Caring for a child with an ostomy
Take heart...
...you will soon feel comfortable caring for
your child’s ostomy needs
It can be difficult watching your little one undergo ostomy surgery, even when you know it may be a lifesaving procedure. Many parents are in a state of shock, or feeling helpless, fearful, or anxious about caring for their child after surgery. But with the right support, patience, and a little practice, you can feel comfortable caring for your child’s ostomy needs.
When caring for your child’s ostomy, please remember these points:
- Feel comfortable picking up and holding your child as you normally would, unless there are other specific medical concerns indicated by your child’s healthcare team.
- Whenever possible, two family members should learn how to care for your child’s ostomy, so that you can provide help and emotional support to one another.
- ConvaTec has a Customer Relations Center available to answer your product-related questions, and to furnish product samples.
The information provided in these pages is general. Each child is different. Talk to your doctor, pediatric nurse, or stoma care specialist about specific medical questions concerning your child or infant.
This information was developed with the assistance of Sandy Quigley, CWOCN, CPNP, who is a clinical specialist in wound, ostomy, and continence care, as well as a pediatric nurse practitioner.