What No One Tells You About Pediatric Surgery Recovery

The surgery might be over, but the hardest part often begins once you get home. In this episode of Born For This Stories, Johanna and Peter share the raw truth about pediatric surgery recovery - the sleepless nights, the emotional whiplash, and the gut-wrenching moments parents are rarely warned about. From the first 48 hours post-op to juggling pain management, catheters, regressions, and lingering caregiver PTSD, they open up about what it really looks like to walk your child through healing. This conversation isn't about fear; it's about validation. Because if you've ever sat awake at 2 a.m. wondering if your child's cry means pain or panic, or questioned whether you're "doing it right," you're not alone. In this episode: Why the first 48 hours post-op can feel overwhelming The emotional toll on caregivers (and how to breathe through it) Managing pain, anesthesia concerns, and post-op instructions at home The importance of trusting your gut when something doesn't feel right How recovery impacts siblings, routines, and family life Why healing is never linear—for kids or parents 👣 Share your story at bornforthestories.com 💛 Follow us on Instagram @bornforthestories 🙏 Please subscribe, rate, and share this episode to support other families