massage
Mamas on Bedrest: 4 Must Haves for Bed Rest
February 2nd, 2012Recently I was contacted by a writer for the Huffington Post (yes, we’re headed for the big time, Mamas!!) and was asked,
“What would you consider essential for a mama on bed rest?”
I didn’t have to think very hard. Beyond a computer for internet access, a tv and remote control and handy snacks, there are 4 things that I believe EVERY mama on bed rest needs. Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, consider giving mama one of these “Must Haves” to better her bed rest.
Help. While issues such as bleeding and preterm labor can occur emergently, the bed rest prescription often comes out of the blue and as a complete surprise to mamas. A mama arrives at the OB for what she thinks is a routine office visit, a complication is noted and then she is either sent home on bed rest or admitted to the hospital. From that point on, she is in reaction mode. She has to deal with her job, make arrangements for childcare, make arrangements for household care….Mama needs help. If you can assist mama with childcare, house keeping, shopping, or managing any of her other myriad of obligations, you will be bringing mama much needed relief.
Body Pillow. Pillow support is a must for mamas on bed rest. At any given time I had about 6 pillows wedged around me, including a full body pillow, my “main squeeze” at the time. (Didn’t leave much room for the husband, but I was comfy!!) Body pillows have come a long way since my pregnancies but one that I like is sold by Special Addition Maternity and Nursing Store called the Snoogle (R). This large c-shaped pillow is long enough so that mama can wrap herself around the pillow and support her knees, hips, belly and neck. It is reasonably priced and can be shipped just about anywhere. Covers for Snoogles are also available. For tips on how to best position yourself while on bed rest, check out our on the subject.
Massage. Contrary to popular belief, being on bed rest is not fun nor is it restful or comfortable. Even with a body pillow for support, mamas develop various aches, pains and stiffness. Additionally, since they are not very mobile, they don’t have their usual circulation and may develop distal extremity swelling. If at all possible, I recommend that mamas on bed rest have massages at least once a month-2 times a month or even weekly if possible (but that can be pricey, I know!!). A skilled prenatal massage therapist can not only soothe mama’s sore and achey muscles, she can stimulate circulation so that blood is flowing back up towards the heart and reduce swelling-especially in mama’s lower legs and feet. A skilled massage therapist can also massage to stimulate lymphatic drainage, again moving fluid out of the distal extremities (hands and feet) where it tends to pool.
Bedrest Fitness. Mamas on bed rest, like all mamas need to move. The problem is they are on restricted activity so most mamas have no idea what they can do. When I was facing bed rest, this was one of my major concerns, especially since I was a prenatal fitness instructor. So I produced Bedrest Fitness, a set of modified prenatal exercises for women on prescribed bed rest. To see a sample of what Bedrest Fitness is all about, click here. You can purchase a copy here.
So those are the 4 “Must Haves” for Mamas on Bedrest. Of course there are other things that will only make her bed rest situation better, but the aforementioned items are the minimum. Mamas, what are your “Must Haves” for a better bed rest? Be the first to Share your comments below and receive a gift card. We’d love to hear from you and your suggestion may be just what another mama needs.
4 Tips to Relieve Mamas’ (on Bedrest) Aching Back
September 21st, 2011Christy (not her real name), mom to one of my son’s classmates is 32 weeks pregnant with her second child. She has just recently started having lots of lumbar/sacral discomfort and asked me what she can do for relief. I shared my recommendations with her, but I consulted with some other birth pros upon whom I rely on T. If you are not following Desirre Andrews or @Preparing4Birth, you should be. Desirre is an awesome doula, childbirth educator, lactation educator, midwife assistant and the president of International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN). Jes von Henzke @Sadayagoga is a yoga teacher and practitioner who shared her expertise as well.
First things first. What’s going on? Well, at 32 weeks, Christy has a lot of Relaxin in her system. As you’ll recall, Relaxin is the hormone that relaxes the tendons and ligaments of the body. During labor and delivery, it enables the pelvis to freely move (separate) and allow passage of the baby during delivery.
Additionally, Christy is experiencing a lot of stretching as her baby to grows in these last few weeks. The added weight from her belly is creating an opposing force on the muscles, tendons and ligaments of her spine, abdomen and pelvis as they work to stabilize her posture and support her pregnancy.
So what should Christy do? Here is what we came up with.
Maternity Support Belt. This was an invaluable article of “clothing” for both of my pregnancies. Being just 5 ft tall, once my belly became sizable (at just 16 weeks with my second!), my back began to feel the strain. With my daughter, my first pregnancy, she sat in my pelvis such that I developed sciatica at about 22 weeks and could barely put weight on my left leg. A friend referred me Special Addition a local maternity store here in Austin, for a good pelvic/lumbar/sacral support. The great thing about Special Addition is that all of the sales clerks are doulas and lactation consultants with years of experience helping pregnant and new mamas. They fit me for a belt that was just perfect. Special Addition also has a wonderful online inventory and you can call and speak with these wonderful sales clerks and they can help you get the best support for your needs. (If you know of a great Maternity Boutique, tell us about them in the comments section. We’ll create a category in our resources section so that other mamas can benefit. Be sure to tell us why they are great so Mamas can make wise and informed choices!)
