At Oak Lawn hospital (IL), a push for better pain relief for preemies

Pain in newborns “continues to be inconsistently assessed and inadequately managed,” according to The American Academy of Pediatrics. Remedies “are currently underused for routine minor yet painful procedures.” Preventing and reducing pain, particularly in preemies, is important because of the potential consequences for infant development, the academy says in a recent policy statement. Research suggests that repeated bouts of pain leave infants prone to potential long-term ill effects.