What's a "Mummy Restraint" .?

Question

Just wondering because,my 4 year old daughter. Is having her eyes examined by a Opthamologist.

And so stop her squirming, the nurses are going to restrain her in a "Mummy Restraint"

What is this. Will it hurt her ?

feeling very worried about this.

Answer 1

A mummy restraint is simply wrapping a child snuggly, similar to the way you wrapped your daughter as a newborn by swaddling her in a blanket. They may use a blanket to do it, or more likely they will use what is called a "papoose board" . That is a child shaped and size board with straps that will cross over the body and across the head, to restrain her arms at her sides and keep her head still. It will not hurt her at all, although she will not like it and will probably make a lot of noise while in it. Usually it's used when you have to do something like stitches, when the child must be kept absolutely still. It's safer and easier than trying to physically hold the child down, or to ask the parent to do it. A really upset child can require as many as four adults to restrain, and asking the parent to do it is cruel for the parent and the child. It puts the parent in a bad situation, acting like the bad guy, and takes away the one person who can soothe the child best. So the mummy restraint is the best choice in this situation.
To make things easier on all involved, you would want to explain this to your daughter ahead of time. Then she will be less likely to panic in it. Expect her to scream that she can't breathe, when she is in it. That's the most popular thing to yell, since they know it gets everyone's attention-but as long as she can yell, she is breathing and can easily breath. The restraints won't be nearly that tight. If you can, be along side her, where she can see you, or at least be near enough to have a hand on her so she can still feel you. Most of the time, you can hold a hand under the strap. It will be harder on you than on her, I assure you.
I've used the papoose board many times as a nurse, and had it used on my children a few times. I can tell you as a mom, it's gut twisting. My eldest fell and cut her forehead at 2, and had to be in one for the stitches. Even knowing it was needed, and that she wasn't hurt, it was still hard to stand by and hear her yell and cry for me, for help, and for anger/frustration. She doesn't remember it at all now, though of course I still have a vivid memory. But as your daughter is 4, you can also use the experience to have a good talk with her afterwards. She is old enough to understand that the doctor has to do the exam, and that she had to be kept still for it. This may be necessary in the future, and she needs to understand that if she won't cooperate or be still, the papoose board or mummy restraint will be needed. It's not because anyone likes it, or wants to be mean or cruel- it's because they need to do what is good for her. And that means she has to learn to do her part as well, as best she can.
I hope it goes well. You will both come through it just fine, although you will likely be like me and feel rather ill afterwards. She will come to no permanent harm, and likely won't remember it in years to come. She may be good and angry afterwards, but if you discuss things beforehand, you could also arrange for something pleasant to look for afterwards- like an ice cream or something else you could both enjoy together. Then during the procedure, remind her about it. Afterwards, a hug and kiss do wonders to calm them down. I'd say don't worry- but it's your baby we're talking about, and that isn't possible. But I assure you, no harm will come to her. It will be harder on you than her. Good luck, and blessing to you both.

Answer 2

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RE:
What's a "Mummy Restraint" .?
Just wondering because,my 4 year old daughter. Is having her eyes examined by a Opthamologist.

And so stop her squirming, the nurses are going to restrain her in a "Mummy Restraint"

What is this. Will it hurt her ?

feeling very worried about this.

Answer 3

It is actually like a straight jacket. No it won't hurt her, I don't think. It will be better for her, so the doctor can do his job without hurting her eyes...

Answer 4

10 out of 10 your a star

Answer 5

A straight jacket. It's a jacket which is put on backwards and has the straps in the back. Straps are also on the arms and they pull back the arms as if the person is hugging themself. Then they tie them in the back along with the other straps.

Answer 6

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