(3-5yo)
Activities, Youth Sports & Play Dates
There are no restrictions on activities, but it is helpful to empty the pouch before naps and active activities to help prevent accidental leaks.
Consider discussing your child’s ostomy surgery with the parents/caretakers of their close friends as well as coaches or group or class leaders (such as dance teachers). Letting them know what to do if there is a pouch leak during a play date is important, and providing written instructions is helpful including how to contact you. Giving them reassurance that a pouch leak, although it may be upsetting, is not an emergency and should be thought of similar to a bowel movement or urinating accident that a child without an ostomy may have.
Vacationing & Traveling
Making sure to pack appropriate supplies when vacationing. It is always helpful to have extra appliances and extra set of clothing on hand—pack these in carry luggage when taking a flight, along with any medicines your child may be taking.
Know where the closest hospital is to your destination in case of an emergency.
Hope, support, and finding community
Parent Stories
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Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.
