that she is older showing her youtube videos of puppies and whatnot). He's better at the fake happy thing and I'm better at the snuggly thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254859 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 19:53:08 +0000 Woolly Mammoth 2254859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never been too bothered by shots or other minor medical procedures. I know they're for his own good and he'll forget about them quickly. </p> <p>When he was a newborn/infant I would nurse him right after a shot, which would calm him down almost immediately. At 12 months and 18 months, he mostly wanted to tell me that the nurse had hurt him. He was so mad! I just repeated what he seemed to be telling me. "She hurt you. It hurts!"</p> <p>I'm a little worried about his 2-year shots because his memory is so much better now. He might not forget about it as quickly. I don't want him to be afraid of the doctor's office. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254840 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 19:33:36 +0000 gingerbebe 2254840@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just weigh the pros and cons. Its better for my son to feel some momentary pain and get this shot than getting the flu/measles/whatever. DH came for the first set of shots for moral support and DS actually handled them like a champ and I was also surprisingly totally fine for it. He screamed for sure, but he was just fine within 2 minutes. He was more pissed off than anything else. Tylenol once we got home. After the nurse left the room I just nursed him for a while to comfort him and we did that at all his subsequent shots. My mother came the second time just because she was around and she was also surprised how well DS handled it. Long story short, you'll never know how you react until you are in the moment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254836 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 19:30:53 +0000 PinkElephant 2254836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I sing to her. LO was very ill when she was 2 months old and needed a spinal tap; I couldn't be near enough to touch her then, but singing gave me something to do, which made it easier not for me to get upset.</p> <p>I also sang at her one year blood draw (thought this time I could hold her and pet her head). This was helpful both to me and my 3 year old - it got her involved and helped her not be afraid of what was happening to her sister. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254808 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 18:59:35 +0000 ScarletBegonia 2254808@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When my son had blood draws done to rule out anything sinister when he was diagnosed failure to thrive, I was a wreck but my husband and I planned it out in advance - he cuddled our son for a couple of minutes to relax him, then turned him around and held his arm out like the nurse had shown us, while I stood beside them so he would look at me and not the needle - I spoke in his ear and scratched his head and stroked his other arm while they did it. He wailed and wailed but when it was over he got straight on the boob and calmed down pretty quickly. It is an ordeal but try and remember its all for the best and chances are things will be much better when its all done. </p> <p>Good luck!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254784 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 18:35:27 +0000 Peasinapod 2254784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm terrified of needles so for my babies shots I debated over having my husband stay with her rather than me.</p> <p>In the end I was the one to hold her and comfort her afterward. </p> <p>She is super attached to me so I realized it would be less stressful for her if I was the one there. Knowing that gave me strength even though I'd rather have skipped it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254761 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 18:19:22 +0000 blackbird 2254761@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tell myself that I can't protect them from all pain, and using logic usually reminds me it's no big deal. He cries for a second, then stops. Plus, they can smell the anxiety, I swear! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254741 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:44:51 +0000 mauxie 2254741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hate these types of things but I find that it's kind of like some weird out of body experience. I go through the motions and am able to put on a brave face and act calm, when inside I am miserable and sad for my LO. I think your mama instinct will kick in and you and your LO will do fine! I just take big breaths and even close my eyes for the parts I am able to miss. It'll be over fast! I also try to focus on what I CAN do, like making sure I'm super prepared with tylenol, ice pack, cute bandaid, treats for after, whatever will ease the ordeal! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254740 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:40:14 +0000 Silva 2254740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: my husband is a pediatric resident- he recently was treating a friends child who was going through a tough procedure. He encouraged the friend to sing songs to her baby. Later, the friend told me that it was an incredibly important moment, made her feel like she could help, and soothed the baby. If you have some familiar songs, I'd try that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254734 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:29:49 +0000 jhd 2254734@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Deep breaths and yes sometimes I have cried but my focus is always more on comforting my baby even though I'm upset too. I hope everything goes well for you both. