To take baby to hospital visit?

[Beeloux]

Hi all,
Looking for some advice. DF (56) rang early this morning to tell me that DSM took him to A&E last night as he had sudden memory loss and couldn’t remember anything from yesterday evening. He was also very confused and couldn’t remember that he had been on holiday last month or that I moved back into the area a few months ago. They did a CT scan and suspect a TIA and ‘abnormality/blockage of the basilar artery’. He also said he had been experiencing tingling on one side of his face daily for the last few months but had put it down to tiredness. He’s in an AEU ward and waiting on an MRI scan which will hopefully be done in the morning. I visited him today and he seemed well in himself but understandably worried.

I’m a single mum, ds1 is currently at his dads until Monday but ds2’s (8 months) dad isn’t involved so he’s never been apart from me. DSM babysat him while I went to visit DF today but he cried the entire time (I think he’s going through separation anxiety because as soon as I’m out of his sight he cries).

I was wanting to visit DF tomorrow but wibu to bring ds2 with me? He’s normally very placid and happily sits in his pushchair. I did see a notice up saying it’s not recommended to bring under 12’s on the ward but I’m not sure what the stance is on babies or if it’s a strict no? I was planning to call the ward to check but any advice/experience regarding the situation much appreciated. 🙂

Generally on the ward (except intensive care) children can visit at parent's discretion. This is always on condition that they don't disturb others on the ward nor will be upset by the experience - neither of which seems to be a factor for you.

Can you meet dsm there and she take him for a walk while you visit?

I would if I was in your shoes.
My cousin is taking her baby to see my uncle in hospital who's had a stroke.
Will also help lift your DFs spirits x

I’d check with the ward. One of my DC has been in hospital recently and I wasn’t allowed to take the baby in to visit, which was a massive fucking ballache.

I took my son to a few hospital visits at that age. Similar situation in that he wasn't used to being away from me and leaving him with someone else would have just added more stress to an already upsetting situation. Only issue was his fascination with the IV line - he kept trying to grab it so do keep a close eye and keep him well away from any tubes/wires!

I'm a nurse and see no issue with a settled baby being on the ward. I'm not sure about the pushchair though. Some (most) hospital rooms have very limited space. I always took my baby in his carrier.

Thanks all, I’ll give them a call in the morning but hopefully they allow me to take ds. Had an update that the consultant has referred him for an urgent MRI scan tonight so I’m very worried.
DM passed away of a sudden heat failure when I was a child so it’s bringing back bad memories 😔

I think you should be fine as long as he's settled and you take him out if he's crying a lot and disturbing other patients. Hospitals are busy places so he'll probably be kept occupied looking around at everything going on! Hope your dad makes a full recovery 💐 my dad had a few TIAs and once diagnosed and put on medication, he didn't have any more problems.

I wouldn't take my baby on a hospital ward due to infection risk

I would! It would brighten up your df too! Xx

Thanks all and apologies for my late update 😊, I rang the ward and they said strictly no kids under 12 allowed in . DF was discharged yesterday and they suspect he had ‘transient global amnesia’. Most recent mri showed one of the arteries is narrower than it should be but they didn’t seem concerned. Still feeling quite worried after he mentioned he’s had daily tingling on one side of his face for months but hopefully it’s nothing to worry about xx