Bed Rest Survival Guide

So I don't really want to say I'm on bed rest, because really, it's a very modified version of bed rest. There are people who have to lay in bed all day and only get up to go to the bathroom and maybe get a quick snack. That's awful. I'm being cautious and laying low because I don't want to land in the ER again, and aside from being a little lonely at times, I can't complain. 

People have been asking me what I do all day and wondering how many hours of Real Housewives I watch daily. The answer to the first question is I'm not totally sure, the day kind of just goes and somehow I manage to stay kind of busy. And the answer to the second question is none. I have never seen a single episode of Real Housewives. I know. What's wrong with me, right? So here's my list of things to have/do to survive being housebound:

1) GOOD BOOKS. I usually have a few books going at the same time. One is a for fun book, one is infertility/parenting related and one is hopefully more educational. My for fun book this week was actually one of my dad's books. Dad is a writer with over 20 published books and when I went on bed rest he brought over a stack, I mean, a STACK of his books for me to read. No excuses, right? Well, I read one of his more recent fiction books, Begin Again Finnegan, a Hollywood thriller, and was really impressed! Finished it in less than two days and now my dad can't nag me about not reading his books. The infertility related book I read this week was a new book called Where Have All The Storks Gone?. It's written by a husband and wife who were on IF Island for several years, and lived to tell their story. It's also a very quick read and provides both of their perspectives, and many scenes/moments a lot of us here on the Island can relate to. They also have a website for the infertility community called stork parenting. Now I'm reading a book my yoga teacher brought over called The Continuum Concept that is basically telling me I should have constant physical contact with Momo when she's born. It's interesting to read different books on parenting but there is SO much information out there, sometimes it's too much and too conflicting. I'm confident we will figure it all out at some point.

2) GOOD FRIENDS. It is really helpful to have visitors when stuck at home. Practicing my dwindling social skills once a day for an hour or so helps me feel somewhat connected to the world. 

3) GOOD FOOD. Obviously. I'm slightly obsessed with the fact that I know I'm not getting enough protein. I try but I'd rather eat fruit or ice cream than protein. Then I feel guilty and paranoid but I do the best I can. Good food can have a variety of meaning I suppose.

4) GOOD TV. For some it's bad TV. For me, I've really been watching nothing but the World Series, and as a Giants fan last night was some seriously bad TV. OMG. It was awful. I'm really excited that Master Chef Junior is coming back in November. I really blew through too many good series during my first round of bed rest.  

5) A GOOD CRAFT PROJECT. I'm not super crafty but wish I was. I write. That's my craft. And I do spend a lot of time writing. But I think it's good to also do something with your hands, other than typing. So my mom said she would get a bunch of plain onesies and teach me to embroider. Baking sometimes also satisfies the urge to create, and also satisfies the urge to stuff my face. 

Hmmm. What else. I'm able to do some work from home as well, so that keeps me busy. As does working on our documentary. I'm considering the fact I haven't worn shoes or real pants in a month a blessing rather than seeing it as being confining. It's all a matter of perspective and my view on all of this now is that the only thing that matters is that Momo is growing. 

Any one else have to do bed rest? Any good survival tips?

Comments

[Don't Count Your Eggs]

OMG Jess- Strict hospital bed rest for four months? You're my hero. I don't know how you did it. And you're so right about being grateful for every second of it. I feel that too. So in response to a belly shot--what's funny is that Noah and I have documented everything, I mean EVERYTHING of this journey, up until now. I always felt kind of triggered and upset by belly shots, especially when the owner of said belly was super cute. So I feel sensitive about posting a belly shot because I'm sensitive to the fact that others may really not be in the mood for that. But perhaps I can post one on our film website, because I suppose my belly is a legit update of our film. Maybe after the anatomy scan next week. Thanks for being so supportive everyone and for sharing your stories.

[Kristie]

Thank you Maya for being a lighthouse in the darkness for so may of us. I'm looking forward to seeing Momo grow in the coming months, you give me hope and peace. Xoxox

[Jess]

I am that twin sis of JoJo who made the ecards! I also read a ton of books, watched HGTV and actually zone out/meditated large portions of the day. I was on strict hospital bed rest for four months! Each day I was told it may be the day to deliver. Being Zen and focusing on good thoughts and strength and health took most of my energy and the days just went by and I got to 36 weeks and two days! I think surviving bed rest is all relative. For us Islanders each day we are actually pregnant has an undercurrent of gratitude even if we are scared/bored/restless/uncomfortable. Going through heartbreaking infertility does not make us immune to normal emotions like boredom and irritation but it sure puts things into perspective. Sounds like you are doing great Maya! How cool that your Dad is an author. I will have to check out his book..

[Samantha]

I watched re-runs of The Bachelor and ate Cheetos! Glad you are hanging in there Maya! Momo is nearly half way baked now!! Are you taking bump photos? Xx

[Anita]

Love your books and website suggestions, Maya. And I'm with you totally on not watching Real Housewives..there are better things to do.

[Jojo]

Agree with Melanie! My twin sis was on bedrest and she made e-cards for any and every birthday/ holiday etc for a year since you can specify a send out date. Kind of cracked me up but definitely a good use of time.

[Melanie]

I think it may ne time for a belly shot ( as in picture of the bump) :)

[Hubs]

It's closer to house arrest than bed rest.