When I was told that I had subchorionic hemorrhage (SCH) and had to be on bed rest and take it easy I thought it would be nice to be able to rest when I have all this first trimester exhaustion. The first week or so it was nice, plus I had my parents here helping me out but now I’ve been on bed rest for almost 3 weeks and it’s getting to me.
I never imagined that being on bed rest would be so challenging. The weather is so bad here in the DC area that I can’t even go to a park and breathe some fresh air and get some sun. I’ve been indoors pretty much every day, with the exception of a couple of days when I had to go to the doctor and one night we went out to dinner. I’m just dying to go back to my normal life: run with my daughter, go out to play dates, have our house clean, cook meals for my husband (I still cook but not every day and definitively not more than once a day), I even miss grocery shopping.
I’ve been feeling so tired, from not doing much, that I’m been lying in bed or a couch all day. I’m at a point where I don’t want to read or do much of anything. You know how when you’re active you seem to have more energy, well now that I’m not active at all I feel like my body is on hibernation and I don’t have the energy to do much. But before I get into a bad place mentally I decided it was time to do something about it and this is why this morning I turned on my computer and decided to write this post. I need to have something to do and look forward to and what better way than to turn to my blog. 🙂
I feel that being on bed rest has caused some strain in my marriage. My husband has to do it all now and he’s trying to make his business grow so the timing is not the best. I also feel like the worst mom ever. My daughter rarely goes out and we’ve watched way more TV than I ever wanted her to watch.
I don’t want to sound like a pity party. It’s what it is and I have to do what I can to make sure this baby stays with us but I wanted to get this out there because I know there a many moms out there that have to be on bed rest and also people that are sick and can’t do much. I want people to know this is not easy, it might look easy but humans were not made to be in bed all day and it takes a toll on you.
Tips on surviving bed rest:
- Accept all the help you can get from family and friends.
- Hire someone to clean your house. Use a discounted website to hire the service, like Groupon.
- Order food for delivery.
- Order your groceries online. Safeway and Giant offer deliveries in most areas.
- Arrange play dates (if you have smaller kids) in your house so you can get some company and have someone entertain your toddler.
- If you have older kids that need a ride to school, reach out to their classmates and ask for their help.
- This is a great time to catch up with friends, so invite them over but give them a heads up that you’re bed rest so they don’t expect food.
- Catch up on your favorite TV shows.
- Read a book.
- If you’re allowed to do a little bit of walking, ask someone to drive you to a park so you can get some fresh air and sunlight – it will do wonders to your mood.
- If you like to write, maybe start a journal or even a blog.
- Be honest with your partner about how you’re feeling. Most people don’t understand how hard bed rest can be.
- Above all, don’t be hard on yourself for not being in your best mood.
- Don’t be hard on yourself if you think you’re being a lousy mom to your other kids – you’re not!
- Don’t forget, this is only temporary and soon you will be back to your normal life – even if it doesn’t seem like it right now.
If you’re reading this and you have a friend on bed rest reach out to them, go see them and spend some time with them. Maybe offer to take them to a park so they can get some fresh air (if the weather and their condition permits it) and bring them food – cooking has become a little more challenging now and anyone on bed rest would appreciate a meal. I’m lucky I have my family and friends to support me, and even with them, it has been rough so I can’t imagine having to do this without much support.
Have you ever been on bed rest? How did you cope with it?
Charlee says
Sorry that you can’t really enjoy life 🙁 I really can’t imagine being on bed rest, but honestly, I am inside all day and let my girls watch too much tv and I’m not on bed rest, so you’re doing great for what you can do! I wish I was close so I could bring my girls to play and then go to the park or something. I hope this doesn’t last long for you!
Carolina says
Thanks Charlee! I have some days that are better and some others that are worst. I just wish I could be outside in a park getting some fresh air with my daughter. I hope this is all behind us sooner than later. Your support means a lot!
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
I’m so sorry you’re on bed rest… that does suck. If I lived near you I would visit you and play scrabble or cards… and share some yummy pastries. Wishing you well.
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely evening.
xoxo
Carolina says
Thanks Jennifer! That would be awesome if you could come over! 🙂 🙂 I bet you’re having to stay in at home a lot too with this horrible winter. I hope spring comes by soon!
María says
Hang in there! Think you’re doing what’s best for your baby. I was on bed rest for 7 months..only went out for doctor’s appointments. Try to keep yourself busy from bed..online grocery shopping, nursery planning, netflix, reading , playing board games, a good book, keeping a journal etc. Hope you feel better soon!
Carolina says
Wow María! 7 months is a long time…you are amazing mom for being able to do that. Thanks for the tips. I’ll keep them in mind and make the best of it. 🙂