Being a mom is both a challenge and fulfillment. From pregnancy to giving birth, to taking care of a child, is a bit of a handful. The trial begins with pregnancy. The morning sickness and the changes in the body can sometimes become too much to bear. What more would a pregnant woman feel if she is set for bed rest?
ParentMap says that the word rest in bed rest is a trick because this "rest" is not relaxing at all.
Being stuck in bed for weeks can bring different emotions to a mother-to-be. The fear about the baby's condition or the stress of not being able to do usual activities is daunting.
However, moms who have been through it would say the baby's safety is more important than anything else.
So for those who were required to be on bed rest, here are some tips on how to cope with it:
1. Have a good supply of books and magazines.
If you are into reading and have been looking for time to read, this is probably the best time to read the book you have meant to read. The magazines which you probably bought and promised to browse is waiting at the rack, so this is the chance to read them as a pleasure.
2. Join an online support group.
Believe it or not, you are not the only person who is going through this. There are online support groups that are solely dedicated to moms who are o bed rest. Some of these groups are Mamas on Bedrest & Beyond, Bed rest mommies, and many more. Through these groups, you will not only hear or read stories from people who went through the same phase but may get a few tips from them as well.
3. Try upper and lower body exercises.
Depending on the kind of bed rest that you are supposed to have, some exercises or physical activities may not only be good for you but also the baby. Some of these are shoulder exercises, cat stretches for the back, knee raises, and flexing of feet and toes.
A good way of maintaining the uterus' good condition is sleeping on your side rather than on your back.
Still, it would be best to consult your doctor regarding physical activities.
4. Set up a routine.
Although lying on bed and watching your favorite TV show may sound like a delight, this may also take a toll. Establishing a new kind of normal through a routine can be a better approach when in bed rest. If you do this, you will see that there are activities that you can still try during some of your free time, making boredom leave out of the window.
5. Ask for help.
When everything seems to be too difficult to handle, asking for help can reduce stress. The support that you get from the people around you can make the bed rest a lighter load because you feel that you are not alone in keeping your baby safe.
