Nothing is More Important ThanYour Child

When your child is first diagnosised with a congenital heart defect or any other serious health condition he or she is likely to not understand what is about to happen. If you feel this is a scary time for you and your family it is also an equally frightening time for your child. Often age prevents a parent from explaining to their child what is happening to him or her but nevertheless your child needs to be provided with whatever information you believe they can understand. This is not only vital to help them cope with what is in the present but also for future challenges. Without knowing what is going on in their world children will not feel secure. Never under any circustances hide things from your child. My father always made it understood to my doctors that anything that needed to be talked about could be and would be discussed infront of me and quite honestly this helped in me in ways you would not believe.

Please forgive me these links are still under construction. Thanks, Jessica

Helpful Tips Any Parent Can Use to Prepare Their child for Surgery... ·Arrange for your child to attend a Pre-Operative Education Class. This will give the child and you an opportunity to ask questions. Ideally, the class should be several days before the scheduled admission. · Ask the staff to arrange for a tour. This will decrease the stress of being in an unfamiliar environment. It will also provide the opportunity for you and your child to meet some of the staff that will be responsible for the post operative care of your child. · Inquire about donating blood (if you are the same blood type) for your child's surgery. This often takes a few days at least so ask early on in the planning for your child's hospitalization. · Allow them to work through feelings or fears through play with medical supplies such as surgical caps, Band-Aids, etc. · Read a book with your child about going to the hospital. Many books are available in public libraries. Ask your doctor for a book that is appropriate for your child's age.

That initial diagnosis of CHD

Feeding your baby or child with CHD

Genetic Counseling if      you plan future children

Why it is important families do their research

Why finding support is so important

Emotions your CHD child may be hiding from you

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