Nonpharmacological Management of Procedure-Related Pain in the Breastfeeding Infant

Breastfeeding should be the first choice to alleviate procedural pain in neonates undergoing a single painful procedure, such as venipuncture or heel lance. (IA)

Breastfeeding should not be discontinued before the procedure. (IB)

When breastfeeding is not possible, whether because of the unavailability of the mother or difficulties with breastfeeding, expressed human milk given by dropper, syringe, or bottle has been shown to soothe newborns experiencing procedural pain. (IA)

Breastfeeding throughout the painful procedure is likely to be superior to human milk alone on the basis of synergism between the components of breastfeeding. (IB)