Nov 8, 2022
In today's episode, I'm sharing the five tips that would help any mom who ends up in the emergency room with her kids and has to be admitted to the hospital.
Last week, my toddler Cillian, came down with RSV and unfortunately needed to be admitted to the hospital for the night to get oxygen because he was having trouble breathing. He's doing much better now! But the RSV this year is no joke, and there are a few things I learned during 24 hours in the hospital with him that I wish I had known before.
Tips:
1. Put together a cheap "go bag" with some Dollar Tree toiletries, a change of clothes, and some snacks. When it's time to go to the emergency room, you won't want to waste time packing a bag, and it would be nice to have something to bring with you.
2. Don't suffer in silence. This is probably my biggest tip of them all. When it comes to anything you're dealing with at the hospital, speak up if you're emotionally, p,hysically or mentally drained. Tell your partner, your medical staff, and your family/friends. Let them help you devise a better plan or give you a break so you can walk away and collect yourself. These things will drain any mom quickly; we must be prepared to ask for help or try something new.
3. Get the doctor or charge nurse involved if necessary. I don't say this lightly as I completely respect the medical staff, and I know they have been stretched too thin over the past 2.5 years. However, if you do not see eye to eye with your nurse, could you ask the charge nurse so you can voice your concerns? YOu can also request to speak to the doctor if you want to discuss other treatment options. Never feel wrong about advocating for yourself and your child.
4. Sleep when you can. Don't let anyone make you feel like you should pull an all-nighter at your child's bedside, especially if they are content and sleeping. It would be best if you got whatever rest you can so you can make clear-headed decisions and not fall apart. Be bold and ask staff not to come in as often to do checks if everything is going well and you need sleep. OR as them to do checks very quietly and not wake you up.
5. Take all the help that's offered. This one is for my fellow recovering people pleasers. People will support you through childcare, food, and companionship when you're going through a hospital stay; take them up on it! Let your family take care of your other kids. Have friends bring food to the hospital or keep you company while your partner leaves (if permitted). Whatever is being offered, could you say yes to it without any guilt? People want to help you, and you deserve to receive it.
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