Big needles

Last Monday Oscar went for his first immunisations (they do these at 8 weeks). One is a mind-boggling cocktail of vaccinations for whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and haemophilus influenzae (whatever that is); the other is a seemingly less-scary single shot to protect against meningitis C.

Oscar didn't like either of them at all, however. They were administered by a very matter-of-fact, and frankly rather cold, nurse who professed to our faces that she "doesn't have much time for babies". You're in the wrong job, love! Perhaps a job as a parking attendant would be more up your street?

It fell to me to hold Oscar on my lap (naked except for a nappy, so he was already a bit grumpy) as the nurse produced a needle about 6cm long and proceeded to plunge it seemingly up to the hilt into the little chap's thigh. I couldn't believe how big the needle was compared to Oscar! He screamed a scream like I'd never heard before - a really blood-curdling yell which made my hands go cold and my heart jump into my mouth. It was made worse because I knew I'd be having to hear it again before too long (babies have to have booster jabs four weeks after the first set, at 12 weeks).

Then came the second jab, into the other leg. By this time the poor little mite was hysterical, with tears rolling down his little cheeks. It broke both our hearts!

I've just read an item at babycentre.co.uk about "what to expect on the day" and it breezily says

Many parents find it a bit upsetting, but it is done very quickly, and the nurses will understand your feelings, especially the first time

No kidding! I'm wondering if we might be able to find a nicer nurse next time...