Q: If my child is diagnosed with a heart condition, what can we expect?
A: Once your pediatrician refers you to Rainbow, you’ll meet with one of our specialists who will take a thorough history and may recommend further tests. If your child needs surgery, he’ll meet one of our Child Life specialists who will help him understand what to expect if he comes to Rainbow.


Q: Will my child have to be hospitalized for the tests?
A: Most pre-operation studies are performed on an outpatient basis. You are welcome to be with your child—and be reassured that he’s being cared for by the best professionals in the finest facility in the region.


Q: If my child has to have an operation, won’t she be frightened?
Every staff member at Rainbow is devoted to helping calm your child’s natural fear and anxiety. By the time an operation is scheduled, you and he will both have visited the facility, met some of the staff, and seen firsthand the equipment that might be involved during the operation. On the morning of the procedure, you’ll both meet the specific staff members who’ll be working with you—including people like our child-friendly anesthesiologist, who might do a few magic tricks as your child is drifting off to sleep.


Q: Can I be near my child during the operation?
A: Although for safety reasons you can’t be in the actual operating room during the procedure, you are most assuredly encouraged to be close by at all times, night or day. Rainbow has accommodations ready for you.


Q: Can I pass heart disease on to my baby?
Studies indicate that just under 1% of babies across all social, economic, and geographical boundaries will have some form of congenital heart disease. Most of these illnesses are thought to be passed to the fetus through the genetic code, but the specific gene(s) responsible have not been identified. An ultrasound can detect heart abnormalities prior to delivery.


Q: If my child is diagnosed with heart disease, does that mean he’ll never have a normal life?
A: Each type of heart disease is unique, as is your child. Your specialist will help her understand what she can or should not do. Your main job as a caring parent is to support her and help her stick to activity guidelines that will let her live as fully and actively as possible.


Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Visit other areas of the Rainbow website to learn about all the various medical specialists who will be available while your child is a patient with us. Also, you can find more information on the Internet. Visit here to find reliable information, support services, and resources for families of children with heart problems.