EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING PAIN DURING INFANT VACCINATION: APPROACHES AND INTERVENTIONS

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding refers to the use of non-pharmacological techniques, such as skin-to-skin contact. Breastfeeding helps reduce pain in infants during procedures such as immunization. It is true that administering vaccines can cause discomfort and anxiety in some children. Fortunately, there are several techniques to help minimize this distress, such as distraction, use of topical anesthetics, and comfort techniques. It is important to balance the benefits of vaccination with the temporary discomfort it may cause. Objective: To understand the context of breastfeeding as a non-pharmacological intervention, and its contribution to reducing or improving pain during immunization in infants. Methodology: This study will be qualitative in nature, covering the databases of the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), the Virtual Health Library of the Ministry of Health (BVS), and the RESEARCH SOCIETY AND DEVELOPMENT (RSD Journal). The following descriptors will be used: infants, pain, immunization, breastfeeding, and non-pharmacological interventions. In analyzing the inclusion criteria and search strategies, 23 studies were identified. The titles and abstracts were carefully read and the data analyzed. Of these 23 articles, 13 had to be excluded because they were out of context or had previous dates. Ten articles were selected for evaluation and complementation with other studies. Results and discussions: It was observed that injectable vaccines are one of the greatest causes of pain in the first years of life and frequent visits to health units to perform vaccination can aggravate the fear, anguish and discomfort arising from the pain felt during immunization, which can influence future decisions and contribute to the adequacy of the vaccination dose for the newborn's family. In addition, the importance of parental participation during the procedure was highlighted, and indicated that the implementation of various pain relief techniques was beneficial in children of different age groups, contributing to guide professionals on their application in clinical practice. Conclusion: It was noted that analgesia is an important and constantly evolving topic in the area of ​​child health. Studies suggest that breastfeeding during painful procedures can significantly reduce pain and stress in infants, offering a safe and effective non-pharmacological option. Furthermore, the physical contact and emotional support provided by the mother during mamma-analgesia can also promote a sense of calm and well-being, helping to reduce the infant's perception of pain. However, more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize clinical practices related to mamma-analgesia and non-pharmacological techniques.