Being a parent of a child that has had multiple surgeries, we are asked all kinds of questions. Some of the common questions we get are centered around the procedure, and some are about the hospital. But there is one question that is consistently asked; What do you (as the parent) wear to the hospital?
This question has been asked to myself and my husband a number of times! In this particular post, I’m going to focus on mom! The easy answer to this question would be to wear something you’re comfortable in, however that varies from person to person.
Here are my tips for what to wear to the hospital if your child is having surgery…
1. Leggings or Comfortable Pants…What To Wear to the Hospital (Mommy Edition)…I personally prefer leggings because they’re the most comfortable pant EVER!!! I love the Livi Active Line from Lane Bryant. The leggings are stylish, thick and durable! I love having something on that if I have to get in the hospital bed to hold my child, I don’t have anything restricting me. I also love that you CAN’T see through them! All leggings aren’t created equal, and if you are looking for a great legging…you definitely want to grab a couple pairs of the Livi Active Leggings!
I’m wearing the Lane Bryant Wicking Active Capri Legging – Mesh & Cutouts and Mesh-Inset Swing Tank
2. Comfortable Top…the top in my picture is SUPER comfortable! I love the Mesh-Inset Swing Tank, it’s simple but very roomy. When Emma has surgery sometimes we talk to teams of doctors and it’s important to me and my family to look presentable, so even though I feel like I just rolled out of bed, I will never look like that in the hospital.
3. Sneakers or Comfortable Shoes…I prefer sneakers because I am most comfortable in them, however, as long as you have on a comfortable pair of shoes you’re doing good. You never know how much walking is involved. I remember when my son had to have surgery we literally walked from one side of the hospital to the other side and I was so glad that I had on comfortable shoes.
4. Jacket or Sweater…Hospitals are usually cold! Period! With the mix of the “nerves” and air condition blasting, you’re bound to freeze! It’s always a great idea to have a jacket or sweater on you at all times. I learned this the hard way when we showed up and I was cold, I had to get a blanket from the nurse (it was sitting in the heater), however, I was very grateful they gave me one to walk around the hospital with it!
5. Crossbody or Backpack…I always carry a purse of some sort, and a crossbody bag stays in my everyday rotation. I like to carry a small one on surgery days, just in case I need to move fast there is nothing holding me back but I still have all the necessary items on me. Every now and then I will carry a backpack, however, my husband usually carries the backpack. He keeps all of our larger items in it such as; sweaters, laptop, etc., but sometimes I carry a backpack purse.
6. Hair ties…my husband and I have been through many procedures with our children. I always have a couple of hair ties on me just in case my hair is down and I have to put on a hairnet. Darrick and I have had to put on full surgery garments in order to stay in the room during procedures…so it’s important to be able to put your hair up quickly!
All of my children have had surgery, my daughter just had her 11th procedure, my oldest son (deceased) had one surgery, and his twin brother had ear tubes. You name it we have been through it with general surgeries. And no matter how much you know, you still learn something new with each procedure! However, what I have learned is no matter what the procedure is the 6 tips I have shared have not changed. Basically, be ready for any and everything. We have taken our daughter in thinking its an outpatient procedure to learn she will be staying overnight and vice versa when we thought she was staying overnight to be sent home a couple hours after sitting in recovery. Although this topic may seem trivial, it’s an important topic to make sure you as the Mom are ready for whatever may occur.
