Vaccinations... be prepared to cry!

Although we all know that the first few months have scheduled vaccinations, nothing and i mean nothing prepares you for how you feel when your little one receives that first injection. Seeing them feel pain, however short lived is heartbreaking! But once you have made it through the initial injection there is more to come. Below is the low down on what we experienced for each set of vaccinations. Not every baby is the same, so this may be completely different for you but it may also give you some reassurance if you experience similar.

6-8 week Vaccinations:

These were by far the worst ones for us! I wish i knew that the worst was first as it would have eased the apprehension before each set. At this appointment our little one got a full check over by the GP and then in to the nurse for an injection in each leg and some oral drops. I was pre-warned that he would experience a sore tummy, head ache and diarrhea. The health visitor advised i stock up on Infant Calpol which i did and thank goodness i did. I had given him Calpol just before we went into the doctors and after the initial injection i managed to sooth him quite quickly. For the next few hours he was lethargic and a bit niggly. Then like clockwork, just before his next dose of Clapol was due... he cried and cried. He refused feeds and was squirming from the sore tummy. We had a full hour of inconsolable tears and then as the second dose of Calpol took hold he settled and just wanted cuddles and love, which he got in abundance. For the next couple of days he had diarrhea but was then fine and back to his happy self. Such a relief! I must admit, i also cried when he had the injections and once i had managed to settle him later that evening. I just felt completely useless. If you have someone in your support network that can be with you for both the injections and the 12 hours after, then ask them to be there. Just for your own support and comfort, when you feel helpless its important to have someone to lean on.

12 week Vaccinations:

I really did expect the worst, i was dreading not being able to comfort my baby again. However, these ones were a breeze. He did cry at the actual injection but was then fine. He made it through the night without any fuss and didn't seem to be in pain at all. What a relief! My friend did mention she had a couple of unsettled nights after this set but nothing major. As mentioned every baby is different, so will react differently.

16 week Vaccinations:

We got the Calpol out for these ones too. I cried again as he got the injections, but he soothed really quickly and cuddled in to Mama to feel better. I am unsure if i was better prepared for these, if he was stronger and able to cope better, or the side effects just weren't as bad. Either way, keeping the Calpol topped up and letting him rest was all that was needed. There were no tears in the evening or inconsolable screaming, he just wanted to sleep, eat and be held. He had a couple of bad poops, but he was much better in himself compared to the first vaccinations.

Pro Tips for Vaccinations: Get stocked up on Infant Calpol (follow instructions on the label and health professionals), make sure you have plenty of snacks in and a good box set to watch. Your baby is going to want cuddles and to be close to you, so settled down on the sofa and give them all the love you have, let them fall asleep in the comfort of your arms. Your intuition will take over and you will know exactly what they need... Mama Knows Best.