Surviving bed rest
Words of Wisdom from Mamas on Bed Rest
February 10th, 2010
I was working in my own little funk the other day when I decided to take a break. I went over to the online message boards that I frequent to see how the mamas on bed rest are doing, how they are supporting one another and to learn any new information or tips.
One post in particular really touched my heart. A mama-to-be had finally gotten pregnant after 2 years of trying. Now it seems that her cervix is shortening and is a centimeter shorter than where it should be for this point in her pregnancy (second trimester about 22 or 24 weeks). She was asking anyone who read her post to please pray for her health and for the health of her baby, for her cervix to stop shrinking, for preterm labor not to occur and for her baby to be born healthy. She was starting bed rest.
Bed rest sucks! No doubt about it. But I am constantly amazed and humbled at how mamas on bed rest stay focused, stay positive and stay supportive of one another. I am honored that I get to work with and support such incredible women. The beauty that I have seen is that women on bed rest, after the initial shock and anxiety, really pull it together and make it through. At the same time they support one another, encourage one another and are invaluable resources for one another – all while on bed rest!
After reading through the responses to her post, I compiled this list of tips mamas on bed rest recommend to help keep your spirits up and to help you to press forward when your situation is scary and out of control. Strangely enough, this list can be applied to any situation that is difficult, not just being on bed rest, and I find myself drawing strength from their words. Here are words of wisdom from mamas on bed rest how about how to survive and beat bed rest.
- It’s okay to be sad. All the mamas agreed that their initial response to their bed rest prescription was anxiety and sadness. They were all very concerned about the health of their babies and sad that there was little else that they could do to make the situation better. They acknowledged the sadness but quickly moved on.
- Steel your resolve. As one mama put it, “I just told myself, whatever I have to do to get this baby here I will do!” All of these mamas fully intend to bring home healthy babies and have set their minds to do so. As so many psychologists and coaches say, “the mind directs the body. ” These kids are well on their way.
- Perk up. The mamas all recommended that you surround yourself with positive things while you are on bed rest. Make sure your “living space” is cheerful and that you have all you need handy. As much as possible engage in activities that keep your spirits up. Invite people to come and visit you. Watch movies and do crafts with your children. If it makes you happy and content, do it.
- Get Support. Along the same lines, mamas on bed rest recommend that you get support. Get help with the household duties, your children and your pets. Arrange to get those things that must be done done and forget the rest!
- It’s not over ’til it’s over! One mama said, (and I’m paraphrasing) “I am going to do all that I can to hold my baby in my arms. I’m not giving up, no way! As long as I am here and my baby is inside me, I’m going to keep going. It’s not over ’til it’s over!” We all know that sometimes things don’t turn out well for mamas on bed rest and babies don’t make it. But I really liked this mamas attitude. She wasn’t going to give in to negativity and she wasn’t going to give up until she had a clear reason to so. Now that’s strength.
These mamas on bed rest showed me that situations are what they are, but we don’t have to let them rule us. You can become very sad and give in to the fear or you can acknowledge that the situation is tough and then do all that you can to press on towards your goal. If mind over matter can be applied to mamas on bed rest, we’re going to be welcoming many babies in the very near future.
(Photo courtesy of PregnancyToday.com)
Post a comment on how to stay positive while on bed rest.
Creating Holiday Cheer
December 3rd, 2009The holiday season is in full swing, and you, a mama on bed rest, may not be feeling full of Yule tide cheer. Bed rest is never in any woman’s plans for her pregnancy and it can be particularly difficult during the holidays. But just because you are on bed rest doesn’t mean that you can’t fully participate in and enjoy the holiday season. In fact, you have the chance to make this the best holiday season ever! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or another holiday tradition, this is the year that you can “do it up right”! Think about it, you have more time than ever before to prepare for the holidays and add those special “personal touches” you’ve always meant to add but never quite had time to do. This year with a baby on the way, do something extra special to commemorate this time. Here are 6 things that you can do to make this holiday season, the holiday season that you spent on bed rest, the best and most memorable ever!
1. Cheer up your surrounding. First and foremost, holiday up your surroundings! Have family or friends help you gather up some holiday items and decorate your space. Garland around your windows, a small spruce plant or tree in your room, a candelabra or even lights will make you feel more festive. If you have older children, have them help by drawing pictures, making decorative chains out of popcorn and cranberries, construction paper, beads or whatever you happen to have handy. This will certainly create holiday memories.
