Member Articles

Find a hobby: Now is the time to pick up something you’ve wanted to learn. I’ve just started crocheting (well, I have the yarn and the book) and I am happy to have the time to do it. Use this time to practice old hobbies as well. Though I can’t get up and cook, I have been working on numerous new recipes to test out as soon as I can get back in the kitchen. Write, read a book, knit, do crosswords, paint by numbers.

Shop online: I know this isn’t great advice; we should be saving money since soon, our little one will drain us of all funds. However, the Internet is just an amazing resource and the options are endless. Look for nursing clothes, baby clothes, post baby clothes (!), holiday or birthday gifts, or nursery accessories.

Stretch: First, check with your doctor. If he/she gives you the thumbs up, take a few minutes to move to the floor and stretch out your neck, arms, and, if you’re able to, your legs. Research shows that people on total bed rest struggle with higher rates of both depression and blood clots, so move in whatever ways you can; every movement counts.

Reach out and touch someone: Perhaps this falls under “find a hobby,” but reconnecting with old friends is a good way to spend your time in a positive way. This is a great time to catch up with family and friends via email or, since time is not a commodity these days, the old fashioned way; everyone loves to receive a letter.

Document: Now is the perfect time to start your baby book or to write in a daily journal as you wait for the special arrival.

Accept help: Hopefully your friends and family are supportive enough to not jettison the country when you need them the most. Accept the lasagnas and offers to do laundry while you can. The pressures on your significant other inevitably will add up, and any help you can get might alleviate the stress it could cause you two.

Don’t let anyone tell you to “enjoy it”: Am I too spiteful? This advice makes me wince every time I hear it. No one enjoys being told what to do -- bed rest is no exception. Do enjoy the opportunity to rest and the opportunity to be waited on, but don’t accept this frustrating advice. People who say this have no idea how hard it is so hear, and from one bed rester to another, it’s okay to not enjoy it; just try to make the best of it. And always remember: In the end, it’s going to be well worth getting those couch imprints in your behind!"