Surviving Bed Rest

A dear friend of mine was recently put on bed rest and as I was writing her an email with ideas and tips and it brought me back to my own stint on bed rest 5+ years ago...  I was on strict bed rest at home for 5 weeks and hospital bed rest for about 3 weeks.  For my friend and all of you out there on bed rest, I'm sorry this is what you're dealing with, I know its not how you pictured your pregnancy.  But if you're on bed rest it's for a reason; I promise you that you will not regret following your doctors orders and sticking to bed rest.. no matter how boring it is.  But I do regret the times I snuck around the kitchen... So here are my tips for getting through it and surviving bed rest:

• I know it can be hard, but let people help!
• Don't sweat the small stuff- including the condition of your house
• If you can swing it, hire a cleaning person and if you can't and family members are asking how they can help, maybe they can chip in and get you a few cleanings..
• Don't feel like you have to say yes to every visitor...
• If your job is adding stress, try to take disability instead of working from home.. the added stress is not doing anything to help you or your baby..
• Get a recliner- I don't always love the way they look, but they are perfect for bed rest- you def. need a change of pace and to get out of bed
• Join an online support group with others on bed rest or in a similar situation
• If your stylist makes house calls have her come over and for a fresh style or even just a blow-out
• Take up a craft/hobby that doesn't require a lot of materials or movement... I took up knitting and made several hats throughout bed rest and our time in the NICU
• Get into a series of shows-  5 years ago I was in to watching Brothers & Sisters and Friday Night Lights (2 all time favorite series) but there are so many great ones out there.. I just wouldn't go to heavy..
• Get some good reads- light "beach" reads are awesome but whatever you're into... maybe even start a virtual book club with friends
• Ask your doc about seated exercises to keep the blood flow going in your legs
• If your doctor approves it, get someone to come over and do a massage and/or reiki treatments
• Invite over visitors that your truly want to connect with and are comfortaibale just hanging with...you don't need pressure or stress.. don't bother with guests that you feel like you have to entertain, or are worried about cleaning for etc...
• If your doc says it's ok to sit up and use the computer, donate some of your time... If have an organization or cause your passionate about, spend some of your time helping out from "bed"..  Maybe you can help with an event.. solicit sponsorship or donations, making phone calls, sending emails etc.. don't add pressure or stress, but helping a cause can definitely help you feel positive and accomplished