• High fever
• Cold symptoms (runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes)
• A rash that spreads across the body

While most children recover, measles can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. While encephalitis is rare, this condition requires hospitalization and intensive treatment. It can cause seizures, hallucinations, permanent brain damage, blindness, hearing loss, and memory loss.

The Best Protection: Vaccination

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. It is safe and effective and has been used for decades to protect children worldwide. The CDC and WHO recommend:

• First dose at 12–15 months
• Second dose at 4–6 years

Children who receive both doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% protected against measles. Talk to your pediatrician about catching up if your child hasn’t been vaccinated or missed a dose.

Other Ways to Prevent Measles

1. Avoid Exposure
If there is a measles outbreak in your area, limit your child’s exposure to crowded places, especially if they are too young to be vaccinated.

2. Practice Good Hygiene
Teach your child to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid sharing utensils with others.

3. Know the Signs of Measles
Early detection can help prevent the spread of the virus. If your child develops a fever, rash, or cold-like symptoms, call your pediatrician before visiting the office to avoid exposing others. Do not abruptly visit a health care provider without contacting them first. If you suspect or notice any symptoms, contact your health care provider or local county health department to receive instructions on how to safely seek medical attention without exposing others.

Final Thoughts

Measles is preventable, and as a parent, the best step you can take is ensuring your child gets vaccinated on time. You can help protect your child and others from this dangerous disease by staying informed and following these precautions.
Don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about the vaccine or your child’s health. Protecting your child from measles is vital to keeping them safe and healthy!

For more information, go to www.afterhourspediatrics.com.
Please visit your primary care provider or local health department for immunizations.
Florida Department of Health Collier County
Florida Department of Health Lee County

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Prioritizing nutrition with a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients before and during your pregnancy is crucial for a healthy and prosperous journey to motherhood and encourages optimal development of your baby.

Here are tips for healthy habits during pregnancy

• Stay active with low-impact exercises to help to keep blood sugar levels down. Types of healthy exercise include walking, yoga, and swimming.
• Fill half your plate with non-starchy veggies, such as leafy greens,  tomatoes, zucchini, and cucumbers. Fill the rest of your plate with whole grains and protein. This will ensure you eat enough fiber and nutrient-packed vegetables while balancing proportions for grains and protein.
• Lean proteins help your baby grow strong. A good mix of plant-based and animal-based protein is ideal. Try plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, and edamame.
• Aim for low-fat animal-based protein options such as chicken breast, lean turkey, or low-mercury fish, including salmon, rainbow trout, and cod. Eggs are a great source of protein and choline, which are good for the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
• Choose whole grains, legumes, and veggies while limiting high-carb foods such as bread, tortillas, rice, pasta, fast food, chips, candy and ice cream. Opt for complex carbs like brown rice, popcorn, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, beans, nuts, lentils, and veggies.
• Cut down on sugary and processed foods. Pick natural sweeteners and whole fruits instead. Limit sugary drinks, which can disrupt your metabolism, causing energy crashes.
• Drink about 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water daily, and avoid drinks with caffeine like coffee, black tea, and many sodas. Water helps to digest foods, is better for the baby, and helps to circulate nutrients throughout the body.
• Too much salt can increase your blood pressure and cause your body to hold water, swell your feet, lead to headaches, or change your vision. One teaspoon of salt is recommended daily for a healthy pregnant woman. Mothers with diabetes or kidney disease should have even less salt.
• Take prenatal vitamins, which include calcium needed for strong bones, magnesium for muscle, iron to prevent anemia, and folic acid (a form of Vitamin B) that helps develop your baby’s brain.
• Pregnancy might come with unexpected challenges, which healthy habits can help prevent or manage.

Some of these conditions include:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) can arise at around 20 weeks of pregnancy, even if you’ve never had high blood pressure before. It may cause uncomfortable symptoms like swelling in your hands, feet, and face. Regular check-ins and close blood pressure monitoring can lower the chances of any potential complications. 

