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Preparing Your Infant for Hospitalization |
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As a parent, you naturally want the very best for your
child. By having your baby's surgery at All Children's Hospital, 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 the 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 O.K. 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.
We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any
questions or would like additional information on helping your child adjust to
hospitalization, please call the Child Life Department at (727) 767-4323. If you
have questions regarding surgery time, please call Pre-Admission Testing at
(727) 767-8561.
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