Bed Rest - Lansing,MI

You didn't mention if she has other children, but if does helping out with them would help greatly. I remember when I was on bedrest, getting the things done that I normally would of done in the last couple months of pregnancy was really hard. Help with the dialy things, like running errands, would help tremendously. Getting things for the baby, organizing the nursery, daily/weekly housework. If you can, tell her that you will be there for a half a day, and she can order you around to do whatever she needs!

Some of the other moms touched on the ideas I had too. I think the key here is your gift of time. BE WITH HER instead of just dropping off things to keep her busy. Have a pajama night and hang out to watch a chic flic with a little popcorn or some finger foods. Does she have a laptop computer she can use in bed? That could help pass the time and also give her access to chat with friends or type a journal before the baby arrives, etc. Small craft projects is another idea like working on a small scrapbook for the baby by using a lap desk for her to work on and you could hand the tools to her or maybe beading/crocheting/sewing/cross stitch, etc.

Hey,

Maybe do the pamper me day like the mom below me said, I think that is a good idea. Also if she is open to visitors to like hang out and talk maybe invite another close girl friend and have a game night, my friends and I do that its, fun, apples to apples, my fav. is mad gab, it makes me laugh so hard! get some munches and tea or other friendly drinks, or make mock-tails and serve them in martini or fun glasses. I know I would really appreciate that :-)

Good luck, just have some lazy fun :-)

I was on bedrest and would have loved what the other women suggested! You could also offer to wash all her baby clothes and blankets and put them away for her so she's ready for her new arrival. Maybe run some errands, do some grocery shopping, and take her to her doctor appointments, too. I know it's not the "fun" stuff, but she'll appreciate it. It's a really helpless feeling to be on bed rest when there's so much that needs to be done. When I was finally in the hospital to deliver, my SIL came in and cleaned the whole house. That was the best homecoming surprise ever!

Maybe you could do a pamper day for her. You can buy all kinds of stuff for facials, hand and foot lotions...It is always nice to be pampered a little. Just be careful around her feet. There is a presure point that could send her into labor...gentle rubbing is fine just not masaging.
Blessings, K.

I'm 34 weeks pregnant right now and I would LOVE a cute comfy outfit (like stretchy drawstring pants with a matching hoodie) or a pedicure!

Hello S.,

she'll probably need help cleaning. take formula 409 or whatever cleaner you use and a roll of paper towels. when you go to the bathroom, do a quick clean of the sink and toilet. it only takes a couple of minutes and she'll appreciate it.

how about boardgames? you can find some really good deals at the thrift store and at big lots.

does she like scrapbooking?
Have fun with your friend!
~Carmen~

Hi,
Sorry I'm late replying; hope you are still checking.

I was on bedrest with both pregnancies, first at home and with my second born, in the hospital and away from my toddler. All the other ideas are great, but probably what she would most appreciate is any help you can give so she will follow her doctors instructions in order deliver a healthy baby! This would include driving her to her doctor appointments, running errands, and helping with things on her To Do List that she wanted to get done before the newborn arrives. I was frustrated that I didn't have access to a computer or the internet and had to wait for my husband or a nurse to look something up for me. You could help with that or help her find a notebook computer to borrow.

I'd recommend the bedrest support group website, sidelines.org to her, and you could help her line up a support person on there (or you could e-mail me and I will be happy to share my support too!)

Help her think of creative things she can do to pass the time other than reading, talking on the phone or watching TV. I organized my recipes while on bedrest, updated my address books, Christmas card lists, etc.

It is very frustrating to have so much time on your hands to think, and those thoughts often turn to worries about the baby. And she's probably constantly thinking of what she needs to do but can't (or shouldn't) get up to do.

The important thing is to give her confirmation that her time on bedrest is very important and very worthwhile for her unborn child, and for you to help her keep her spirits up and keep focus on a healthy baby. You are a very good friend to want to try to help her! Best wishes and again, feel free to contact me if she wants to vent to someone who's been through a similar experience.