Feeding Guidlines | Dr Andre Theron Pr 1

1)Pre-Operative Guidelines for Your Child's Comfort and Safety

Feeding Guidelines:

Solid food and formula milk: Please ensure that your child does not consume solid food or formula milk for a minimum of 6 hours before the scheduled surgery.
Breast milk: If your child is breastfed, we recommend refraining from breastfeeding for at least 4 hours before the operation.
Clear sweet liquids: Your child can have clear sweet liquids, such as black tea with sugar, apple juice, grape juice, etc., up to 2 hours before the surgery.
If you have any questions or need guidance on the amount of juice your child can have, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Please Note: It's crucial to strictly adhere to these feeding guidelines, as failure to do so may lead to the rescheduling or cancellation of your child's operation. Our primary concern is your child's safety.

What to Expect in the Operating Theatre:

We want your child to feel comfortable in the operating theatre. They can come dressed in their favorite clothing, and we will change them into hospital attire once they are asleep. Your child is welcome to bring their favorite toy or blanket along.
For children older than 6 months, one parent or guardian is welcome to accompany the child into the theatre and stay until they are asleep. For younger children, parental presence is not as crucial. In emergency cases, parental entry into the theatre may not be possible, as the safety of your child remains our top concern.
In most cases, we use a mask and gas to administer anesthesia to your child. If a drip is needed, it will be inserted after your child is comfortably asleep.

Important Timing Information:

The theatre list usually starts at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Please be aware that your child might not be the first child on the list as several factors determine the order in which children are placed on the theatre list.
Please arrive at the Hospital admissions desk at 12 o'clock, where your child will be admitted to the pediatric ward.
The anesthetist will then see them in the ward before they come to the theatre.

Rest assured that your child's well-being is our top priority, and we're here to provide the best possible care during their surgery.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

2)How to Get Ready for Surgery: Making it Kid-Friendly

Getting ready for surgery can be a little scary, but we're here to help you feel more comfortable. Here's what you can do:

1. Keep it Simple: When we talk about going to the hospital, we'll use easy words that you can understand. We won't give you too much information all at once, especially if you're a little kid. We'll only tell you what you need to know.

2. Ask Questions: It's totally okay to ask questions. If you're not sure about something, just ask! We want to hear what you're thinking, and we might even ask you questions to make sure you're okay.

3. List Your Worries: If you're a bit older, we can make a list of questions together before you come to the hospital. This way, we can talk about anything that's bothering you.

4. It's Okay to Feel Scared: If you're feeling scared or upset, that's okay. Lots of kids feel that way before coming to the hospital. You don't have to hide your feelings. If you're worried or something hurts, you can always tell us. We're here to help you feel better.

Remember, we're here to take care of you, and your feelings matter. We want to make sure you're safe and comfortable, so don't be afraid to talk to us about how you're feeling. We'll be with you every step of the way.