Publishers Weekly
★ 06/06/2022
Children’s pain is too often “dismissed, minimized, and flat-out ignored,” according to this alarming and accessible look at pediatric pain management from journalist Peachman and pediatric psychologist Wilson. They debunk myths that have led to the neglect of infant pain, such as that very young children cannot feel pain, that anesthesia is too dangerous for infants, and that early pain has no lasting impact. Even today, they write, medical students receive “only a handful of education hours devoted to pain management” in their training. Peachman and Wilson address vaccinations and NICU practices—two common medical situations in which children suffer—and offer practical approaches for improving children’s experiences: distractions (such as a cloth or pacifier dipped in sugar water) and skin-to-skin contact can “influence how the brain interprets the pain signals it receives.” Peachman and Wilson make a solid case that the longer pain goes unnoticed, the more likely it is to become chronic, and their message that addressing pain beginning in childhood is not only an obligate kindness but essential for managing long-term health is a powerful one. This is worth a look for medical professionals and parents alike. (Aug.)
Pediatric Pain Letter - Mimi Stotsky
By providing targeted, practical recommendations backed by relevant scientific evidence and evidence-based practice and framed with recognizable, validating examples, When Children Feel Pain can help parents, as well as the myriad professionals who work with children, feel better prepared to support children when they experience pain and pain-associated medical, functional, and psychological challenges.
Beth Darnall
A road map to relief! A must-read that distills the science of pain and provides readers with a practical plan to relieve the suffering of children. Learn how to restore children to healthy living and their best possible adulthood.
Wendy Mogel
Vital, eye-opening, and wildly helpful. It punctures both ignorance (babies don’t feel pain, have no memory of pain, and we can’t help them anyway) and denial (‘My baby? In pain?’). Every parent will come away from its pages enlightened.
Laura A. Jana
From babies getting their first shots, to chronic pain and the stigma so often associated with it, Peachman and Wilson draw on their personal and professional insights to offer a new-and-improved understanding of pain and how to more effectively manage it. Well-researched, compelling, and empowering, this book will help anyone who has, cares for, or cares about children. Should be required reading for all medical students and children’s health professionals.
Rachael Coakley
An absolute gem! This book weaves together cutting-edge scientific evidence, patient perspectives, and practical guidance on how to alleviate pain and suffering in children. With contributions from dozens of pediatric pain experts, the authors beautifully distill decades of data into easy-to-understand, actionable, and transformative tips. A must-read for pediatric providers and parents alike!
