Ways to Support a Child Born with a Heart Defect
Being born with any congenital condition is always difficult. For children born with a heart defect, there is an issue in the way their heart is formed and how it works starting from birth. Some of these heart defects are mild and may not need any treatment. However, for children born with critical heart defects it means a heart disorder treatment and lifelong care.
With improvements in medical facilities, many children grow up to love normal lives on getting the right heart disorder treatment. However, this does also require creating an optimum environment where the child can thrive and grow. Soma ways to support a child born with a heart defect are as follows:
Understanding the Diagnosis: There are different types of heart defects. Some heart defects are very mild and hence do not need any heart disorder treatment. Other heart defects are more severe and may need interventions such as Cath Lab procedures, surgeries, medications etc. Since treatment depends on the type of defect, it is important for parents to understand the child’s condition. Only when parents are aligned in term of the diagnosis will they be able to get the child the appropriate medical help.
Getting the right information: Information is the key to a successful treatment and management of any condition. For parents whose child has been diagnosed with a heart defect, it is important to research and find out more about the condition. Today the internet has made it possible to open a library of information about a particular diagnosis at the click of a finger. Hence reading and researching to understand the diagnosis, the type of heart disorder treatment, prognosis, what to expect and what not to expect helps one wear the right gear before embarking on the journey. Speaking to the right doctor, other parents whose children have been through similar experiences can be extremely helpful. Parents can ask the doctor to put them in touch with a family who has been through similar conditions. Parents can also reach out to a Child Heart Foundation to guide them through this process.
Medical Care: It is important for children with heart defects and the parents to always remain in touch with a pediatric cardiologist. Regular visits to a pediatric cardiologist are important as one can make sure that the child is developing fine and that there is no room for surprises. Any issue, if it occurs, can be diagnosed and arrested on time. It is equally important to follow the medical advice given by the treating pediatric cardiologist.
Emotional Support: a diagnosis of a Congenital Heart Defect(CHD) can be very overwhelming for the child. Visits to the doctor, hospitals, medical investigations and interventions are bound to put the children on an emotional roller coaster. It is important to emotionally support your children. For infants and younger babies, hugs, cuddles and making sure they get adequate rest is very important. For older children, explaining to them about their condition in simple terms helps prepare them for the future. Preparing them before a procedure helps them to deal with anxiety and fear as they know what to expect. Making a small picture story and walking them through what to expect can help prepare them better.
Nutrition and Lifestyle: Giving the child the right nutritional support is important for their growth and development. Again, it is helpful to get information from the child’s medical team about the nutritional needs of the child and ensure that the needs are met.
It is normal as parents to don the protective suit and always protect the child. But it is important for the child to live as normal as a life as possible. Once the doctors, have given the go-aheads, it is important to let the child lead as normal a life as possible and participate in all activities.
Developmental Support: children who have severe heart defects sometimes end up missing school until they have gone through the required interventions. It is important to give the child additional help that they may need for academics and other activities in school.
Financial Support: A heart disorder treatment can be very expensive and out of reach for many parents. In such cases connecting with a child heart foundation can help parents arrange the finances needed.
Preparing for adult hood. Today, with improvements in medical interventions, many children with heart defects are able to get the right heart disorder treatment and able to address their condition. However, as is said, once a CHD always a CHD. Even after interventions, it is important to continue with follow-ups and stay close to the doctors for life. Hence preparing the child, as he/she moves into adulthood, to understand the condition and the management for the same is important. The child needs to understand the details about the condition, the details of the procedures they have gone through if any and the importance of following up with a cardiologist.
Equipping yourself: Most importantly, parents of children born with a heart defect have to ensure that they are emotionally fine. Raising a child with a congenital heart defect can be draining. It is very common to feel isolated when your child is going through a condition like a heart defect. Addressing the mental health sof parents is critical. It is extremely important to be able to connect emotionally with someone who can help the parents get the right emotional support for themselves. Being a part of support groups, connecting with a mental health professional, are some ways one can address this. Parents need to remember that the child is OK with they are OK.