Pre-eclampsia can happen to any woman during the second half of her pregnancy or up to six weeks after delivery. While there may be no symptoms, high blood pressure and protein in the urine are key indicators. Other symptoms can include headache, severe abdominal pain, seeing spots, nausea or vomiting, swelling of the hands and face, and/or gaining more than 5 pounds in one week.  

Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy, even if you don’t already have diabetes. It can increase the size of the baby and lead to the mom developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Pregnancy brings significant changes to your body and hormones that can affect your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Monitoring your weight and blood sugar throughout pregnancy can help lower the risk of complications.

By closely working together and monitoring your pregnancy, doctors can reduce the chances of complications and improve health outcomes for you and your baby. They check your blood pressure and urine, and listen to the baby’s heartbeat,  and check developmental markers to ensure there areno concerning symptoms.  

John Carini, MD, is the medical director of women’s health for Healthcare Network. In addition to in-office prenatal visits, Healthcare Network’s OB (Obstetric) Telehealth Program offers personalized support for high-risk pregnancies through virtual appointments and monitoring devices that may include a glucometer (measures blood sugar), blood pressure cuff, and weight scale. To schedule an appointment, visit healthcareswfl.org or call 239-658-3000.

MORE CONTENT

How to encourage a healthy pregnancy

Naples mom speaks out about postpartum depression

Naples moms (and dads!) find community in local Facebook parent groups

The post A guide to prenatal care for SWFL moms from a local doctor appeared first on SWFL Family.

“Postpartum depression is real, and it sucks,” Sanchez said. “Never in a million years did I think my happy and laughing butt would be on an antidepressant, but here I am. I have an awesome and supportive family, but you can’t control your hormones.”

Sanchez knew that new mothers sometimes feel ashamed of these feelings, so she wanted to share her story and let people know that there is no shame, the feelings are real, and they are not something a new mom can control. So shortly after her daughter was born she posted about her experience on Facebook.

Angela is now 2 years old and Samantha is 8 months old. Sanchez said she believes she had a bit of postpartum depression with her first daughter, but it was worse with the second one.

“I cried a lot with Angela, but it was different with Samantha, just the feelings that I had. I cried every morning. It is way worse this time,” Sanchez described. 

The feelings can be scary and confusing. Sanchez loves being a mother. She loves snuggling with her daughters on the couch and reading to them. She loves holding them and being with them. That’s why the sadness can seem perplexing and overwhelming.

“I would just wake up in the mornings feeling really anxious,” she described. “I got to the point where I couldn’t be alone. There was a feeling of guilt. When I was holding one baby, I felt guilty that I was not spending time with the other. With Angela, she has some delays and eye issues and is underperforming, and I felt like I was not doing enough. It was just mom guilt. I think that just spiraled me down.”

When her husband left for work each day, she couldn’t bear to be alone. She realized she needed some extra support, so she would spend her days with the girls at her mother’s house, while on maternity leave from her job teaching at a local elementary school.

“Before I was coming here, I would look at the clock and count down the hours until my husband came home,” she described. “I wanted to do it on my own. I thought I could do it. Then I would look at the children, and I would start crying. I couldn’t read without crying. I couldn’t sing without crying. It was just cry, cry, cry.”

Sanchez says she has every reason to be happy, so the sadness felt strange.

“They are so beautiful,” she said as she held her daughters. “I am crying because I can’t believe they are mine. I have a happy marriage. I have everything I have wanted in life.”

Having the support of her family was not enough. So when a friend suggested that she talk to her doctor about postpartum depression, she headed to her physician.

Her doctor prescribed Prozac, which is an antidepressant.

“It took a couple of days,” she said. “The first week or so, I was feeling the anxiety and panic, but it has gotten a lot better. The pills are supposed to make you feel like you used to feel, and that’s how I feel now.”

Her journey is not unusual. Andrea Press of Press Psychology in Naples says it is extremely common to have some sort of issue after giving birth. While postpartum depression is more common in people who have a history of depression, Press said it can affect anyone.

“A lot of times there is no reason why,” Press said.

She praises people like Sanchez who are not afraid to talk about postpartum depression.

“Some people are scared to tell their doctor,” Press said. “It is really challenging. You have to advocate for yourself, and that is hard when all this is happening.”

