Effective pain management in neonates involves both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches.
Pharmacologic Interventions:
- Analgesics: Medications like acetaminophen and opioids (e.g., morphine) are used to manage moderate to severe pain. - Local Anesthetics: Lidocaine or EMLA cream for reducing pain during procedures like IV insertions.
Non-Pharmacologic Interventions:
- Swaddling and Positioning: Providing comfort through swaddling and appropriate positioning. - Non-nutritive Sucking: Offering a pacifier to soothe and reduce pain perception. - Sucrose or Glucose: Small amounts of sweet solutions given orally can provide analgesic effects during minor procedures. - Kangaroo Care: Skin-to-skin contact between the infant and parent to reduce stress and pain.
