Preparing Kids For A Hospital Stay
What happens when your child needs surgery
Most children's hospitals believe parents should be involved in every aspect of care whenever possible, and that includes escorting their child into the operating room, says Dr. Roy. "For most elective surgeries in an otherwise healthy child over three months of age, parents may be allowed to accompany their child into the OR."
If you choose to be in the operating room, you'll likely have the opportunity to hold and comfort your child while he is hooked up to various monitors–you may even be able to help hold the mask as he goes to sleep. Once your child is asleep, you'll be escorted to a waiting room. "Having parents in the OR allows them to participate in the care," says Dr. Roy. "They get to take a look around, see the entire team of physicians involved, and it can be reassuring."
As soon as your child is in the recovery room and stable, you'll be notified and brought in to be at his bedside as he wakes. Be ready to reassure and comfort him as he'll likely wake up confused and disoriented. Some children are simply groggy, others may cry or feel nauseous after the anesthetic. Your child may also feel some pain or discomfort.