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254730 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:25:38 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2254730@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Shots have never bothered me.because they are over so fast as I imagine the tongue tie clipping will be. Other illnesses, even bad colds, etc, where she doesn't feel well I still struggle with. I just try to do my best and remember it's normal and we will get through it. Also I have had a little longer term illness which has given me a little perspective imagining what parents of really sick kids have to go through. I still tend to be anxious but I just remember that what lo needs is calm and we just take it one step at a time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254724 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:20:48 +0000 MrsRcCar 2254724@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: We had the lip and tongue tied revised with both of my boys. They were both more mad about being swaddled up tight then the actual procedure. Once the cut snips were done they were handed right back to me and I comforted them. For E that meant I nursed him. For N that meant I gave him a bottle of breast milk. There is minimal bleeding and crying involved. Shots are always WAY harder for us.<br /> Do you Babywear by chance? We do and it seems to help comfort my boys rather quickly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254721 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:17:55 +0000 sorrycharlie 2254721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It gets easier - my oldest' first shots I think I cried more than she did. I was sick to my stomach the week leading up to it, to the point where my mom came with me ha. (Looking back.. Goodness). By her 12-month visit all I could do was laugh bc she was SO. BAD. for the doctor the entire visit. </p> <p>I still feel terrible bringing my second for shots now but it's fleeting. I used to bring a cold teether for my lo's legs after, and I gave her Tylenol or Motrin when she was old enough. The worst for me is having to hold them down. They get over t pretty quick (shots). I've never dealt w lip tie but hugs. All I can say is you'll get through it, and have wine when you get home! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254719 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:15:25 +0000 birdofafeather 2254719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>it was much easier for me to disassociate when DD was a baby a la @Mrs.KMM: i would still get upset, but mostly i knew it was short term pain for long term gain.</p> <p>now that she's a toddler, i think it would be a lot harder because she can express herself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254718 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:13:52 +0000 Foodnerd81 2254718@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I focus on not seeming upset because I know that will upset her more. And I figure the faster it can be over, the better, so I don't spend a ton of time coddling her while they are doing it (like the shots) I just hold her down as still as I can do they can get it over quickly. Then I can comfort her immediately after. </p> <p>The worst so far was when they did a heel prick blood draw at 3 days old (she was a little jaundice). It took so long and all I could do was hold her still. I was so hormonal I cried as much as she did and I'm sure it didn't help. After that I just prepped myself ahead of time that it was going to suck by the best I could do is make it fast and not seem upset. </p> <p>It sucks not matter what. But it's for their own good and will be over quickly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254717 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:11:49 +0000 Ginger333 2254717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I suck at handling medical stuff like that - when DS got his tongue/lip tip revised at 10 months old, I made sure my mom was with me to support DS so I didn't have to watch and as soon as the procedure was over, literally seconds later - I had him latch with the assistance of the nurse so I didn't have to look until all the blood was cleaned up.<br /> When DS needed stitches at 2 (same kid, poor guy) I brought a friend with me who stayed with him until the procedure was over and I stayed just outside the door trying not to puke or pass out. The minute it was over I was there to nurse and cuddle. He was so mad at that friend for a while because she had to hold him down so the dr could do the stitches so it's almost better it was her and not me (they're besties again now).<br /> I don't handle medical procedures, I try but I'm always just a second away from passing out. So I enlist support so that my kid is never in a room of strangers. It's not ideal, but it's the best I can do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254715 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:11:24 +0000 .twist. 2254715@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Very much like @Mrs.KMM: . I don't let it bother me because I know it's for the best. </p> <p>Also, L had a tongue tie snipped when he was born and he didn't even cry. Not a peep! </p> <p>She'll be ok mama. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254714 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:10:06 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2254714@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly - I just don't let it bother me. I know these things are for her good and benefit. And I know that kids survive blood draws and shots every day. In actuality these things aren't a big deal.</p> <p>Maybe just reminding yourself of that in the moment and remembering that this is a good thing for your LO even if she doesn't understand it would help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254712 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:08:18 +0000 mrbee 2254712@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: I try to focus on the little things that I can control! Like how I can hold their hands beforehand, or comfort them immediately afterward, or take them out for a treat on the way home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-handle-it#post-2254710 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:06:51 +0000 Torchwood 2254710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>L is having her tongue and lip ties released tomorrow. I'm completely freaked out because she's going to cry, and I'm going to cry, and it's going to suck. I can't even think about it because it's so upsetting. </p> <p>When your LO(s) have to go through something that you know will be painful (such as shots, which I'm also dreading), how do you handle it? (And I mean literally how do *you* handle it, not how does one handle it.) Any tips, or something I can tell myself help keep me calm? Especially as she gets older, I don't want to communicate my fear to her. Though surely it will get easier when I can at least explain it to her? </p>