Have you recently been told that your child will need to start a regimen of intermittent catheterization? If so, it’s normal to have a few fears about whether or not your child is ready to learn to self-catheterize. We have helpful tips for talking to your child about using pediatric catheters. It’s our goal to not only be here as your trusted catheter company but also offer the kind of support and resources that you and your child need as they transition to using catheters on their own.
Tips for Talking to Your Child About Using Pediatric Catheters
If your child needs to use catheters, they may experience a range of emotions. Some kids approach it like a new normal right off the bat and adjust quickly. Others may feel scared or anxious about the process. They might worry it will hurt or that their friends will know. The best way to help them through this transition is to talk to them. Here are a few tips that may help.
1. Let your child know they’re not alone.
It’s essential to reassure your child that they’re not alone in needing to use pediatric catheters. Make some time for a heart-to-heart conversation and let them know that many kids and people of all ages use catheters every day due to all kinds of medical conditions. There’s nothing wrong with needing to use catheters. Catheterization is just one of the many ways that people go to the bathroom. Using urinary catheters can help manage a wide variety of medical conditions and needs, such as spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, neurogenic bladder, urinary incontinence, and more.
Some people assume that only older adults need to use catheters, but children as young as newborns may sometimes require pediatric catheter supplies. Your child should understand that many people use catheters to drain their bladder and stay healthy.
2. Frame self-cathing as a normal part of their normal daily routine.
As you acclimate your child to the idea of self-catheterization, help them understand that this is just another normal part of the day. Everybody pees, after all. Some of us just pee differently. Intermittent catheters can help.
Normalizing the process of using catheters can help your child realize they’re not different from others just because they use catheters to manage their condition.
It’s important to explain that while the initial idea of using intermittent catheters may seem kind of scary, it won’t hurt. It will keep them healthy and free of an attached catheter drain bag.
However, if your child’s catheters ever hurt or cause pain, don’t force the catheter. There are ways to potentially make cathing less painful. First, however, talk to your child’s doctor about the situation.
In case of minor irritation or pain when cathing, it’s possible that a catheter type change could help. For example, hydrophilic pediatric catheters remain well-lubricated from start to finish, making cathing much more comfortable.
3. Teach the importance of hygiene to prevent UTIs.
When using catheters, practicing proper hygiene is an important part of keeping clean and preventing illness. Explain to your child why they must avoid urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other related infections or potential complications. It may help to explain the drawbacks, like having to go to the doctor or dealing with painful and even dangerous symptoms if left untreated.
You should always ensure your hands and/or your child’s hands are washed and cleaned before handling the catheters. Insertion supplies like antiseptic wipes and gloves can also help prevent contamination and infection risk.
180 Medical offers helpful instructional videos for boys and girls learning how to catheterize. You can find free downloadable instructions, booklets, and activities at howtocath.com.
Plus, our Pediatric Catheter Specialists can help you navigate your insurance coverage for pediatric catheters while finding the right catheter to fit your child’s needs, including touch-free catheter options that may help reduce the risk of infection.
4. Join the 180 Medical Kids Club.
The 180 Medical Kids Club is a great way to help both kids and parents/caregivers as you all navigate this new transition. Your child can explore a story with characters Ethan and Emma, who have spina bifida and use catheters independently.
The Kids Club offers fun activities with step-by-step, easy-to-understand instructions, making this a great way to help your child adjust to using pediatric catheters. Our unique and colorful booklets are educational and fun. Plus, the 180 Medical Kids Club can help your child understand that using a catheter is normal and manageable.
5. Get the right pediatric catheters for your child’s needs.
When it comes to intermittent catheters, it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. 180 Medical has over twenty years of experience in helping customers of all ages find just the right insurance-covered catheters for their unique needs.
We understand that what works for one person will not always work for another. That’s why we make it a point to carry an incredibly wide variety of catheter types from all the top brands on the market, so you have full freedom of choice.
Support for You and Your Child Every Step of the Way
Navigating using catheters with your child can feel overwhelming at first, but with open communication, the right resources, proper hygiene practices, and support from 180 Medical on your side, our child can adapt to their new catheterization routine with confidence.
Our staff undergoes extensive training to merit the title of Pediatric Catheter Specialist. Our specialists truly care about our customers, and they will listen to your needs, answer your questions, and even help you understand your health insurance’s catheter coverage. From providing pediatric catheterization education to finding just the right catheter for your child, we’re here for you every step of the way.
Reach out to us to get started by requesting free pediatric catheter samples.