Prenatal Massage. Another lifesaver for me. When I was pregnant, I had a massage about once a month. It was so wonderful and relaxing. Additionally, a skilled prenatal massage therapist can work the muscles that are under stress due to the pregnancy without causing additional discomfort. Many doulas are also massage therapists. Again, if you know of a great therapist in your area, share the info in our comments section so other mamas can benefit.
Chiropractic Care. I didn’t do chiropractic care during my pregnancies, but I hear that chiropractic manipulations during pregnancy can be very beneficial. Be sure to choose a chiropractor who has skill and expertise manipulating pregnant women. Check out their credentials and get referrals whenever possible. Share a good resource in the comments section.
Muscular Movement. I actually taught prenatal aerobics during both my pregnancies (which nearly gave my OB a heart attack with my first-the most high risk!!). Moving and stretching enables the soft tissues most affected by the weight of the pregnancy to stretch and then to repair. Again, please try to stick with classes that are designed to accommodate the pregnant physique. And Mamas on Bedrest, we’ve not forgotten you. Online Bedrest Fitness begins with a free demo class on September 28th, 9:15-10:15 am CT. Send an e-mail to info@mamasonbedrest.com to register and receive login information.
Do you have other tips? Share them in the comments section below. Or if you’d prefer, send them to info@mamasonbedrest.com.
If you’d like to talk more about back pain relief, post a message on Twitter to @mamasonbedrest. You can also post a message on our Facebook Page.
To the left, pregnant with my daughter, maternity belt in place, 36 wks, 4 days. She arrived 36 wks, 6 days, 3 hrs and 57 mins shy of 37 weeks.
To the right, the day before I delivered my son, @39 wks via c-section. Maternity belt in place to support my 42 inch waist!
10 Great Holiday Gifts Ideas for Mamas on Bedrest
December 13th, 2010Christmas is just over 2 weeks away and we here at Mamas on Bedrest & Beyond have 10 Great Holiday Gift ideas for Mamas on Bedrest.
1. Clean her house. In preparation for the holidays, you may want to offer to do a floor to ceiling cleaning of mama’s house, or you may offer to hire a cleaning company to do the cleaning. Either way, it will be much appreciated by mama and her family.
2. Groom Her Pet. Bed rest affects the entire family and the family pet is no exception. A Mama on Bedrest is confusing to a pet who may not have his regular companion or his regular care. Give the 4 legged family friend some extra TLC and it will no doubtedly warm mama’s heart as well.
3. Take Her Children to Enjoy Holiday Festivities. There are an abundance of holiday events to enjoy in every town in the United States. Here in Austin for example, the Flagship Whole Foods Market has ice skating on the roof terrace. Although Mama is sidelined, she would be thrilled to know that her children aren’t missing out on the fun. With so much “different” at home, children will also welcome the chance to go out and have fun.
4. Schedule Mama a Prenatal Massage. Bed rest is very hard on the body. Mamas on Bedrest often have a hard time getting comfortable and have more than the usual pregnancy aches and pains. A licensed, certified prenatal massage therapist will soothe mamas aches while also stimulating her circulation and lymphatic drainage. Mama will feel relaxed and refreshed.
5. Manicure/Pedicure. This is always a hit given that many mamas on bed rest can no longer reach their feet! Depending on your state’s laws, you may or may not be able to hire a licensed aesthetician to go to mamas home for her pampering. If a professional spa mani/pedi is not possible, offer to perform the service yourself. Mama will love it!
6. Get Mama Moving! It is important that mama not become completely immobile while on bed rest. While she may only have bathroom privileges, mama should be moving her body at regular intervals to avoid aches, pains, sores, stiffness and muscle wasting. Mama should check with her provider first, but if okay, she should perform modiied prenatal exercises, such as those on the Bedrest Fitness DVD, to keep her muscles toned and strong, to alleviate stiffness and to maintain overall conditioning.
7. The Shower Hug. Mamas on Bedrest have a wide variety of ambulatory privileges, but her body will continue to grow and change. To alleviate any breast discomfort, the soft, terry Shower Hugs provide comfort and support to mama’s breast. They can be worn in the shower or dry for added support, so we recommend buying at least 2.
8. Hot Mama Gowns. Mama may be on bed rest, but that’s no reason she can’t be fashionable! Hot Mama Gowns come in beautiful fabrics and and colors and can be worn by Mamas on Bedrest, at the hospital just after delivery and in the early post partum. Be sure to type in the promo code “BedRest” for an additional 10% off your order.
9. Sterling Silver “Mama” Pendant. These pendants are wonderful keepsakes and are made exclusively for Mamas on Bedrest. The Sterling Silver Pendant is embossed with “Mama” and each mama will receive birth stones to wear with the pendant after baby’s birth.
10. My Pregnancy DigiTime Capsule. This is a “must have” for new mamas! The My Pregnancy DigiTime Capsule is a flashdrive designed pregnancy memory book. Include ultrasound photos, songs, notes and special messages to the baby. What better way to capture all holiday happenings to share with baby later on ?
These are but a few of the ways that you can shower the joy of the season on Mamas on Bedrest. Which did you choose? What are your favorite ways to pamper Mamas on Bedrest? Tell us in the comments section below. Happy Holidays!!
