I found a great article in the NY Times about exercise and bedrest (see the link to read the complete article). The article addressed the complications faced by women on pregnancy bedrest. They said detrioration can start within 48 hours. The toll that it takes on a women’s body can be pretty devasting. They recommended seeing a physical therapist that specializes in pregnancy. The article also outlined specific exercises that could be performed while on bedrest.
“Welcome to Motherhood”
“A Happy Mom is a Happy Baby”
Both statements seems pretty benign. However, one is probably the worst advice/statement someone could say to a new mom. The other can be truly freeing when embraced.
During pregnancy your body can change more than you realize. After my son was born, I was tired. Which of course is usually par for the course. But I was really tired and told a co-worker just how I was feeling. She said “welcome to motherhood”. I did internalize that statement. I figured this was how it was and I wold just have to find a way to cope. I went about my normal day trying desperately to act as if everything was okay. I felt like a walking zombie. I often would have to look in the mirror just to figure out if I was doing what I thought I was doing (i.e. I thought I was holding my son but it was hard to tell). Still not thinking anything was truly wrong and this was just motherhood, just by chance I had a complete physical with blood work. The dr.’s office called immediately with the results, my thyroid had completely stopped functioning. They had never seen a level like this on someone that wasn’t hospitalized. I wept. I was so happy. I wasn’t a complete failure as a new mother (for not adjusting well to motherhood) - something was physically wrong. I spent about 7 months walking around as a zombie. It was truly painful. A little medication changed all of it. So many changes occur to a women’s body during pregnancy. Physical and emotional issues should not be just dismissed as a common occurence that all mothers experience. Talk with your doctor. Get a physical with blood work.
“A Happy Mom is a Happy Baby”
This statement can be absolutely liberating. New mothers often strongly feel that they should sacrifice everything for the health and well-being of their child. Of course, the health and well-being of their children should be their top priority. However, taking care of your child means taking care of you. I’m not going to digress into all the “sleep when they sleep” advice (which never seems to work). Ask for help or allow help to happen. Motherhood is not a contest to see who can sacrifice the most. It doesn’t matter if you have one baby or three babies, infants require a lot of time and attention. It can be physically and emotionally draining. New moms often go without showers and eating in the early weeks. But if you embrace the “happy mom/happy baby” advice, you can find a way to take that shower, brush your teeth, and eat a meal every day (if not three meals). It’s for your well being and the babies as well.
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Most everyone worries about losing weight after having a bab(ies)y. It might be difficult in the couple months following a birth. Your body needs a chance just to recover from the physical demands of a pregnancy and birth. But once the babies are mobile and begin to eat, the worry should subside. Your activity level increases with their age.
Once the babies start eating (especially on their own) the amount of activity is taken to a whole new level. Despite efforts to be prepared, it is inevitable that you will have to get up at least once to retrieve something. As toddler-hood emerges, this once or twice a meal occurrence multiplies. I now often eat zero calorie meals. I would say in an average meal I am up and down about 5 - 10 times - runnng back and forth to the kitchen - picking up things that have fallen, etc. Of course, there are those days that sitting down is just an illusion. It can be a terrific weight management/exercise program.
There is a commercial/ad (I think they are for Johnson & Johnson - I’m really not sure) out now about “having a baby changes everything”. When you’re pregnant you think you know how your life will change. Maybe not everything, but you think you pretty much get the gist of it. Truly there is nothing anyone can say or do to prepare you for how your life is about to change. Both the good and the bad. You will re-define your life and yourself. Nobody knows this more than other mothers - people in your shoes or who have in the past been in your shoes. They understand - they get it.
As a new mother or someone who is about to be a new mother may want to consider joining a group of others in their same situation. It can be so comforting to know that you are not alone. Women with multiples or expecting multiples can join a mother’s of twin’s club in their area. There are also numerous moms groups (some with religious affiliations) that offer friendship, a social outlet, and overall support. The transition into motherhood can be very challenging. It definitely helps to have the support of others going through the same stage.
Depending on the nature (i.e. twins, triplets, etc.) of your pregnancy, bedrest may be prescribed for a future date. It’s a good idea to prepare yourself as best possible for your stay on bedrest. That are several things that can help ease the stress of bedrest.
Bedrest can be a very stressful time. A little preparation can help ease the transition.