It’s every parents’ worst nightmare; a child who is so ill they have had to go to the hospital. No matter whether it is a sickness or an accident, the feelings of helplessness, worry, even guilt in some cases will be there for the parent. It’s a terrible time, and it can be extremely confusing. Read on to discover how best to deal with this situation should it ever happen; it will help you to stay as calm as you can.
Listen To The Professionals
When your child is in the hospital, they are in the hands of professionals. The doctors and nurses who work there will have many years of experience, and they will know what to do. You may even be in the care of specialists. They will also know what to say to you and your child to help you both understand. It is crucial that you listen. Don’t get angry and don’t try to second guess what is happening unless you have medical training yourself.
It can be hard to watch your child suffering and in pain, and it may look as though nothing is being done, but this won’t be the case. Always remember that your child will be being cared for.
Trust Your Gut
Although we’ve said that you should listen to the doctors and take their advice, if something is telling you that something is wrong and you have a nagging doubt, there is nothing to stop you from asking for a second opinion. You are well within your rights to do this, and it makes sense. If your gut is telling you there is a problem, then getting a second opinion will help you to dispel the feeling or to get your child additional help.
If things are not going the way that you feel they should be and no one is listening, then you will need to speak to management or get in touch with www.the-medical-negligence-experts.co.uk. Go as far as you need to in order to help your child. Never, however, become unreasonable or angry, or you could cause yourself more problems.
Take A Break
You will obviously want to be with your child at every moment they are in the hospital, and this is only natural. However, it may not be good for either of you. It’s best if you take breaks where you can go for a walk around the hospital grounds, go and get yourself something to eat, even go home and take a shower and get changed or take a nap, so you feel better and more like yourself.
When you return to the hospital, you will feel better. You will still be stressed, of course, but you will be calmer and more able to listen and cope with what is happening. Your child will benefit from this calmer, happier parent too. They will have been picking up on your stress levels and this could be making it hard for them to recover properly.
Bring Items From Home
Something that can often be forgotten, especially in the rush to take a child to the hospital, is that they will need some items from home to make them as comfortable as possible. Don’t forget to pick up their favourite toy and some books and puzzles if they are able to play and read. If they are too unwell, items such as a blanket that smells like home can be perfect.