Coping With Hospital Bedrest |
What to pack and take with you
I spent 4 months on bedrest in the hospital with my last pregnancy. I had my mother bring in a quilt for my bed, a cd player with my cds, some of my favorite knick-knacks, a few faux plants, pictures of my friends and animals, a rug to go next to my bed, books, a VCR (it had to be approved), and all of my personal care items. She and my husband set my room up to look like a real bedroom. It felt comfy and cozy. The nurses really loved it. ~Katrina
I was on bedrest in the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks, after two weeks in bed at home. Being in the hospital was for me infinitely easier. You could just ring and a nurse would bring you food and drink, or help you get to the bathroom--unlike being alone at home while my husband was at work and I was watching the house grow dirtier and dustier. Generally, the stuff I needed was not terribly different from what I needed at home. Except I wish I had had the eggcrate mattress at home (my hips got sooooo sore.)
1) I found my laptop computer and a pair of headphones invaluable. My hospital doesn't have semi-private rooms, so I had two different roomates. Since nobody gets along with everyone, the headphones were key. I could listen to music, watch movies and play games and a- I wouldn't disturb my roomate, b- she would know not to bother me.
2) Nice pajamas. Get the heck out of the hospital garb. My husband and his buddy got me some very cute sets. Old Navy has fun pajamas.
3) Slippers. You won't get up much, but when you do, the floor is awfully cold.
4) If the hospital bed table doesn't have a mirror in it, get a little makeup kit. I don't wear makeup on a regular basis, but I still like to brush my hair, put a clip in it, and apply a bit of blush and some lip balm. Makes you feel human and not like an invalid. Same as bedrest at home. ~Cara
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Suggestions for staying comfortable
Purchase a foam pad to put on the hospital bed and bring your own pillows. These two things made my 2 month hospital stay much more comfortable. ~Mandee
If you are on bedrest in the hospital, have your husband bring in some posters, framed pictures and plants from home. It makes a world of difference in making you feel comfortable and at home. Talk to the staff about a schedule that fits you, not them (for meals, having your vitals taken etc). ~Tina
I definitely agree with setting up a schedule in the hospital that fits your schedule instead of theirs. I was in the hospital on bedrest for two weeks (they said I would be there for six weeks) and every night right when I was going to sleep someone would come in to take my vitals. Then I could never go back to sleep. So annoying! The staff has got to be able to work with the patient on that because after all we are the ones living there for that period of time. ~Ginny
Have someone bring you extra pillows. Those hospital ones are horrible and they are stingy with them. ~Rachelle
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Boredom and how to fix it
Have some of your family and friends come over for a few hours for a beauty day. Paint nails, have facials, color hair, try new make-up, wax legs and brows. Turn your day into a SPA day at the hospital with your family and friends. ~Katrina
While I spent six weeks on hospital bedrest I started to design different baby announcements that we could send to people after the baby was born. All we had to do was insert a picture of the baby. It really helped me to pass the time. Sometimes I would stay up all hours of the night working on them, as I was so excited to see them finished. It's a positive way to lift your spirits! Also, plan a girls' night. Ask friends over for pizza and a movie. ~Denice
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Personal hygiene and feeling good about yourself
I was lucky enough to have my mom stay with me while I was in the hospital. She helped me talk the nursing staff into rolling me on a gurney to the scrub sink in the OR for a good hair washing! I felt so good after words. I also had my mom rub scented lotion on my legs. ~Jennifer
Take time each morning to do your hair and makeup. It really helps you feel a little more upbeat. ~Mandee
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Staying connected with your family
Coming Soon! ~ Have some input for us on this issue? Please click here to share your suggestions with us!
Bedrest Survival Guide Contents:
