How to Survive Bed Rest

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It might actually sound pretty cool to be “put on bed rest” for a day or two. I once thought the same thing. But I promise bed rest is not something you want your doctor to tell you that you must do. Factor in the stress of potentially delivering a preemie (and if you already have a child to tend to), the anxiety level shoots way up.

When I was pregnant with my now three-year-old daughter, I was put on bed rest for two-and-a-half months. Now with over 10 weeks of strict bed rest under my belt with baby number two, I have some tips on how to not go insane and/or die of boredom. In my case, I am allowed to get up to use the bathroom and take a shower. Other than that, I need to lie horizontally with my feet up.

If this is your first baby, not all of these tips apply.

A pregnant mom on bed rest lays on a reclined lounge chair.
This is round two with this beach lounge chair. I used it while on bed rest with my first, and I am using it again with this bed rest stint with Baby Girl Number 2.

Tips for Bed Rest

1. Look at the big picture.

You and your doctor both have a goal for you to deliver the healthiest baby possible. Bed rest is not forever. There are medical reasons your doctor has instructed you to, well, lie down. (When I started having contractions and had to stay in the hospital overnight at 24 weeks, I heard the doctor’s orders loud and clear.)

2. Accept help for your other child (children).

It takes a village, people; it really does. Family members, friends, and neighbors have stepped up to the plate to help me out. My mother-in-law came from three hours away to help out with my daughter for a whole week. My parents (who live here) have our little girl spend two nights a week at their house. Multiple friends have picked her up for playdates and outings.

3. Remind your other child (children) of the baby’s impending arrival.

I sound like a broken record having to continually explain to my daughter why I can’t get up, can’t help her take a bath, can’t pick her up, can’t take her anywhere . . . the list goes on. I say that I have to lie down because I am growing her baby sister. When we talk about her baby sister, she gets excited. I tell her that she is going to be a very helpful “big sister.”

4. Remember that food nourishes the soul.

I should know as I could have been the “baby weight” spokesperson when I was pregnant with my first. This go-round I still look forward to meals and snacks (probably more than the average pregnant woman). These “village people” have been so super kind in bringing my family meals. It alleviates a lot of stress to have a meal or two taken care of.

5. Don’t feel guilty for not being able to care for your child like you want to.

I constantly need a reminder of this advice. I have had babysitters take my daughter to birthday parties and other events I would have loved to have attended with her. It is weird that I have not been able to personally meet her camp instructors this summer. I have been unable to enjoy the beach and boat rides at all — something that is a huge part of summertime with my family.

My husband has stepped up to the plate and been amazingly helpful. Finally, a big thing is that my daughter’s grandmother was the one who successfully potty-trained her. I have to let it go and feel fortunate that there are those who are caring for her — and doing so in a nurturing, good way.

6. Stay connected.

I am not going to lie, the isolation that comes with bed rest can be depressing and confining. Thank God for Facebook, the internet, Instagram, and my good old phone for chatting and texting. I have been fortunate enough to have a revolving door of visitors. They don’t have to come for a long time (and could care less about the mess in my house), but to have human interaction is super therapeutic. I have a childhood friend who works near my house and every week she comes to eat her lunch with me.

7. Indulge in Netflix and books.

This is the one time (except if I have the flu) that a Netflix binge and reading for hours on end is perfectly okay. Television and books are a really good escape — they always have been.

8. Pamper yourself.

I try to put on real clothes every day. I am not sick, so getting dressed helps my brain to not think of myself as sick. I definitely don’t put on full-blown makeup and dress in a cute outfit accentuating my baby bump, but I am wearing actual clothes. I have arranged for my hair person to come to my house so I could get rid of my dreadful dark roots and get my locks trimmed. This week a friend’s mom is treating me to a manicure/ pedicure; her nail friend is coming to my house. I cannot wait! Also, remember how I said that my doctor said I could bathe every day? My baths are filled with luxurious items; taking a bath is something I can look forward to every day.

A side table in a living room holds supplies for a mom on best rest to get her hair done.
My hair person came to my house to give me a cut and color while I reclined in my beach lounge chair.

If you take away anything from these tips, I highly recommend being gentle with yourself during this time. It is easy to get frustrated. Once that new baby is placed in your arms, the weeks or months of bed rest will be a distant memory.

Have you ever been on bed rest? What did you do to survive?

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