How to help your baby prepare before surgery?

Preparation before the surgery for your baby is very important because it will be related to the child's physical and mental health in the future.

In some situations such as children with appendicitis, heart disease ... surgery is required to save the child's life. Surely all parents are worried when the doctor appoints their children to apply this treatment method. So the best way to calm both parents and children is to find out what is about to happen to prepare mentally.

Parents should prepare what?

Not only children but parents, who are always with their children before and after the surgery, also need to be well prepared. Here are some basic questions you should consider before taking your child for surgery:

Why do you need this treatment?

Can surgery be delayed until the baby is older?

How long will the surgery take?

How long will you have to stay in hospital after surgery?

How will the baby's appearance change? Have scarring, swelling, or permanent change in shape?

How can I manage pain after surgery (local anesthesia, general anesthesia or using pain medication)?

How is child care at home and for how long?

Make sure you have a clear understanding of all charges to be paid for treatment and any costs incurred, the terms if using health insurance. In addition, you should regularly check the time and date of admission to prepare for the best surgery. This is also the time to follow your doctor's dietary instructions, such as:

Do not eat 8-12 hours before surgery

Do not drink formula milk about 6 hours before entering the operating room

Give your baby filtered water or breast milk for the last time 4 hours before the surgery

You can use clear water (water, apple juice ...) 2 hours before you take your baby to the hospital.

Besides taking care of your baby, you should also give yourself some time to rest. This can be a very stressful period. Therefore, you can ask your loved one to take care of the baby to rest and do not forget to eat well to be physically and mentally good to take care of the baby.

In the end, having everything clear will help you avoid unnecessary stress. Make a complete record of your child's health information and record your doctor's instructions on the day of surgery. This way, you won't get confused when you don't know how much your baby should take or when your doctor needs to find out about your child's medical history.

Help your baby get ready for surgery

Children under 3 years of age will have difficulty understanding the adult's explanations about the upcoming surgery. Still, you keep telling your child what's going to happen in positive terms like:

“First, we'll play”: Usually, young children will be taken to the entertainment area before the surgery. So, pretend you're taking your baby out.

“Here comes the nurse”: A nurse will be coming to check on your body's functions. In order not to scare the baby, parents should join in this process.

"Doctor": You should bring your child's favorite stuffed animal and play the role of a doctor to practice your baby in situations when real doctors appear.

"This medicine is not bitter":  In some cases, the baby needs anesthesia and must use a liquid medicine for the body to relax first. If that happens, pretend to tell your baby that the medicine is delicious and will help him recover quickly.

"Mom / Dad will stay with you": Ask if your loved one can enter the operating room. If so, the child will feel more secure when the parent is at his or her side until the baby falls asleep due to the effects of anesthetic.

"Don't forget your love": Children can bring their favorite toy, pillow or blanket into the operating room. The nurse will return them to you during the procedure. However, in this confusing moment, the toy can get lost. Therefore, please keep it carefully so that after the surgery and the baby regains consciousness, you give it to your child.