To take my 3 year old to a breast appointment?

[KellyHall]

I've been referred to the hospital due to pain in my breasts. I was told you really need to take whatever appointment offered, so I did. Now it's tomorrow morning and I have no available childcare for my 3 year old dd.

Will it be a disaster?

You really need to be asking the hospital

Just take him with you, it will be fine. Women take babies and toddlers to appts all the time.

I had just had a breast appointment and it consisted of answering some questions and a breast examination. If your DC can sit still it will be fine. I was then referred for a mammogram and a scan but they are all done separately.

Take whatever will amuse them - snacks, screens (with headphones etc). Bribe them to sit still

If you think your DC can sit quietly, yes. If you think they might be unsettled I wouldn't. Some ladies might be stressed or distressed at a breast clinic.

I had a breast exam, an ultrasound and mammogram all in the same appointment. Unless he’s very biddable the latter two would have been tricky. If he runs off they would hav3 been impossible. Is there no one you can ask , a neighbour?

I took my 2 year old to a breast exam he screamed but a lovely nurse played with him - didn't take long.

Mammogram etc defo no

If it’s for tests then yes it’s it ideal but it’s ok. If it’s for results I wouldn’t in case it was bad news. You wouldn’t want to be managing a toddler and trying to take in information under stress.

I wouldn't. 3 year olds are prettty switched on. It may cause worry for your DD.

Can you hire a babysitter?

*it's not ideal

Thank you all for your replies.

She's usually very good when it matters, especially at the doctor's or hospital - she says she wants to be a doctor and watches like she's having a tutorial! She watched with great interest when I had my contraceptive implant removed from my arm and when I had my flu jab.
I will take her pushchair so she can't walk off, and her car activities, plus lots of snacks!

At my local breast clinic children (and men) are not allowed. Check before you go

If you don't have a choice, you don't have a choice. Just take lots of snacks.

I had a breast exam, an ultrasound and mammogram all in the same appointment. Unless he’s very biddable the latter two would have been tricky.

This ^

I've often taken DC to medical appointments at various different ages.

I had to get a lump checked last year, and brought along my 2 year old DS (as I couldn't get childcare for that day). There were also a couple of other Mums there with their young children. As long as you bring things to keep them entertained, I can't see an issue. We did have to wait quite a while before being seen, but he had books/snacks/tablet to keep him entertained. It was fine

Thank you everyone 👍

As it happened, dd had an awful nights sleep and slept through most of the appointment. She ate a sandwich while she watched my ultrasound with much curiosity.

Success!

Hope it was all ok for you.