She said society also plays a role in this.

“Part of it is the overall stigma of mental health,” Press said. “There is so much pressure on what a new mom should be like. And so many people ask how the baby is, but not how the mom is.”

She said many people and even some doctors don’t recognize the problem.

“A lot of times you have certain expectations on how your maternity leave will go, and how you will connect with the baby, and when that doesn’t happen you think it is something that you did wrong.” Press explained. “Once you deliver the baby there is a huge drop in hormones. When they say baby blues, that is pretty common, but if it has been more than two weeks, it is not baby blues anymore, and we have to do something.”

Press hopes more people seek help and also speak more about it to reduce the stigma.

“Just becoming a mom is hard,” she said. “It is not all rainbows and butterflies.”

It can be especially hard having two children within 18 months. There was the exhaustion. Samantha was going through cluster feeding for a while. There was the guilt when Angela wanted to be held, but Sanchez needed to tend to the infant.

When Sanchez first posted her journey on Facebook in December, she got dozens and dozens of comments, many from people who also struggled with postpartum depression. Some added information on their experiences, while others sent words of encouragement.

Lisa Michelle wrote about her struggles and how Prozac helped her too.

“It’s a long road, but you can and will get through it,” she stated. “I still want to cry when I think about the struggles I went through. I promise it gets easier – just keep climbing.”

“Postpartum depression is real,” wrote Becky Wright. “Honestly, I didn’t think life would ever get better. It’s hard to see the light, but I promise you, it’s there. Take one day, or hour, or even minute at a time. And, try to do something for yourself every day – a shower, a walk, anything counts. You’ve got this.”

“It is very real,” added Meredith Myers. “I had it bad, too. Hang in there momma, you’re doing a great job. Seeking help is what I had to do, too, and I felt embarrassed, but my doctor made it much easier to talk about.”

Kristie Allred wrote: “Thank you for sharing, so it doesn’t feel so lonely for others.”

Sanchez said sharing her experiences helped her see she was not alone. It helped her connect with others, and it gave her the satisfaction of providing support for people who might be afraid to talk about it.

“Like miscarriages, [postpartum depression] just isn’t spoken about, but is very common,” Sanchez stated. “I totally understand a private life and keeping things to yourself, or wanting to share life updates with the world. I personally decided to post since I knew it was common. So again, if you aren’t feeling yourself, it is worth a call to your doctor or even a Facebook post and others will reach out. It takes a village to not only raise kids, but to take care of each other.”

Today, Sanchez is doing much better. She plans to stay on the medication for a while, but she hopes to wean off of it eventually. She is now back teaching second grade, while knowing her little girls are safe at her mom’s house while she works. She loves reading to them, singing and dancing with them, and going for walks with her girls. She praises her husband, Mike, for all his support. She said things like positive self-talk, meditation, and exercise also can help.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out if you feel there is something that is not right,” Sanchez stressed. “There is no need to be ashamed. The more you talk about it, the more people will come to you. It is such a taboo subject, but I am not ashamed of it. People are just embarrassed. People don’t want to talk about private issues. I am a person that wants to talk about things. By reaching out I might help someone who is going through this.”

The post Naples Mom Speaks Out About Postpartum Depression appeared first on SWFL Family.

Here are some helpful recommendations and tips to encourage a healthy pregnancy and baby:

Folic acid is your best friend. Ideally, women who are trying to conceive should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily for about three months prior to becoming pregnant and during the first three months of pregnancy. Neural tube defects occur early on in a pregnancy, often before many women realize they are pregnant. Studies have shown that folic acid greatly reduces a baby’s risk of major birth defects affecting the brain and spine.

Early prenatal care is extremely important. You may be tempted to delay prenatal care due to the pandemic, but prenatal care in the first trimester is important to establish your due date. Your care is dependent on this date being as accurate as possible. It is also important to identify high-risk conditions because early interventions may greatly increase positive outcomes.

