How Does Tetanelgesia Work For Babies?

Tetanalgesia is the way we call the function of the mother’s breast to calm her child. In the experience of some healthcare workers, Mom’s breast is the best pain reliever when it comes to vaccinations or treatments.

For many years, the timing of a baby’s vaccine could be heartbreaking. It was terrible what they cried out of fear more than pain. It was difficult to make the moment less painful and traumatic. But, there were specialists who considered that because they are small, their brains could not identify or feel pain, which is not true.

However, a brilliant solution is currently being implemented. In fact, breastfeeding can help relieve pain in babies, and even not feel it. In fact, tetanalgesia is a method based on the physiology of pain through studies.

How does tetanalgesia work?

It is false that the baby cannot feel pain. Recent studies have revealed that their brains are mature enough to process related stimuli. The tears are real, their fear and concern are grounded. For this reason, tetanalgesia is scientifically endorsed as a method to calm the baby’s pain.

According to a WHO report, this method offers effective comfort and relief, for a number of reasons. This is not a magic bullet, but it works as it focuses on a meaningful process for the baby. You may cry, but you will not be heartbroken because you are in the safest position for him.

Similarly, breastfeeding brings relief on its own. You will be quenching your thirst and an ancient instinct. It is believed that mother and child disconnect during breastfeeding, even talk about the fuzzy brain of mom. That is, while the mother breastfeeds, her brain goes into a kind of pause, which prevents it from processing the information in a normal way.

Something similar happens with the baby, perhaps more intense. While you are breastfeeding, you are fully focused on that function. The suction generates endorphins, which in turn produce a pleasant sensation. We can try to distract him, but he’s sure to stick to his task. In addition, he is able to relax enough to take a nap.

Breast milk also has a role in tetanelgesia. It contains lactose, which helps in the production and release of soothing substances. At one time, glucose was offered to calm the baby, due to its calming effect.

Other ways to administer tetanalgesia

As expected, this solution is not applicable in all cases. The time to take a blood sample, give treatments or vaccinations to children, is not always conducive to applying tetanelgesia. However, the WHO has developed a series of recommendations governed by the same principle.

In this sense, experts explain a variant known as “mother analgesia “. Mother analgesia is nothing more than the universal method to calm the baby, the mother’s lap.

The mother’s arms seem to grant immediate relief, which is why they are an alternative in these cases. If we could not apply tetanelgesia, either because we do not breastfeed or the conditions are not given, the following recommendations can help:

• It is convenient that the mother, caregivers or a trusted person of the child are present before, during and after administering the vaccine or treatment. It is in no way recommended that you be misled or left alone with medical personnel
• If the baby is breastfeeding, but it is not possible to breastfeed at that time, it is advisable to do so before and after receiving the injection
• In non-lactating children, the mother’s lap is an effective alternative. Likewise, it is recommended to distract them with a toy or mobile.

The mother’s breast not only provides the baby with food, but also warmth, affection and connection with the mother. Undoubtedly, when the baby breastfeeds, he is receiving all the shelter and protection he needs, beyond being a feeding process. This method promotes a bond capable of warding off fears and pains, for this reason, it is widely endorsed and accepted.