Need Suggestions for Care Package

If she's going to be there around the clock the whole time, then she may need someone to bring a change of clothes. Or someone to sit with her child so she won't worry while she steps out for a walk, meal, or shower to recharge.

been there, lived this life....here's what I've found to be helpful:

fresh fruit....some apples, oranges, etc
P.B & crackers
small container of prepped vegies.
chocolate
& any other misc food items which can be easily eaten...it was all-important to me NOT to leave to eat. This held true for our daughter's heart surgery, for our son's childhood osteo surgeries for his hip, & for my DH's heart surgery. I had a sturdy bag which could be zipped close (to keep everything clean & private). I restocked it each day from the cooler in my truck which my Mom kept restocked for me. I also had small plates, napkins, plastic utensils, & ziplocs in the bag. & in each case, the nurses kept me well-stocked with drinks....a very nice touch on their part. Occasionally, other family members would bring in meals for me....so it all worked out great.

In my personal care kit, I had my basic care supplies + a few other items:
hand lotion & chapstick....it's very dry in the hospital
Vicks & mints for the same reason!
pens, my notebook....because I wrote down everything the drs said
a puzzle book
a reading book...which was very difficult to concentrate on
a supply of my Grandmother's hankies...I hate Kleenex
my camera
my phone charger
a small blanket & pillow
+ my daily change of clothes, pjs, & houseshoes.

All of this helped me get thru our hospital stays. My DH always jokes about needing a trailer to haul my "stuff" around....but, in the end, it all gets used & is always appreciated - not only by my family, but by visitors too! Wishing your nephew a speedy & complete recovery.....Peace.

-single serve protien bars
- magazines
- word puzzles
- a compact blanket
- neck pillow
- toiletries

.

Good Food Healthy, but tasty. (also some junk food, every once in a while)
Her pillow
Tina Feys book ~ Smarty Pants
Mints or hard candies
Good coffee
Chocolate
People magazine
Good hand cream

And call her and ask what she would like.

Call and see what she needs AND make a care pkg. Maybe toiletries, magazines, DVD movies, calling card minutes, snacks, body pillow to help her get comfy, books, Starbucks gift card, bring her lunch, etc

I spent around the clock with my mother when she had open heart surgery. I was too tired to do anything but sleep whenever I got a chance to do so. Nurses are in and out all night long as well as all day. And then there's the stress of concern for your loved one.

I suggest that the best thing you can do is let her know that you're there for her to do what ever she would like you to do. Does she have other children? Perhaps spend some time with them and let her know how they're doing. Perhaps meeting her for lunch would give her some respite. Friends took me to lunch one day and listened to my concerns. I greatly appreciated that lunch time.

I did skim through magazines because it was a time filler that didn't require thinking. I couldn't read or work puzzles. They required too much concentration.

Just knowing that you care will mean much to her.

Well, don't know how much you want to spend, but if you are very close and want to spend a bit, how about a Nook. She can read books, magazines, play some video games etc. If not, magazines, books, if you
have an i pod she can borrow, soothing music would be nice, especially at
night. Maybe a few snacks, hard candies (hospitals tend to be dry), gum (if she chews it). Do not forget something for the baby. You will be surprised
how fast little ones bounce back from surgery, yes, even open heart surgery. They are amazing. Hope this helps a bit.

Gum and dental floss! My son was in the NICU for 2 months and I stayed with him during the day (I wasn't allowed to spend the night). I never felt comfortable brushing my teeth in the bathroom and spitting into the sink in front of others.

May your nephew's recovery go smoothly. What a brave little guy!