Ways to Help Your Child Cope with Blood Draws

 

Here are some ways to help your child cope with blood draws that you may find useful on your next visit.

 

Whether you're at the doctor for your child's well-baby checkup or an emergency has brought you in, one of the most common things that children will have to deal with is a blood draw. Blood draws are done to help doctors diagnose and treat medical issues and can be stressful and scary experiences for children, especially if it's their first time. Here are some ways you, as a parent, can help your child cope with blood draws to make the hospital visit a little less terrifying.

Make the Experience Predictable

If your child is old enough and has their wits about them, then it's important they are mentally prepared for the procedure. Although this can be challenging, explaining this to them and why blood draws are happening in the first place can help calm their nerves and get them involved in the process. Talk about the sensations they are about to feel through the process of the draw.

You could even teach them deep breathing strategies to help divert their mind. For example, children will feel a tightness when the tourniquet gets placed on them. This will help your child cope with blood draws and prevent any unnecessary anxiety from arising at the doctor's office or other medical settings. 

Distract Them

On the other hand, if your kid is small, then you need to find ways to distract them. Try to have their favorite stuffed animal or toy present. Children have unique attachments to their toys and will find comfort in their presence. You could also let them watch a video on a tablet or let them play a game on your smartphone while the blood is being drawn. Offer them the promise of ice cream after the completion of the procedure. You should strongly consider blood draw at home services MD to make the procedure more predictable for them.

 

Reliable Blood Draw at Home Services in VA

On the lookout for a reliable Mobile laboratory services Northern VA? Then we highly recommend checking out Phlebotomy on Wheels. Their friendly staff offer home blood draw services to make the procedure less daunting for young ones. They also conduct pregnancy and paternity tests, as well as saliva testing. 

Their Affordable phlebotomy service VA and commercial mobile lab services are available across Northern Virginia, including Baltimore, Maryland, Fairfax, Annapolis, and Alexandria. Check out their testimonials here.

Book an appointment with them today.