COVID-19 info: Surgeries are being scheduled at our surgery centers. We are taking precautions to keep your family safe. Learn more about what to expect for surgery »

Some surgeries are being scheduled at Children’s Minnesota Surgery Centers in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Children’s Minnesota Surgery and Specialty Center in Minnetonka continues to be temporarily closed.

A COVID-19 test is needed before scheduled surgeries at Children’s Minnesota. The COVID-19 test is important to ensure we can provide the best care and determine the timing for your child’s care and treatment.

If your child is scheduled for surgery at Children’s Minnesota, click here for more information about preparing for surgery at this time:
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Getting ready for surgery

To help you and your family prepare for surgery, we’ve compiled Children’s Minnesota resources specific to parents, teens and kids.

Self-care tips for parents

Parents, be good to yourselves.

It’s common for parents to focus solely on their children and neglect their own personal needs. But for you to be at your best — inspiring children with calm and confidence, keeping your energy levels up and staying healthy — parents need a self-care plan. Here are some tips developed by other Children’s Minnesota parents to help you be good to yourself.

The days leading up to surgery

Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Get all the sleep your body needs. Use relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety and stress and promote sleep, such as:

Yoga
Long walks or other exercise
Massage
Music
Hot baths
Quiet time alone
Deep breathing exercises
Guided imagery (imagine a place where you feel good)
Any other healthy techniques you have used in the past that work for you

The day of surgery

Your child must follow eating and drinking stop times on the day of surgery, so eat your healthy breakfast outside your child’s sight and smell. If you find you are not hungry, bring along a healthy snack. Drink plenty of liquids as well.

Bring along something to occupy your mind while your child is in surgery, like:

A book or magazine
Writing supplies for organizing a grocery or to-do list, jotting down thoughts, letters, etc.
A friend to wait with you (or set up a call if they can’t come)

During surgery

Remember to:

Use your relaxation techniques.
Talk with friends to help you feel better and pass the time.
Eat if you skipped a meal.

After surgery

Proper nutrition, rest, relaxation techniques, and support of friends are just as important after surgery.

Plan ahead for someone to help you care for your recovering child, whether at home or in the hospital.
Take time to refresh yourself, nap or just be alone for a bit. Rely on people close to you to provide you some break time.
In the hospital, your child’s nurse can assist you. Talk with them about your needs and develop a plan to address your own needs as well as those of your child.

You are not being selfish. Taking care of yourself helps you take better care of your child.