Bedrest

When I was not quite 27 weeks along my doctor requested that I get an ultrasound, just to make sure everything was alright with the boys.  My husband was out of town on business (as usual) and so my dear little sister came along with me.  Everything looked great with the boys, they were growing well and seemed healthy...but then the tech got quiet.  Never something you want to have happen.  She mentioned that my cervix seemed a little short (I had no idea what that meant) and she went to tell my doctor.  My doctor immediately pulled me into one of the rooms and checked everything out.  I was 80% effaced.  He was not too thrilled.  He told me to quit my job and to go on modified bed rest.  I was devastated.  As a sixth grade teacher, quitting your job is not easy or possible.  So the next day I drove to my school, got a substitute, and tried to arrange for a 16 week substitute for my class.  Luckily, I had been pretty inspired (call it motherly intuition, call it luck, call it being prepared, I call it the spirit) to write sub plans that began the first week of February.  Amazingly enough, it was the very end of January when I was put on bed rest.  I simply had to refine my plans and add a bit more detail.  I picked my husband up from the airport and then bed rest began.  I was allowed to sit up, get up to grab some lunch, go on a date with my husband, etc.  On Monday I went to the doctor again only to discover I was now 90% effaced and dilating (I was at a 1).  I was put on strict bed rest (only allowed to get up to go to the bathroom and take a bath).  I thought it was the end of the world.  Not only because I had to lay in bed all day long, but because my babies were coming way too early.  I never once broke my bed rest rules.  My family/friends were incredible and helped me out every single day.  My husband also stepped right up to the plate and was a complete angel.  I also picked quite a few projects to keep me busy and that was a huge help.  So, here is my advice for those who have to go on bed rest:

-Don't be afraid to ask for help.  People are so willing to help.  Meals, cleaning the house, taking care of other children, simply keeping you company, grocery shopping, etc.  You need help--ask for it and accept it, and be grateful for it.

-Pick several projects that you CAN do.  Here are a few ideas: crochet/knit items for your baby (I made each of the boys their own afghan), sew a quilt (I not only sewed it while laying down but I also quilted it by hand), learn a new skill (buy a book about photography, quilting, knitting, photoshop, etc.), work on a blog book, write a blog, write a book, read an exciting book series (i.e. Uglies, Twilight, Hunger Games, Harry Potter, etc), tie quilts/make things for a local shelter, make a scrapbook, write detailed lesson plans for your sixth grade class, keep a journal for your baby, read a college textbook and learn something new, make a felt busy book for your baby, put together your favorite recipes into a cookbook.  Lots of things!  

-Get a wedge for your legs so that you can put them up.  Lying on your side for hours and hours sure hurts.

-Get/make plenty of rice packs to heat up and put on your legs, back, whatever aches that day.

-Keep in mind how important this is for your baby.  It helps you keep a positive attitude.

-Make a bed on a couch in your house and go there every once in a while for a change of scenery. 

-Get dressed and put on make-up and do your hair in the morning (it's tricky while in bed...but it really helps).  It really makes the day feel brighter.

-Open the blinds.  Look outside.  It's pretty.  Enjoy it!

-Buy a tray for food/laptop.  I hated spilling food all over the place.  Also, my camelback water bottle SAVED me--drinking from a cup is a pain while laying down.

-Invite friends over for a get together.  You can watch a movie, play games, etc. while you are laying down.  It's a good way to change things up.

-Get yummy take-out with your husband. 

-Subscribe to netflix and pick out some favorite movies.  Watch an interesting series.

-Dress up when you get to go to the doctor and take advantage of your own trip out a week--it's very exciting.

-Most of all--follow the rules.  They are for your safety and your baby's.