Beforehand
The anesthesiologist explains and tells you when your child is not allowed to eat and drink. Your child is usually allowed to choose the method for being put under: either by means of a mask or medication via the IV or the line. The medical pedagogical care providers prepare your child and explain what is about to happen. During anesthesia your child may not wear jewelry, make-up or nail polish.
Anesthesia during an examination
You arrive at the examination room with your child. Your child is given a wristband containing name and date of birth. A small red light is clamped on a finger or toe to measure oxygen levels in the blood. Once the anesthesiologist has put your child under, you may wait in the waiting room. Your child is continuously monitored by the anesthesia team.
Afterward
When the examination is finished, the anesthesia team stops administering the sleep medication to wake your child. You may then rejoin your child in the examination room or the recovery room. The nurse lets you know when you and your child may return to your room or go home.
Anesthesia during surgery
Your child is wheeled in bed to the operating room in the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital. You may accompany your child. The medical pedagogical care provider may go along as well. Patches are affixed to your child's chest to monitor their heartbeat. A small red light is clamped on a finger or toe to measure oxygen levels in the blood. Once the anesthesiologist has put your child under, you may wait outside the operating room. The anesthesia team monitors your child during the operation.
Afterward
After surgery, the anesthesia team stops administering the sleep medication to wake your child. Your child is brought to the recovery room where you may rejoin your child. Your child may still be drowsy or nauseous and might have a sore throat due to the tube that was inserted during surgery. This discomfort usually does not last long. Once fully awake, your child may have something to eat and drink. The nurse will tell you when you and your child may return to your room.