Bedrest Mommas

As an antepartum doula I see many moms who are on bedrest due to complications. Some are lucky enough to remain at home while others are forced to spend that time in the hospital. One of the most important aspects of my job is to help Momma and family create a command center. Momma is such an important part of the family and keeping it running smoothly that with her out of commission it takes a toll on everyone. And having a plan...a command center, allows her to stay in touch, whether from the hospital or her living room couch.

ASK QUESTIONS - One of the most important things to do is to talk with your doctor. Ask them questions!! Many mommas are told to stay down, that they are on "bedrest", but what does that mean? ASK!! The answers to those questions can help you stay home longer and help us doulas keep you there.

Here are a few questions to take to your doctor:
1 - Why do I need to go on bed rest?
2 - Do I need to take any medications?
3 - Can I sit up in bed? Can I get out of bed? Can I walk at all? Or do I need to lie in a particular position?
4 - Under what circumstances (if any) can I continue to work?
5 - Can I continue to do housework? If so, how much and what type?
6 - Can I still drive?
7 - Should I abstain or limit sex?
8 - Can I take a shower or do I have to take a sponge bath?
9 - Can I get up to use the toilet?

SUPPLIES - Bedrest Mommas get very lonely, very hungry and very bored. As part of the command center I spoke of earlier, you'll want to keep some things very close at hand.

1 - A sturdy tray to use for reading, writing, eating, crafts, games, etc.
2 - Walkie-talkies or baby monitor so you can communicate with people in other rooms. (This on is really handy!!)
3 - Portable phone or cell phone and plug
4 - Address / Phone book
5 - Remote controls
6 - Laptop computer
7 - Pens & Paper
8 - Board games / cards / puzzles
9 - Healthy snacks (chopped veggies, crackers, fruit)
10 - Lots of water!!! (A small fridge or cooler filled up works great)
11 - Plenty of books, magazines, newspapers (even books on tape are great)
12 - Gum, suckers, mints
13 - Extra blankets and pillows
14 - Bathrobe, slippers, extra socks
15 - Box of tissues, wet wipes and paper towels
16 - Your favorite lotion and chap stick
17 - And anything else that you can think of to make you comfortable.

BEDREST ACTIVITIES - Just because you're forced to lay around doesn't mean you can't do anything. There are many ways to stay busy.

1 - Read...this is an obvious one, but you can join online book clubs or read the classics.
2 - Play games. If you have a little one running around, this keeps you and them busy. Your little one will love to hang and play games with you.
3 - Get a manicure or a massage.
4 - Write letters, poems, or stories. Start that book you've always promised to write. Start a blog and keep family and friends up-to-date. Keep a journal.
5 - Play with paper and crafts. Make cards or baby announcements.
6 - Take up scrapbooking. Organize all those photos you've always sworn you'd get into albums.
7 - Do your shopping via catalog or Internet.
8 - Participate in online support groups. Connect with women who are in the same position and can sympathize with you.
9 - Plan your baby's nursery decor
10 - Learn a new skill. A new language. Take an online class. Needlepoint or knitting.

And lastly....ask for help! If your hubby is overwhelmed and you need help, hire an antepartum doula. CAPPA ( http://www.cappa.net/ ) is the only organization that certifies antepartum doulas at this time, so check with them for a local doula. Ask for help from your church, your friends and your family. If you try to do to much you'll end up in the hospital. Listen to your doctors and stay down!