Trust your healthcare provider. Talk openly with your doctor or midwife about your family medical history, symptoms (each pregnancy is different, so it is important to know what your normal symptoms are), and any medications you are taking. There are benefits to continuing certain medications throughout your pregnancy; however, it is best to consult your doctor or midwife before deciding to start or stop any medications.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being over or underweight can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. A rule of thumb for the amount of weight to gain during pregnancy is if you are at a normal weight, you should gain about 25 to 35 lbs., but remember one size does not fit all. If you are above or below the normal range, the recommended amount you should gain will change.

Try incorporating a bit of light exercise into your routine and adding healthy food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein into your diet. Avoid sugars, starches, sweet drinks, but be sure to tank up on water! Stay away from undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, and soft cheeses. Make sure you wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.

Steer clear of harmful substances. It goes without saying, pregnant women should avoid alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, drugs, and other harmful substances. Exposure to these substances can result in lifelong physical and mental disabilities for your baby.

Do you have a cat?  If so, avoid changing their litter box. Cat feces can contain toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that can cause serious eye, brain, skin, and ear damage. Ask your significant other or family to help. If you don’t have help, wear rubber gloves when changing litter and wash your hands afterward.

To vaccinate or not vaccinate, that is the question. For pregnant mothers, being up to date with all vaccines can protect against many infections and diseases that can impact the health of your baby. If you are currently pregnant, inactive vaccines such as the flu and Tdap (whooping cough) vaccines are highly recommended because they provide immunity for your baby’s first few months of life.

Should pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there is not enough data to determine the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine on pregnant women.

For now, the best ways to protect yourself and your baby from COVID-19 are to take precautions such as wearing a mask, practice social distancing, washing your hands frequently, and using hand sanitizer. Also, limit long in-person interactions with others, and avoid high-risk situations where you may come in contact with people who may have been exposed. Encourage friends and family members to get vaccinated for COVID-19 (when available) to provide less risk that you would be exposed to the virus.

Prenatal care visits are important. Your provider will monitor your blood pressure, weight gain, growth of your baby, and be vigilant for developing problems.

Following the above recommendations can help increase the chances of your baby developing healthy and strong; however, not all birth defects are preventable. Visit your doctor or midwife for regular check-ups and create an open dialogue with your care team. Trust your gut and notify your provider if something feels wrong.

Written by Healthcare Network’s Communications Coordinator, Abigail Jose, with subject expertise from Certified Nurse Midwife, Denise Henning, CNM

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As we enter the third trimester of pregnancy, one of the biggest things on our mind is the coveted hospital bag. When do we pack it? What do we put in it? It can feel like a big task, but it really doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Take it from me, a 3rd time mom who has been the under-prepared and the over-prepared before.

3 weeks before I was due with my first baby, I became the under-prepared mom. I was heading out the door to buy a bassinet and some other items I still needed for baby when my water broke. I had researched what to pack, but that was as far as I had gone. Picture me, mid-contractions, trying to gather random things throughout my house to throw into a bag.

The second time around, I majorly over-compensated. I packed almost everything in the entire house over a month before baby was due. I felt so proud and prepared, until it was time to actually go to the hospital and they thought I was moving in for life.

Before we jump into our list, let me just reassure you: there is no perfect or right way. If you forget stuff, someone can bring it to you. If you pack too much, it’s no big deal. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

To help you feel less stressed and more prepared, I am sharing what is on my packing list for our third baby, due in March, and a printable version to make it even easier.

HOSPITAL BAG PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK FOR THE LABOR AND DELIVERY PART

Lip Balm / Chapstick:I was desperate for chapstick during my first 13 hour, unmedicated labor. Regardless of what type of delivery you have, this is a must, and earns it’s spot at the top of the list for a reason.

Hair Ties:You probably have these in your purse anywhere you go, but you certainly don’t want to be mid-labor and unable to put your hair up. Make sure you have a few in your hospital bag, since they like to disappear!

Warm Socks: Hospitals are cold, and even nice birth centers can feel cool and uncomfortable. You’ll want comfy, warm socks to lounge in, and also walk the halls in if you can. Try to get non-slip socks in case you do the walking! I walked a lot during labor. Some hospitals, like The Birth Place at NCH, provide these, but bring yours just in case!

