needle phobia - advice on coping please

[flowerpowergirl]

does anyone have a child with a needle phobia - or do any of you adults have one? I took my 10yr old dd for an injection today and she fainted. I don't know if this is a needle phobia, or coincidence - she has fainted before. trouble is, we are moving abroad and have to have a number of jabs so I'd really appreciate any advice or tips on how we can cope with this. thanks.

Can she have it done at a child's clinic at local hospital instead of GP, they are trained at how to deal with this.

Ask your DD if she doesn't like needles, which is normal, or if she is terrified at just the thought of them. If she has a true needle phobia it might be worth asking your GP if there's a play psychologist at the hospital she could be referred to or anything else that can be done for her.

Poss not a phobia. I fainted when I had a shot when younger but was fine for the rest. Do YOU have a phobia by any chance that she my be feeding off? My DTs are taken by me, not their dad, as he is a woosbag.

Hi thanks all. We are going to the local gp surgery where we know them and they know us so she's pretty comfortable with that side of things. I am completely non phobic - needles don't bother me at all but that makes me unsure of the best way to handle it as its a bit alien to me. Not sure whether to go for firm no nonsense mummy or soft gentle comforting mummy. I don't want to pander but she seems really distressed. Anyway thanks I feel better for getting some independent input. I'll talk to her and if we have a repeat next week I'll ask for a referral. Ta.

I don't think anyone likes needles, and the anticipation is usually worse than the jab.

I have a technique with dd that developed when she was little that we carry on with now. I stand in front of her making eye contact, with nurse off to the side. When I see the nurse preparing to 'jab' (peripheral vision), I blow out a steady 'woosh' of air on my dd's face. Somehow the standing close to support her, and the distraction (sensory and in-the-moment) stops her from dreading/feeling the needle prick as much.

We always go out for a treat afterward too - usually an ice cream as reward for being brave.

You could also try getting her to cough as the needle goes in. Sometimes that can help.

I am completly needle phobic and have been since childhood. I have tried threapy ect to no avail :( i would suggest using emla cream to numb the area and hold her tight and just keep talking and reassuring . I find this helps to get the job done a bit easier. I cant have any jabs or test without my husband cuddling and talking to me ! Not sure of an answer as doctors still cant get near me generally. Firm but kind i guess and try sorting the phobia out as it does just keep getting worse and its embarassing as an adult to scream cry bite ect :( good luck .
Oh as an after thought mild sendatives might help ?????

I thnk the 'you have to have this as it is good for you. It will hurt a tiny bit but if you are brave we can go for ice cream/buy you a treat etc' route. The nurses at our surgery print certificates they can take to school. Perhaps you could make one up in advance and ask the doc to sign it and draw a smile on the bottom. The less fuss you make of it, I believe, the better it will be in the long run for innoculations to travel and hospital admissions etc.

thanks all. she had the first two today and it was better than expected. no fainting or even tears although she went very pale. hoping the next lot will be OK too.