2. Plan a holiday celebration. Now that your room is all decorated, take the celebration of your holiday to a new level. Read the history behind your particular holiday tradition and plan an extra special celebration of the holiday this year. Invite family and friends to join in.
3. Take the time to write meaningful notes in all of your holiday cards. My own guilt is showing here. Holiday greeting cards have become yet “one more thing” that I have to do, so much so that I now have our names printed on the inside of the cards to save time. This year, since you have time, think about everyone on your greeting card list. Have you seen them recently? Are they in good health? Have they lost a loved one this year? A job?? This year, really take the time to connect with them and show some interest in their lives. You’ll be amazed at how much cheer you, from your bed, will bring to them.
4. Make gifts. You can’t get to the mall, So what? It’s over crowded and over priced anyway. Sure, you can shop online but with your extra time, why not create gifts for friends and family members that can really show how much you appreciate them. If you have the talent, draw or paint pictures. Rework some old photos on your computer and have them printed and frame. Knit, Crochet, sew or stitch personal items. Write a poem. Whatever your talent, share it with those that you love.
5. Create creative gift wrappings. Again, I’m notorious for grabbing one of those 5 roll packs on my way to the check out line. But perhaps you might want to try creating really beautiful wrappings and baskets for your gifts. You can use beautiful ribbons and bows, buttons and beads, paints and stamps as well as pine cones, acorns leaves or twigs. The wrapping can reflect either your personality or that of the person for whom the gift is. Either way, it will make for a very special delivery.
6. Capture it all for baby. And let’s not forget our little guest (or guests) of honor! This is officially baby’s first holiday. 
Why not capture it and share it with the baby at a later time? This is a great time to scrapbook, to start an online blog or video journal. Record every little detail of the holiday; start with where you are and why, who is present, what are you celebrating, how are you celebrating and what does it mean? This can be one of the most intimate gifts that you create and share with your child, one that they can cherish for the rest of their lives.
I hope this gives you some ideas on how you, a mama on bed rest can enjoy and take an active part in the holiday season. From one mama to many others, Happy Holidays!!
Furoshiki Gift Wrap Images are taken from the Inhabitat Website. This silk reusable gift wrap is part of the Biota Collection. For more information visit the Inhabitat website at www.inhabitat.com
Baby Keepsake Book photo courtesy of Keepsake Books. Keepsake Books can be ordered at www.keepsakebooks.net.
Meet Kiza!
September 11th, 2009
Imagine my surprise when I opened up my e-mail and read that a mama needed my services in Trinidad! Kiza shared her story with me and has allowed me to share it. Thanks Kiza!
Kiza began bleeding 2 months into her pregnancy. It was initially ignored by her doctors but when it persisted and became heavy, she saw another doctor and had an ultrasound. At that early stage of her pregnancy, Kiza’s cervix was dilating. Her doctors recommended that she have a cerclage which she did and she was also put on bed rest.
As all mamas on bed rest know, being on bed rest is maddening. 8 months into her pregnancy, Kiza was on the internet and found my website and Bedrest Fitness. She e-mailed me and I sent her a copy of the DVD. Here is what Kiza thought of the DVD in her own words:
“Congratulations Darline on creating an amazing product with your bed rest fitness programme. I was fortunate to be given a copy of your programme while I was on prescribed bed rest. The programme came into my life as a glimmer of hope as my stay in bed weakened my spirits. Though I got the programme in my eight month of pregnancy it did much my to boost my self-confidence. I began looking forward to my bed rest workouts. I now had something worthwhile to do as the day drew closer of me finally seeing my baby. I really enjoyed the Cat stretches lol. Though I did not get to put all training in practice (I had a C-section), I did benefit physically (my rapid weight gained slowed when I began the programme) and emotionally (I no longer felt sorry for my self). I highly recommend this programme not only for moms on bed rest but all women during their pregnancies. Thank you Darline.”
–Kiza Felix-Roberts, Trinidad and Tobago (West Indies)
I am happy to report that Kiza gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl on May 13, 2009. Congratulations!
