Should my toddler visit me in the hospital after I have major surgery?

Question

I have a 2-year-old son.

Answer 1

Having your toddler visit you as long as you feel up to it is a great idea. I had my gallbladder out a couple of months ago, and my daughter (2 1/2) was scared that I wasn't home, so my husband brought her to visit even though it was only an over night and it relaxed her. Just make sure your toddler knows that they can't be rough with you, and don't try to pick them up. It will help them ease their fears if they have any, and then you can reassure them that you will be home soon. Maybe you could have a special new toy for when they come to visit. Good luck!

Answer 2

It depends. Are you going to be on breathing machines? Will you have an IV drip? Will you be hooked up to a heart monitor or an oxygen sensor?

All those needles and wires could scare a child, and that fear may carry over to when you come home.

Will you be on medication?

You may have a reaction to the painkillers and get hives or swell, or you may be 'loopy' and not seem like Mommy to him, which may also scare him.

Will it hurt you if he wants to lay next to you or hug you after your surgury?

And then you must consider the fact that there are so many germs in hospitals, and a 2 year old is still at an age where his hands are always in his mouth. And it's flu-season, and many hospitals won't even allow visitors who are under 14.

Personally, I think it's best to have him stay at home with dady or grandma while you recover.

My sister-in-law was released from the hospital on Monday. She'd been there since Thursday. She was in the ICU for 3 nights, and then a regular room for 1. She has a 2 year old daughter, who did not visit the whole time.

Answer 3

Not up close. My niece had a C section when her son was 3 and he wanted to be in the bed with her and hurt her.
If the child is old enough to worry they can be brought into the room for a minute but not up close or for very long. Even with major surgery people are home in a couple of days so no reason to visit for a toddler.

Answer 4

Depends how you look and feel.
I won't let my kids come and see me if I am plugged into a million machines and look yucky. My boys would have nightmares, because their mummy isn't sick a lot and I think it was cause too much pain for them.
Let your toddler come in after a few days and feeling better, if you feel up to it. You could always ring her/him.

Hope all goes well for you!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Answer 5

It really depends on his behavior. Not the first day or so after because you will not be up to it. But if he is the kind of boy who can be told to be gentle and wait for help from daddy to get near you, it would be beneficial to both of you to see each other.

Answer 6

Yes, but make sure that somebody explains to him exactly what he will be seeing in words that he can understand. I'm sure he'll be happy to see mommy, but you have to make sure he knows what's gonna be in front of him. Little ones can take a lot more then we think they can.
Good luck on your surgery.

Answer 7

I would want my daughter to visit me. Your toddler would probably want to she his/her mummy. Just make sure you have recovered well and not all doped up when he/she sees you.

Answer 8

why not? I'd just be sure and wash those hands (and if it were me I'd probably have someone in there with antibacterial wipes wiping down EVERYTHING before he got there)!!!

Answer 9

no because they can come running and it hit. but it would be nice. many other reasons

Answer 10

maybe not! It might scare very bad! She might think you are going to die! DON'T!