Hints for Parents
The staff of The Heart Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center provide hints for parents of children who are undergoing surgery. These tips are sorted child age:
If you have any questions or would like additional information on helping your child adjust to going to the hospital, please call the Division of Child Life and Recreational Therapy at 513-636-8855.
As a parent, you naturally want the very best for your child. By having your baby's surgery at Cincinnati Children's, we believe you have chosen the finest hospital available. The following are some hints to help the hospital stay go smoothly for you and your baby.
Prepare Yourself First
One of the best things you can do is to prepare yourself for the hospital visit. Find out about the procedure scheduled for your child. Once you know what to expect, you will be more relaxed. This will in turn help your baby to relax.
Helping Your Baby
As the parent, you know your baby best. Please share with the hospital staff what your baby likes, how he likes to be held, what comforts her best, his favorite stuffed animal or blanket, and any daily routine that she has. This type of information is very helpful and it can make your baby's stay in the hospital easier.
Separation
Sometimes babies have a hard time separating from their parents. If you need to be away from your baby, there are some things you can do to help. First of all, it is important for you to feel comfortable leaving, so please ask any questions you may have of the staff. It is also helpful for you to share your plans for visiting with your child's nurse. When it is time for you to leave, your baby will notice how you are feeling. If you feel comfortable, your baby will get the message from you that it is okay for him to stay here. Try to leave something that smells like you with your baby such as a T-shirt or blanket. Because babies find comfort in cuddling with something that smells like their parents, try to leave something that belongs to you.
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For children from two years to five years give clear, simple reasons for coming to the hospital. Playing with medical supplies will help children prepare for surgery.
Prepare Yourself First
Talk to your child's doctor about your fears and concerns. Children can tell when parents are feeling nervous. This may make your child more anxious. Have your questions answered and be aware of your feelings and past experiences concerning illness and hospitals. Be sure to have all your questions answered before the day of surgery.
Prepare Your Child
Young children need to be prepared close to the date of surgery. One to two days in advance is best. Here are some hints:
Before the Surgery
- Call Child Life at 513-636-8855. Staff can meet with you and your child to help prepare him / her for surgery. Details will be given in a way your child will understand.
- Reassure your child that he or she has not done anything wrong and that surgery is to help him or her.
- Explain to your child that on the morning of surgery, it will be very important for their stomach (tummy) to be empty (have no food or drink in it) so that they will not throw-up during surgery. They will not have anything to eat or drink the morning of surgery. We suggest you skip brushing teeth so there is no chance to swallow water or toothpaste. Your doctor will tell you the exact time to stop giving your child food and drink before surgery.
- Tell your child what they will see, hear, smell, and feel while at the hospital. You can get this information from your child's doctor, nurse, or child life specialist.
- Explain to your child that a special doctor (anesthesiologist) will give them some sleepy medicine so that they will not feel anything during surgery. Tell them it is a special kind of sleep and that they will not wake up until after the surgery is over.
- Reassure your child that you will be with him or her in the hospital and that they will go home when surgery is over.
- Encourage your child to choose one or two toys or other personal items to bring with him.
- Read stories about going to the hospital. Allow your child to play with pretend medical equipment. Listen for any misunderstandings your child might have. Make this a fun time for you and your child.
Day of Surgery
- Your child will meet a medical team (nurse, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and child life specialist) who is specifically trained to care for children.
- Once you arrive at the hospital, there is usually time to relax and settle in before going to surgery. There is a playroom located close to your child's room.
- Your child will go to the operating room with this team. A staff member will guide you to the appropriate waiting area. This is a time to reassure your child that you will remain at the hospital, and will be waiting for them in their new room.
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Honesty is the key when preparing this age for surgery. School-agers are better able to understand what is told to them than younger children. Give them truthful information. This age group often has fears about their bodies being hurt. They also may be confused about anesthesia.
Prepare Yourself First
Remember that your child can sense your anxiety. Be sure to share your fears and concerns with your child's doctor. Have all of your questions answered before the day of surgery.
Preparing Your Child
You know your child best. Some children like to hear a lot of information while others just want to hear the basic facts. The following are suggestions of things to talk with your child about before coming to the hospital:
Before Surgery
- Tell your child why he is having surgery.
- Talk about the type of surgery your child will have and where on the body it will be performed.
- Tell your child that he will be asleep during the surgery and that he will not feel anything during surgery.
- Remind your child that he will not be able to eat or drink anything the morning of surgery.
- Reassure your child that you will be with him while he is at the hospital.
- Suggest that your child choose one or two items from home for comfort and to keep him busy.
- Remind your child about how long he will be in the hospital.
Day of Surgery
- Your child will meet medical staff (nurses, doctors, anesthesiologists, and child life specialist) who is specifically trained to care for children.
- Usually there is time to settle in and relax before going to surgery. An activity room is available for your child to use at this time.
Your child will go with this team to the operating room. A staff member will guide you to the appropriate waiting area. This is a time to remind your child that you will remain at the hospital, waiting for them in their new room.
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Teenagers need clear, complete information about what will happen during the hospital stay. They also need to be included in decision making about their care. Teens are often concerned with privacy and body image.
Prepare Yourself First
Be sure to share your fears and concerns with your child's doctor. Have all of your questions answered before the day of surgery.
Preparing Your Child
You know your teen best. At times, your teen may seem to handle the details of surgery very well. At other times, he or she may seem overwhelmed. The following are suggestions that may help you when talking to your teen:
Before Surgery
- Discuss the reason for surgery.
- Discuss the type of surgery and where on the body it will be performed.
- Review with your teen that they will not be awake during the surgery and that the anesthesiologist will be with him during the entire procedure.
- Discuss the importance of not eating or drinking the morning of surgery.
- Reassure your teen that you will remain in the hospital during his surgery and see him when he returns to the CICU.
- Suggest that your teen bring items from home to keep him busy while waiting for surgery.
- Encourage your teen to ask a lot of questions and express how he is feeling.
Day of Surgery
- Your teen will meet medical staff trained in pediatric a olescent care.
- Usually there is time to settle in and relax before going to surgery. An activity room is available for the patients. Since teens can be very particular in their likes and dislikes, they are welcomed and encouraged to bring their favorite items from home.
- Encourage your teen to ask any questions they may have to medical personnel.
- Your teen will go with this team to the operating room. A staff member will guide you to the appropriate waiting area. This is a time to remind your teen that you will remain at the hospital, waiting for them in the CICU.
If you have any questions or would like additional information on helping your child adjust to going to the hospital, please call the Division of Child Life and Recreational Therapy at 513-636-8855.
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