Big water bottle with straw:I have delivered both of my children at The Birth Place at NCH. Both times they gave me a really nice, large cup with a handle, lid, and straw. Those cups became my favorite even after I left the hospital. Unless you know for sure that you’ll be given one at your birth center, bring one!

Phone and phone charger:This may seem obvious, but it’s the obvious things that end up forgotten. Even if you’re not the one using your phone during labor, you will want to have this with you. Don’t forget the charger!

Headphones:Music helped me so much during labor! You can make yourself a playlist ahead of time if you want to be extra prepared. I also used my phone for this.

Camera:Should I add a charged battery with the camera? Unless you use your phone for pictures.

Snacks:I personally could not eat during labor, but my husband was starving the first time around and had no food. The second time around I packed lots of snacks. After my daughter was born I had a rice krispie treat. It was quite possibly the best snack I’ve ever had.

Mints:I liked to have these handy during and after labor.

THE “POST DELIVERY STUFF”

Comfortable PJs or clothes that you feel good in, easy for nursing:I recommend buying yourself a new set or two of PJs or comfortable clothes that are reserved for your hospital stay and after. You’ll feel better seeing tons of people in and out of your room if you’re in clothes that you feel good in. However, you will also want to feel comfortable and be able to nurse easily. Try to avoid white. Just in case.

Robe/Sweater:It gets chilly in the hospital and you’ll want that extra layer of comfort, I recommend bringing a comfy robe or a sweater. My husband gifted me a really nice robe before baby #2 was born. I loved having it in the hospital and still use it today!

Slippers/Flip-Flops:You may not want to stay in those comfy socks the entire time you’re there. Having a comfy “shoe” option to walk around the hall with baby is good!

Sleep Nursing Bra:Comfort is key in those first several days after labor. Bring a sleep nursing bra like this one.

A pack of these undies:.The hospital will provide mesh undies, but from what I remember, I didn’t like them and there are not enough of them for after you come home. Get something like these, but note that the sizing is a little off and you should choose bigger than you think you need.

Pillow and blanket:If you’re picky about your pillow and blanket, bring your own.

Favorite body wash, shampoo and conditioner:The first shower you get to take post-labor makes you feel like a new person, but not if you have to use the hospital body wash and shampoo.

Basic toiletries:You will want to feel human again for the remainder of your stay in the hospital, so be sure you have your toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, hair brush, deodorant, and any other basic toiletries you use to get ready daily. I personally did not blowdry my hair in the hospital, but you may want a hair-dryer if you think you will use it.

Herbal Perineal spray:Trust me on this one, get the spray. (Unless you know you are having a c-section.)

Breast pads:If you plan to breastfeed, you’ll want these handy. I like these reusable ones, but you can also use disposable breast pads if you prefer. I have used these before and liked them.

Tablet, book, or some other form of entertainment:I used my computer both times after having babies because I was bored just sitting there. You may want a tablet, a book, or some other form of entertainment.

Clothes to go home in:You will want something comfortable that you feel good in, as you will most likely be taking a picture in this.

BABY HOSPITAL BAG PACKING LIST

The hospital will supply diapers and wipes, so unless you plan to use special diapers from the beginning, save what you have at home. Here is my hospital bag packing list for baby:

Nursing pillow:A good nursing pillow was one of my favorite things to have with a newborn. I had one similar to this for my first two babies. I personally don’t like the ones that strap around your back. That seemed inconvenient and uncomfortable to me, but it’s all about personal preference.

Baby Blanket:The hospital will provide a baby blanket (or possibly a few) for your little one, but it’s likely that you’ll have a cute new favorite you want your babe pictured in.

Sleeper/PJs:The hospital also provides a onesie/basic outfit for the baby, but we all know we have those cute newborn PJs and outfits waiting for our new babes. Bring 1-3, not 10 of them. There will be plenty of time to dress them in every single outfit later. For now think warmth and comfort for you and baby.

The coming home outfit:This is one of the things I did not forget the first time around, because it’s something all new moms seem to plan for and pick out ahead of time.

Burp Cloths:You should be fine with 2-3 burp clothes for your hospital stay, just in case.

