Surviving Bedrest
Bedrest is very difficult, both physically and emotionally. It can
be very isolating. Try to take it one day at a time, and know that you
are doing the very best thing for your babies.
- There are different levels of bedrest, so it is important to talk with your doctor about what level of activity is permitted. Ask questions and find out exactly what you can and cannot do while on bedrest. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders.
- Use a large calendar to track your progress. Ask a friend or family member to buy a large calendar for you, and then post it where you can see it. Use a bold marker to cross off each day that passes. It will help you to have a sense of accomplishment.
- Set small goals. For example, if you are put on bedrest at 26 weeks, set a goal of making it to 28 weeks. Once you hit 28 weeks, aim for 30 weeks and so forth.
- Discover a hobby. Try Sudoku puzzles, knitting, crocheting, digital scrapbooking, etc. You will need something enjoyable to help you pass the time.
- Accept all offers of help.
How can friends and family members help you?
-Bring a magazine.
-Bring a favorite meal or snack.
-Run errands.
-Go to the grocery store for you.
-Assist with the upkeep of your home.
-Help with household chores.
-Take care of your pets.
Additional suggestions if you are on bedrest at home:
- Shower, get dressed, and put on your make-up every day. You will likely come to treasure this time, as it will help you to feel better. Pull those cute maternity clothes out of the closet and wear them, even if you are the only one who seems them.
- Set a routine for your day and try to follow it. It makes every day predictable and manageable.
- Reconnect with friends over the phone.
- Use a laptop (preferably with wireless access). Borrow one from a friend if you have to! This way you can email, shop online, and surf the internet. You could also start a blog to help keep friends and family members updated on your pregnancy. When your babies are born, you can post the birth announcement and pictures on the blog.
- Go online and find a message board to help create a support group. You might consider trying “Sidelines National Support Network” to get support and find resources. You will likely find other people in similar situations who you can relate to, and you will be able to support one another.
- Get a subscription to Netflix. Overload your movie queue with “chick flicks.” Schedule a movie every day, and you will find that half of your morning or afternoon is gone.
- Have your husband prepare healthy snacks and meals ahead of time for you. Keep snacks and water bottles next to you, so you won’t have to get up when you want something. Use an insulated lunchbox with a couple of ice packs to keep everything cold.
- Consider going out to dinner with your husband on a set night every week. Be sure to ask for your doctor’s approval.
- Ask your doctor about the possibility of getting a massage, facial, pedicure, or other pampering treatment while you are on bedrest.
Additional suggestions if you are on bedrest at the hospital:
- Decorate the hospital room to make it feel more comfortable. Include pictures of your family and other personal touches. Add cards, flowers, and plants from your well wishers.
- Bring your favorite pillow and blanket from home.
- Bring your clothes, pajamas, and undergarments from home. The hospital will supply hospital gowns and mesh underwear, but those get old fast! You will feel better, and you will also be more comfortable when you have visitors.
- Bring a laptop computer and use the hospital’s wireless access (if available).
- Bring books to read. Include novels, parenting books, and even some children’s books that you can read to your babies.
- Keep some of your favorite snacks in your room for you and your husband. If possible, get a mini-fridge so you can have cold drinks and snacks.
- Try to have visitors spaced out when possible. For example, one friend could visit on Monday of each week, while another could come on Thursday. This keeps you busy, while also eliminating the issue of everyone coming at once. Ask your visitors to call ahead to make sure it is a good time for you.
- Bring a stack of thank you cards from home. Write thank you notes for your baby shower gifts (if you have not already done so) and also for any gifts you receive while on bedrest.
Additional suggestions if you have young children at home:
- Remember, this will be an adjustment for all of you. This transition can be hard on a child who is used to having mom as the primary caregiver. Use age-appropriate language to explain why mommy is “sick” and has to rest so much.
- Find a way to be involved in the everyday routine, even from your position in bed or on the couch. In the morning, you can help your child get dressed, brush teeth, and comb hair. Best of all, you can snuggle close and read stories before bedtime.
- Find special activities that you can do with your child. You can read books, draw pictures, use coloring books, play with puppets, etc. You can also set up a table or area where your child can play close to you.
- Provide opportunities for your child to help take care of you. Your child might enjoy making a snack for you, bringing you a drink, etc.
- Set up a play date for your child at your house, or make arrangements to have your child go to a friend’s house for an afternoon.