Baby Poker

I do, on occasion, very unfortunately... have to poke babies. I know...I know it's awful BUT poking babies is nothing compared to little people who Know what's about to happen. Drawing blood from little kids never bothered me as much BEFORE I had one of my own. A co-worker and friend who had once worked in the post natal ward at a very large hospital, told me the best thing to do is look at their little arms like a completely De-attached limb. Whatever you do don't look at their little crying faces... because then it will be too hard. It took me a long time to figure out the fine balance of calming a child, getting the job done the 1st time (this is an important for everyone involved)and making it the very best experience it can be, so as not to traumatize said child for life. I have also learned that probably, the one most crucial factor to drawing a child's blood, is making sure mom and dad are okay. After all, these are the people who are going to remember. I have witnessed many a new mom who were more traumatized by the experience then the new baby. I do my best to be calm, professional and supportive with every parent and child. That said... I had a mom and her 5 yr old daughter in yesterday for blood work, to identify if the daughter had any allergies. She was so cute and bright as a whip (what does that mean anyway?) and she happily jumped up into her mom's lap, while they talked about what kind of ice cream they were going to have afterwards. I explained everything I was going to do BEFORE I did it and the mom did an excellent job of holding her little arm still. Just before I poked her i heard her mom whisper "now remember what we talked about and crying is OK but please don't scream honey, cause your screams tend to be pretty ear piercing." 30 seconds later... cute little girl becomes ear drum piercing, bomb explosion, glass shattering screamer and I have become completely, if not permanently deaf. I say half heartily but not at all jokingly "wow, you weren't kidding about that scream!" "no" she sighs "no i wasn't" and I instantly feel overwhelming, deep pity for this woman. Yes, her little girl may someday grow up to be a world famous opera singer, theatre performer or wind instrument player but my god those lungs DO NOT belong on a 5 yr old! Perhaps you could say it is the little things I am thankful for... like how my toddler can throw tantrums with the best of them... but cannot, for example, project her disapproval across an entire football field! And FYI... I did regain the majority of my hearing after about 5 min. Once the ringing stopped and the tears had been wiped away, mom and daughter got up to leave and it was then, I realized there was a twin brother hiding out around the corner. Banshee wailing, twin wielding, full time mom... Your One Of Us! And thank you for choosing our laboratory today :)