Seeing your child unwell is one of the hardest things any parent can face. For us, this became all too real when our eldest daughter was admitted to the hospital with breathing difficulties. It all happened so fast— what we thought was just a cough ended up with is being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance with the lights and sirens on.

The diagnosis? Two strains of Covid and pneumonia. The guilt I felt at only thinking it was a cough.

What followed was a six-day hospital stay that our brave little girl handled like a champ, while her mum and I tried to keep it together. It was a whirlwind of emotions, worry and sleepless nights but we learned a lot along the way.

So, we decided to share 5 things we learned during our time in the hospital—things we wish we’d known beforehand. Whether you’re a parent, a caregiver or just someone looking to understand what it’s like, we hope this helps!

1. Tag Teaming is Key

We had never really done the whole “tag team” parenting thing until this moment, but it became a lifesaver. With our youngest still breastfeeding and needing attention, we had to figure out a system that worked for everyone.

Here’s how we made it work: I stayed overnight in the hospital with our eldest while my wife took care of our little one at home. Then, in the morning, we’d switch—she’d take over at the hospital, and I’d head off to work. This back-and-forth routine wasn’t easy, but it kept us going during those tough six days.

2. Stay Strong (Even When It’s Hard)

One of the toughest parts of our hospital stay was seeing our daughter go through painful procedures. Injections, blood tests, and having a cannula inserted were all terrifying for her—and honestly, for us too.

Sometimes, the nurses needed us to help hold her still so they could do what was necessary. Hearing her scream, “Stop, it hurts!” while we held her down was absolutely heartbreaking. As parents, it felt like we were betraying her trust, even though we knew it was for her own good.

During those moments, we had to dig deep to stay strong—not just for our daughter but for each other. We kept reminding her (and ourselves) that this was to help her get better, even if it didn’t feel like it in the moment.

3. Planning Makes All the Difference

Once we realised we’d be in the hospital for several days, we had to switch into planning mode. It wasn’t just about supporting our daughter in the hospital; everything else in life still needed to run smoothly. Suddenly, we were organising everything with military precision!

Here are just a few of the things we had to plan for:

• Nursery drop-offs and pick-ups for our youngest daughter.
• Scheduling breastfeeding for our youngest daughter
• Coordinating with the school to see if we could keep up with schoolwork from the hospital.
• Communicating with our employers so they understood the situation. (Shoutout to my employer for being so supportive—it made a huge difference!)
• Making sure everyone—yes, including us—had eaten and stayed somewhat sane.
• Checking in on our cat to make sure she was okay too!

Thankfully, we had family nearby who stepped in to help when things got overwhelming. They provided strength and support when we needed it most. Of course, I know not everyone has this kind of backup, but if you do, don’t hesitate to lean on them. You’ll need it!

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

One of the hardest parts of being in the hospital is the uncertainty. Sitting in that room, staring at the oxygen monitor, and wondering when you might finally get to go home can feel endless.

What made things easier for us was realising it’s okay—actually, important—to ask questions. Don’t hesitate to speak up and ask the nurses or doctors to explain what’s happening even if it means them repeating what they have already told you. Whether it’s about your child’s treatment, the plan for the day, or even just an update on progress, staying informed can ease some of the stress.

And here’s the thing: you’re not a nuisance. The medical staff understand that this is a stressful time for your family, and they’re there to help you through it. Asking questions not only keeps you in the loop but also helps you advocate for your child, which is so important in moments like these.

5. Leaving the Hospital

The day we finally got to leave the hospital was exciting for our daughter—but for my wife and me, it was nerve-wracking. We couldn’t help but feel anxious, constantly listening to her breathing and worrying that we might have to come back.

Unfortunately, in our case, we did end up back in the hospital a few weeks later. This time, it was even harder because our daughter remembered everything from the first stay—the needles, the machines, the discomfort—which made it more challenging for everyone involved.

I don’t share this to scare you but to offer a bit of advice: if we could do it again, we’d push for a follow-up appointment. A check-up might have caught that there was still an infection lingering, potentially saving us from a second hospital stay.

So, while leaving the hospital is a huge relief, don’t hesitate to ask for follow-up care or extra guidance if you have any concerns. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

OUR FINAL THOUGHTS

I’m not going to sugarcoat it—this was one of the most stressful times of our lives, for both our daughter and us as parents. And while some might say experiences like this make you stronger, I honestly hope it’s one we never have to repeat.

Now, our daughter is on asthma medication as a preventative measure, and we’re doing everything we can to keep her healthy.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, I hope this blog helps you in some small way. Just remember: you’re not alone. It might feel isolating and overwhelming at the time, but there’s support out there—whether it’s from family, friends, or others who’ve been through it. You’ll get through this, one step at a time.