Bed Rest survival guide
So, your physician has indicated that you have a "high risk" pregnancy and need to be on bed rest. While being on bedrest is extremely frustrating, there are things you can do to make it more tolerable:
– Find out exactly what activities are forbidden and plan accordingly.
– Develop a schedule. You’ll feel more in control of things if everything has its own time. For example, pay bills on Monday, write in your pregnancy journal on Thursdays, etc.
– Set up a bedside cooler packed with a lunch, snacks, and beverages. This will help with feelings of independence.
– If you are able, purchase or rent a laptop computer to stay connected to friends and family via the Internet.
– Get cups with lids and straws.
– Reserve books at the local library via phone or Internet, and ask friends or family to pick them up for you.
– Get a membership with a mail-order video rental company such as NetFlix or Blockbuster online.
– Get a crock pot and plan on using it, or teaching your partner to use it.
– Get extra keys for friends and neighbors.
– Call baby product companies or locate them on the Web. Register for freebies. Request catalogs.
– Finish projects, such as updating your address book or photo albums. Do your Christmas cards (even if it is only February!)
– Keep a notebook for recording all to-do’s, questions for doctors, phone numbers.
– Keep a box of wipes handy to clean your hands throughout the day.
– Get a big wastebasket, one that can capture the newspaper, junk mail, and the wrappings from food.
– Let your partner know that his normally agreeable wife may have an irrational crying fit while on bedrest.
– Encourage your partner to take a vacation day at least once each month, so that he can either get a break or get things done on a weekday.
– Ask friends to toss in a load of laundry and keep you company while they wait to fold it.
– Collect take-out menus for you.
– Make sure everyone that offers to help is given an opportunity. Put them on a schedule with regular routines they can schedule and that you can count on.
– Invite friends over for a Friday night video and pizza party in your bedroom.
– Don’t feel obligated to be productive. Your main purpose at this time is to keep yourself and your baby healthy.
– Communicate with your partner. Share in his frustrations as he shares in yours.