I remember when the research about "Sweet-ease" came out.  Duh -- as a
nursing mother I'd discovered very quickly that my babies did much better
during heel sticks and immunizations if I nursed them.  Breast milk is
pretty sweet and it comes with a MOM attached for added comfort.  Maybe
"sweet-ease" should only be available for those unfortunate babies who
aren't nursing.

On March 22, Nancy Wright posted to this list with the mention that the
April copy of Pediatrics will contain breastfeeding articles.  A quote from
Nancy's post:
"Coming in the April issue of PEDIATRICS:
Breastfeeding provides potent relief for the pain associated with standard
blood collection for newborn screening, according to the study,
"Breastfeeding is Analgesic in Healthy Newborns."  Two groups of infants
undergoing heel stick and blood collection procedures were observed for
crying, grimacing, and heart rate changes, which are symptoms used to
measure pain in newborns. In the breastfed group, crying was reduced by 91
percent, grimacing was reduced by 84 percent, and heart rates were
significantly lower."

Granted no mention was made of circumcision.  I DO NOT work in a hospital
(thank goodness) and from what I've heard I doubt they would allow a mother
to nurse during the proceedure, but what about immediately afterwards?  At
least this information is getting out their in one of "their own"
professional journals.  Maybe in 5 years.........

Dawn Martin

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