Opinions please....visiting someone in the hospital

Dawn5481 · October 2014

To preface, my LO is 7 weeks old. Yesterday, FI's dad was admitted to the ICU. Long story short, he has a myriad of health issues, and now his heart, kidneys, and lungs seem to be failing. I don't think he has much time left. My question is, would you risk bringing your healthy infant into a hospital setting so that her grandfather could see her one last time? I can't decide if my apprehension is FTM jitters or if my concern is warranted. TIA

Bythebeach09 · October 2014

I would do it and I would make it a quick visit. But, I took my babies everywhere. I just took germ precautions (hand washing, no one holding or touching baby, etc)

Helenahhandbasket · October 2014

I would, yes.

bearfootz · October 2014

If it's important to the grandfather and the ICU permits children then yes.

I think that the baby will be ok as you're going to control what she is around and she isn't going to be touching anything.

TheRunningGinger · October 2014

In this case, yes I would.

bumpuser260585 · October 2014

I would and did when DS1 was a baby. I kept him in his car seat and didn't let anyone touch him then we sanitized our hands when we left. It was important to me that my grandfather see him.

Sorry about your FI's dad.

carrotcake06 · October 2014

I would, but ditto pp about checking w the hospital first. They may not allow it.

I'd wear the baby to keep LO close to me and make sure I washed my hands / used sanitizer before touching LO.

Libby1978 · October 2014

Yes.

tattooedtragedy · October 2014

In this case I would, but check with the ICU first you may not be allowed to bring in the baby. ETA: apparently this had been covered. I'm sorry about your FI's Dad.

phunkyphish · October 2014

I'm sorry to hear that. I would totally do it in this situation, but I would wear her for sure.

Dawn5481 · October 2014

Thanks everyone! I appreciate it. I'll give the ICU a call and go from there. I've never been a huge fan of the in laws, but I think this would brighten his day. I think it's really important to FI too.

alisonc87 · October 2014

FWIW, I lost my mom unexpectedly in the spring (I was 6 months pregnant with my first), and she was in the ICU for 6 days, and was on life support throughout the entire stay, but responded to voices and touch. If I had had the opportunity to take my now 6 week DD to be there and see her before she passed, even with my mother in that poor of condition, I absolutely would have. If he is conscious and aware enough to enjoy the visit with your LO, it may be a way to give your child a last bit of to connection to their grandfather.

MrsRustyGriswold · October 2014

Coming out of lurking to share:

When I got the call that it was time to see my grandfather one last time, I raced out of work and made my way to the hospital. I was kind of shocked to see that my cousins had brought their 1 yo, and sort of upset by it. At first I thought "how inappropriate, I didn't bring my kids, what weirdos" and other things that I'm ashamed of now. (I partly blame the stressful situation, but do take ownership of those terrible thoughts.)

My grandfather was barely lucid and we really couldn't tell if he was hearing us or not as we all told him how much we loved him, etc. Then, the 1 yo did or said something (that for the life of me I can't remember now) that made my grandfather laugh, one last time. To this day, that laugh is one of my most cherished memories. And it never would have happened if they hadn't brought the baby with them.

So, what I'm saying is, definitely do it (if the hospital allows it), and also, don't be too harsh on anyone who might criticize you for it, they might just be having the same dumb knee-jerk reaction that I did.

MesmrEwe · October 2014

In this circumstance - ABSOLUTELY!!! Given his condition, I can't imagine they'd deny entry so LO can meet/take a picture with GP before it has potential to be "too late" given what you've posted. Obviously, take proper precautions, but I'd say "FTM jitters" - go visit!!!

RondackHiker · October 2014

Even if the ICU doesn't typically allow babies, they'll often make exceptions for end stage patients. Ask the patient advocate or his doctor.

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Opinions please....visiting someone in the hospital

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