Heidi's daughter is three weeks old. She is concerned about the pain of her daughter's upcoming vaccinations. Advise Heidi regarding her newborn baby's sensitivity to pain and how she can help lessen the pain of the injections

What will be an ideal response?

Heidi should know that sensitivity to touch is well-developed at birth. Infants are also highly sensitive to pain. Brain-imaging research suggests that because of central nervous system immaturity, preterm babies, particularly males, feel the pain of a medical injection especially intensely. Recent research establishing the safety of certain local anesthetics for newborns promises to ease the pain of these procedures. Heidi can offer her daughter a nipple that delivers a sweet liquid, which is helpful in reducing crying and discomfort, with breast milk appearing especially effective. She can combine the sweet liquid with gentle holding, which will lessen her daughter's pain even more. Research on infant mammals indicates that physical touch releases endorphins—painkilling chemicals in the brain.