October 1994 Pain in an uncomfortable feeling that tells you something may be wrong in your body. When there is an injury to your body, nerve cells send signals into the spinal cord and then up to the brain. Pain medication blocks those signals or reduces their effect on the brain.
All infants feel pain.
But, since babies cannot talk, it can be difficult for nurses and doctors to decide if they are showing signs of pain. Your baby's caregivers will observe and assess your baby for signs of pain because they want your baby to be comfortable. Both medicine and non-medicine treatments can help to prevent or control pain. This pamphlet is designed to help you understand what the nurses and doctors are looking for, allowing you to assist them in decreasing your baby's pain. What to Expect The nurses may give pain medicine at set times for the first 24 hours after surgery.