When your child is scheduled for heart surgery, your world may feel like it’s spinning. The fear, the questions, the what-ifs—they’re all real. As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Brain Surgery mom myself, I’ve stood exactly where you are. And I want you to know: you are not alone.
This guide is designed to give you the emotional strength 💖 and practical tools 💼 you need to walk into that hospital with a deep breath and a steady heart. Because with the right preparation—and support—you can face this moment with confidence.
Let’s walk through how to get ready—step by step.
The Heartstrings Philosophy 💖: Peace Through Preparation
In my Heartstrings Coaching Program, I teach moms how to move from panic to peace using my version of the 4 P’s of Faith: Pardon, Power, Peace, and Purpose. When preparing for surgery, we lean hard into Power (building understanding and support) and Peace (releasing what’s out of our control).
With that in mind, here’s what you can do right now to feel empowered and grounded before surgery day.
💼 What to Pack for the Hospital (And What to Leave Behind)
For Your Child:
- A comfort item: favorite stuffed animal or blanket
- A picture of your child or family before surgery. It’s nice for staff to have a vision of them healthy!
- Pajamas with snaps or buttons (avoid overhead shirts post-op)
For You:
- Snacks and a reusable water bottle
- Lip balm and lotion (hospitals are dry!)
- Chargers (phone, computer, iPad…) and earbuds (bonus if they’re noise canceling)
- Comfy clothes and layers (it gets chilly)
- A journal and pen for notes or thoughts
- A small toiletry bag for overnight stays
Pro tip💡: If this has been helpful, I have good news for you….I have a complete, comprehensive, “you won’t forget anything” guide for you and you can get it HERE
🧠 Mental and Emotional Prep: Grounding Before the Big Day
- Create a Calm Morning Plan: Pack everything the night before. Allow extra time to arrive. Play calming music or pray together if that’s part of your routine.
- Talk to Your Child (in Age-Appropriate Terms): Keep it honest but reassuring. Let them know the doctors and nurses are there to help their heart feel better. Your child will pick up on your confidence!
- Use the 5-5-5 Grounding Technique: 5 things you see, 5 you hear, 5 you feel. It helps anchor you during waves of anxiety. Look for Joy (it’s impossible to feel joy and fear at the same time!)
- Repeat Your Anchoring Phrase: Mine was, “Anything that comes my way, I can handle it” What’s yours?
- Positive Thoughts ONLY! You have to be a gatekeeper of your mind. No intrusive thoughts are allowed; only positive thoughts are granted access.
🤝 Know Your Team: Who’s Who in the OR and Beyond
It’s so helpful to know the roles of key team members before surgery:
- Pediatric Heart Surgeon – the person performing the surgery
- Assistant Surgeons/First Assist – Doctors or Advanced Practice Providers who assist the surgeon with the surgery
- Anesthesiologist – manages your child’s comfort and safety
- Perfusionist – an individual who runs the highly specialized Heart-Lung machine
- Pediatric Cardiologist – oversees heart care pre- and post-op
- Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant – often your go-to for updates, education, and questions
- Child Life Specialist – supports your child’s emotional needs
- OR/ICU Nurses – your angels in scrubs Pre/intra/post-op 💙
Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask names and write them down. They expect questions—and love when parents are involved!
📂 Keep It Organized: Paper + Digital = Peace of Mind
You’re not just packing a bag—you’re managing a mini medical mission.
Keep these key documents ready:
- Medications and allergy lists – Bring all medication bottles with you for verification
- Previous surgical and procedure dates
- Insurance card and ID
- A list of your questions
Pro Tip: Use a folder for paper copies and your phone for backups. Apps like MyChart or CareZone can help too. But don’t underestimate a good old-fashioned binder!
💬 Real Talk: What Other CHD Moms Wish They Knew
- “I wish I had asked someone to take notes during the post-op briefing.”
- “Don’t forget to eat. Even if it’s snack and a bottle of water”
- “There will be tubes and wires—but they mean your child is being cared for, not harmed.”
- “Pack your child’s favorite music—it calmed both of us.”
- “We’re blessed to live in a day and age that surgery is an option for my child.”
- “Let others help. Say yes to meals, childcare, and prayer.”
You don’t need to be superhuman. You just need to show up with love—and trust your preparation.
🌟 Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Mama
I know this journey is heavy. But preparation helps turn fear into focus. When we walk into the hospital with our questions ready, bags packed, and faith intact—we give our kids something powerful: our calm presence.
You’re not just a parent in the waiting room. You’re the heart of your child’s team. 💕
🙌 Need More Personalized Support?
When you’re ready to get personalized guidance for your family’s unique journey with pediatric congenital heart disease, contact Me today to schedule your free Discovery Call. My mission is to empower parents with expert insights, caring support, and the resources they need to navigate every step of the healthcare process.
Disclaimer:
The content provided on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am a licensed Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and while I share insights drawn from my extensive experience in pediatric care, the information presented here should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s health or medical condition. Reliance on any information provided on this blog is solely at your own risk. No doctor-patient relationship is formed by your use of this content, and I am not responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided herein.