I can’t believe that I have already been on bed rest for 3 weeks. Part of me feels like I am counting down the days of my pregnancy but then you also start to lose track of time. It has not been too bad. Some days are better than others. The most frustrating things for me are feeling lazy and not being able to do things for myself. But doing what it best for Mathis and me is well worth it! So here are some things that have helped me survive bed rest.
Get a good set-up
Thank goodness we have a comfy couch, so I can spend time during the day on it and not in bed all day and night. The 1st thing my mom went out and got me was a bed rest pillow. I have never owned one of these pillows and it has been awesome – a must! She also got me a TV tray, also a must. Sticky Notes – perfect for making To Do Lists. A Lap Desk. Thank you notes – the perfect time to catch up on writing thank you notes from showers. Storage Bucket – good for keeping things close at hand, since you can’t run around the house every time you need something.
[Bed Rest Pillow] [TV tray] [Sticky Notes] [Lap Desk] [Thank You Notes] [Fabric Storage Bucket]
And of course the electronics (computer, DVD’s, thank goodness for DVR, etc.) will provide a lot of entertainment. Especially with Facebook, Pinterest, etc. The Olympics have provided a lot of entertainment as well! I have also completed 20 hours of continuing education – that I need for my nursing license – so glad that is done! Since I can’t go to church I have really enjoyed watching the podcasts at http://clifec.com/sermons/. I have enjoyed the app on my iPhone to read through the Bible in a year, reading my bible and great worship music. I finished reading Catching Fire (the 2nd Hunger Games book) and also finished Baby Wise.
Try to stay healthy. Which sounds impossible when you are bed rest and I have not done a good job of this! It is super easy to eat junk food since I can’t cook, so it is important to have healthy snacks on hand. Lots of fruits and vegetables! We have been blessed to have a CareCalendar set up for us – Thanks Tricia – this has been awesome! She was going to set this up for us once Mathis arrived, but since I am not able to cook and Charlie has started paramedic school we started it early. So are friends and family have signed up to bring us meals twice a week. I even found some bed rest exercises that you can do – found HERE. This might be TMI but I wish I would have started this sooner than later – a stool softener/gentle laxative. Whatever your doctor says you can have. The decrease in mobility definitely had an affect on my body, so Miralax and Colace are my new friends, ha ha. Another must is an insulated cup – I would recommend a large one so you don’t have to fill it up as often. Very important to drink lots of water (for several reasons) so this is great.
And of course a huge encouragement are calls, texts and visits from friends and family. Whether they are coming to visit, texting/calling, sending care packages (thank you KA – this made my day), running errands for you, bringing meals, or praying for you. This is the best! We have the best family and friends – they have been so helpful! Thanks everyone! This blog also has some good tips for bed rest – check out her post – The Control Freak’s Guide to Surviving Bed Rest.
Madison – my bed rest buddy 
…Love when this little baby visits! This picture of her cracks me up! ha ha
