Tubes

[Jillian B. Fetters]

It looks like my daughter will be needing tubes in her ears. I am not so sure about them, but alternative treatments have seemed to fail. Any thoughts?

[Angela Nettuno]

Go for it.  No harm can be done.  Recent research shows that excessive ear infections as a baby/young child may contribute to learning challenges later.  Better safe than sorry.  Good luck.

[Christy Garrett]

This surgery is quick and painless.  It takes about 5 to 10 min.  Frequent ear infections can lead to hearing loss so I think it is best to put tubes in their ears.

[Jillian B. Fetters]

Thanks ladies. Here is another thing that is bothering me- I am (for the most part) a practicing  attachment parent. I am struggling with her being by herself for the surgery. Just thinking of them rolling her away from me and the look on her face as they take her away is killing me. Me not being there is out of the question. Any advice on how to handle this?

[Angela Nettuno]

I don't know her age, so it's hard to say, however, even a 1 year old can understand most of what we say to them.  That being said, i would just tell her that the Dr is going to make her ears better so they don't hurt anymore.  She needs to be brave and go w/him and mommy will be right back to see her.  She won't remember anything after that and you will be there when she awakens!  Good luck.  :)

[Christy Garrett]

I remember when I did this with both of my younger kids.  You can stay with him when they your baby under.  And as soon as they return to you from surgery, they are awake enough and can nurse.  Mine were around 1 year old when they had tubes and they were none the wiser that they were even away from me.

[Jillian B. Fetters]

Thanks for the reassurance. My grandmother (who has a weird baby sixth sense) told my aunt that she thinks Astin is having trouble hearing. That right there is enough reason for me to suck it up and get it done. She knew Astin was not getting the nutrients needed while nursing and it was confirmed by a lactation consultant the next week- the lady knows her baby stuff! I'll let y'all know how it goes.

[Christy Garrett]

Good luck Jillian and I hope that he feels better quickly.