tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616452666148403026.post2120127874511762855..comments2024-02-20T20:29:41.996-08:00Comments on A Worthy Journey: My Hospital Stay TipsJamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01007178188240647348noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616452666148403026.post-6373540929339303282020-02-14T13:05:40.998-08:002020-02-14T13:05:40.998-08:00I fully agree.
When my son was a infant, not lon...I fully agree. <br /><br />When my son was a infant, not long after birth he was taken away from us to the NICU where he spent nearly three weeks. They were observing him carefully after his first ever operation in case. My husband followed closely behind while l bonded with my daughter who was still in the delivery room with me on my chest. He too had open spina bifida and was born nearly four years ago. I used to pray for him each night as we left him there and often irritated the nurses with my questions. Even when he had his clubbed foot procedure I had a short typed up list of questions to ask the doctor. This was some time later. <br />My son’s orthopedic doctor used to chuckle. He is now going to be four years old this year. He did not have hydrocephalus that required medical intervention so I cannot really talk about that aspect of spina bifida or the surgery but when he was a baby I had a bag that was packed as a additional precaution which was left by the front door. My handy tip is to buy reading material. Also make sure to bring some spare cash to purchase drinks or food from the cafeteria. My husband updated all of our family and friends on my behalf. I was too busy bonding with both of my children to think about relaying any news or updates. <br />I still appreciate all of the gifts, cards, prayers, calls, texts, visits, emails and letters. They made me feel people still cared about our son and family. Tharanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616452666148403026.post-10754673660687611922019-06-23T13:49:33.796-07:002019-06-23T13:49:33.796-07:00I second the tip about asking questions. Also try ...I second the tip about asking questions. Also try to sing to your baby softly and also if possible gently touch her too. Stroke her hair and smile at him or her. Another thing to do to pass the time is to read to your baby. Talk to your newborn in a gentle voice occasionally as well so they can get to hear your voice. Ask for a prenatal NICU tour and don’t feel bad about asking the staff to tell you more about what happens that is technically a part of their job description. My stepkid Louise was willing to sit with my son when I needed a break from the hospital NICU. She filled in for me when I wanted to eat or take a shower at home. She even made notes. I had a camera so I got permission to take pictures of my baby. Pack accordingly. I had a hospital bag filled to the brim with items for our hospital stay. Also have snacks on hand. Don’t feel bad about requesting help. <br />I needed plenty of help during my son’s NICU stay. People were kind to us. They looked after my newborn healthy girl and cooked for us. I received cards and letters in the mail plus money to help. Emails were sent out by my partner updating everyone. Even though it was Christmas time we did not do much that year. We had a low key small no cost Christmas tea of turkey sandwiches and small mince pies plus mulled wine and jam tarts. Laurel’s momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10983955785311603052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616452666148403026.post-68507496983045689932018-06-17T03:02:10.360-07:002018-06-17T03:02:10.360-07:00Agreed
Another tip is to take a pen with you in c...Agreed<br /><br />Another tip is to take a pen with you in case you need to sign paperwork or make notes as well. Get as much sleep as you can as well. Do not hesitate to ask questions either. Also I would also have plenty of food and drinks available. Pack a bag of clothes and toys and so on beforehand. <br /><br />Get any contact information for everyone including therapists and nurses if possible. This includes phone numbers and email addresses too. It will make it easier for everyone. Try and be independent as much as possible. Having said that do not reject any offers of help. Make sure you get exercise and fresh air at least once a day. Most importantly relax. Your child will be in good skilled hands and get high quality medical care. I think these tips apply for any hospital stay irregardless. <br /><br />Leah Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616452666148403026.post-47924551805129654732014-01-22T00:59:19.157-08:002014-01-22T00:59:19.157-08:00I completely agree with you. My daughter, Ruth, a ...I completely agree with you. My daughter, Ruth, a few years ago had a stay in the hospital and nearly lost her life. I believe that children are far more likely to survive if there is lots of skin-to-skin, Mom's or Dad's voice and gentle touch, and low lighting. Also, I believe in minimising the prodding and poking. Many times the tests are inconclusive because of contaminations or newbies doing the testing. If you feel your child is in distress because of the feet being overwhelmed with blood extractions, ask them to take it another time and give baby a rest. Also, educate yourself on good blood drawing methods. There are methods that I have seen used that are virtually painless and it DOESN'T involve squeezing (which is incredibly painful) at all! Encourage the person doing the draws to learn about this. Be patient with them, however, as sometimes they are nervous and new to the profession. Always be kind.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2616452666148403026.post-86109609532727701822010-11-10T17:02:36.570-08:002010-11-10T17:02:36.570-08:00That's a fantastic list!
Music - for me, was a...That's a fantastic list!<br />Music - for me, was a big one. We had Nick a year ago, and his shunt placement at the beginning of December and I really enjoyed listening to my christmas music.<br />As well some hospitals will have food delivered to your room (for a price). I found this out the last day we were there.<br />If you are unable to stay, don't be afraid to call in the middle of the night (or day) for an update about your child. I was encouraged to do this and no one should give you a hard time for calling because you were worried about your child at 2 am.Amanda_in78https://www.blogger.com/profile/05638290124749954482noreply@blogger.com