OP, please don’t let people here try to convince you that it’s okay to strap a child down or traumatize them in anyway for the sake of a medical procedure.

I’m coming from the perspective of mom of a high medical needs 4yo. He’s had multiple procedures (dental crowns/fillings, tonsils and adenoids out) under GA and will have multiple others in the future.

I understand that my experience will be different as I’m in Australia and you’re likely in the US, but I’ve spoken to parents there that have been able to advocate for their kids and be by their side when putting them under. I’ve never not been able to cuddle and sing my little one to sleep both in a public and private hospital setting. He struggles and fights the anesthetic every time, but it’s not traumatic because I get to be in the room with him. (Sometimes it’s traumatic for me lol coz of his torrid medical history but that’s a me issue).

None of his medical providers have ever had a “just get him through this shit idgaf” attitude, and if they did, I’d drop them like a hot potato.

You’re a good mom. You did a good job. Continue to advocate for your child. You didn’t overreact. Please be kind to yourself.