I Am Having Surgery

I had c-sections with both my kids. My son had just turned 2 when my daughter was born. i had never been away from him for so long. I explained to him beforehand that Mommy was going to the hospital to have the baby. I told him that the dr. was going to have to cut me to get the baby out and that i would be sore. I explained that I would not be able to pick him up for a while and that he would have to be careful not to hurt my tummy. My mom came to stay with us for a few days after my husband had to go back to work. While I was in the hospital, my husband brought him to see me everyday. They also tried to do some special fun things together like going to IHOP for breakfast or to the park. My son handled it pretty well for 2. Your kids should be old enough to understand some basic information. Make sure you talk to them on the phone everyday. Good luck.

My only suggestion is to have whoever is staying with your kids bring them at least once a day for maybe an hour so they can spend time with you. Just explain to them (more the 9 y.o. than the 4 y.o) that you are having a surgery that makes you stay in the hospital for a few days.

HI BERNI HERE, WELL JUST TRY NOT TO WORRY SO MUCH WHEN YOUR WORRIED THE CHILDREN DO TO EVEN THOUGH YOU TRY NOT TO SHOW IT THEY ALWAYS KNOW THEY WILL RELAX IF YOU WILL.

YOUR FRIEND bERNI.

I'm a nurse anesthetist. Where are you having your surgery? Most hysterectomy patients stay in the hospital only 1-2 nights.

I agree with the other moms--let your children come and see you each day. I think your priorities are right--you have to consider your children's reaction. But they are so resilient. And they're able to understand more that we think they can.

Best of luck with your surgery. You'll do fine!!!

Children tend to rise to the occasion when a crisis stikes. This isn't necessarily a crisis, but include them. Explain everything which I'm sure you already have, and tell them what they can do to help. Ex. helping to take over some of your duties where possible for a few weeks while you recover. They will think that they are being so big by helping mom that it will help ease those days that you are gone. Also give them your hospital room diret line so they can call if they need to talk to you.