Thursday, February 5, 2009

If your child needs surgery: CHD Awareness post #3

If you child needs surgery here is a list of things you should bring to the hospital. They will help ease tension & pass the time. Some of these items depend on the age of the child. These are in order of importance (kind of)

Bring a camera & video camera and take lots of photos. It may be hard to take pictures when you child is in pain, but there will come a time when they want to know what happened to them & what better way to show them than with pictures & videos.

Bring a notebook for notes or questions and/or a journal to help you remember daily events. Trust me, you won't remember half of everything that happens unless you journal. And again this will be helpful when your child is older & curious about what went on.

Onesies or shirts that button in front

bring things familiar to baby such as beanie babies, toys, blankets, books, music, video tapes, & batteries.

for older children, bring books, videos to watch, & other favorite toys.

Calling Cards

Bring your child’s favorite Band-Aids (Blues Clues, Sesame Street, etc).

change for vending machines

Bring somethings for yourself, magazines or a book to read, crafts, whatever will ease your tension.

Wear comfortable shoes & clothes, some hospitals are quite large & you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Ask about a long term parking pass or validate parking

You’re your child’s advocate. Don’t be shy with questions and don’t hesitate to obtain a second opinion in you want one.



For those of you with experience, please post a comment & let me know if I missed anything.

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DID YOU KNOW?

1 in every 125 babies is born with a heart defect?
What if that one was yours?


1 in every 166 children is diagnosed with some form of Autism? Help us put the puzzle back together!