Cancer treatment is very stressful experience that can overwhelm an infant’s natural ability to cope.
The emotional trauma infants experience can delay healing and normal development. The negative effects on physical and mental health may last for years after treatment has ended.
Child life promotes effective coping for infants.
Developmental Issues
- Minimal language comprehension
- Development of trust
- Learns through senses
- Attachment to primary caretaker
- Meet basic physical needs
Hospital Stressors
- Separation from parents
- Impaired basic needs
- Stranger anxiety
Coping Behaviours
- Crying
- Fussing
- Hand-mouth activity
Interventions
- Encourage parent presence and participation in care
- Show parent how to touch or hold infant if connected to medical equipment
- Involve parents in “comfort positioning” during procedures
- Decrease number of caregivers
- Avoid hunger
- Talk before touching
- Maintain adequate room temperature
Pain Management / Comforting Techniques
- Singing
- Soft music
- Light up toys
- Infant massage
- Comfort Positioning
- Non-nutritive sucking – soother/pacifier
- Encouraging statements