Pacifier: The Birth Place gave the babies their first pacifiers. My son never used, and my daughter loved hers. Regardless, you can bring this if you have something special, but most likely the hospital will provide one and it’s better not to lose the ones you have.

Installed car seat: Do yourself, or have your husband do himself, a favor ahead of time and get this installed and ready before it’s go-time for baby.

HOSPITAL BAG PACKING LIST FOR DAD

Clothes:Mostly comfortable, but if you will be doing pictures keep that in mind.

Pillow and blanket:The hospital will provide a pillow and blanket for Dad, but they aren’t great. If he’s picky at all, bring him his own so he’s a little bit more comfortable.

Toiletries:Dad will want to be able to freshen up too!

Snacks:This is already on the list for you, but don’t forget to bring enough for Dad!

Money for food:Dad will probably also want to do some food runs, so make sure he’s prepared!

Entertainment:Just like you, Dad may want a tablet, computer, book, or whatever else he can use for entertainment.

Bottled Drinks:Be prepared with at least a few bottled drinks for Dad in case he can’t get out to get something for a while.

OTHER ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR HOSPITAL BAG PACKING LIST

There are a few other important things you’ll want to be sure you have handy for all of the logistic stuff.

Insurance Card/Information

Birth Plan (if you have one)

Driver’s License

Pediatrician Contact Info

Social Security Card (or just having your # memorized should suffice)

OLDER SIBLINGS WILL NEED A FEW THINGS!

Even if they aren’t there for the birth, chances are the older siblings will be visiting the hospital. Here are a few recommendations of what to put on your hospital bag packing list for older siblings:

Big Brother/Big Sister Gift:When Alana was born, we gave Kaiper this adorable book called The Super, Incredible Big Brother from iseeme.com. They have lots of cute options!

Snacks:If the older siblings will be hanging out for a while, or if they are like my kids and they’ll be there for more than 5 minutes, make sure you have some snacks around for them!

Entertainment:The new sibling gift, and the new sibling, may be enough to entertain them. However, if they are younger they may need an extra toy or activity to entertain them within the confines of a hospital room. This doesn’t necessarily have to come with you when you go into labor, but make sure whoever brings them to visit later brings something along!

That’s it! You may need some additional items that are important to you, like glasses or contact solution, essential oils, or medicines you need to take regularly. You can fill these specific items in on the printable hospital bag packing list in the “Other” section.

WHEN YOU PACK YOUR HOSPITAL BAG

From my experience, I would suggest having your hospital bag packed about 4 weeks before baby’s due date. Any time after that could be “go time”, as I found out, and you won’t need anything more to think about or do in those last few weeks. The most important thing to remember is that either way, it’s all going to work out just fine!

GRAB THE FREE PRINTABLE HOSPITAL BAG PACKING LIST HERE!

Read Jessica LeBrun’s blog, On Moxie and Motherhood for more posts about parenting, family, homeschooling and other topics at https://www.onmoxieandmotherhood.com.

The post What You Really Need in Your Hospital Bag for Labor and Delivery appeared first on SWFL Family.

Keep your focus

There are many reasons a mom will be put on bed rest, but most often, it is because of the risk of pre-term labor. Focus on the goal, which is allowing baby to grow as long as possible. Reminding yourself of this will help keep you going each day.

Keep a record

Many moms find that writing in a journal or starting a blog is therapeutic. Record your thoughts and feelings about pregnancy, as well as what is going on that day. Take pictures to document the pregnancy. After the birth, you will have a record to look back on.

Keep entertained

Many hospitals are equipped with free wi-fi for patients to use. This comes in extra handy while on bed rest. Catch up on your TV shows, read books or magazines, watch movies, do some Internet shopping, play games on your phone or tablet, scroll through Facebook or Pinterest, and research the best car seat for baby. Utilize any form of entertainment to pass the time.

Keep resting

The adage: “Enjoy sleeping now because when baby comes you will wish you could sleep more.” is very hard for most moms to hear when they are forced into bed rest. However, it is a common saying because it is true. Rest is best for baby and mom. Try to make the most of it while you can.

Keep comfortable

Create a comfortable space wherever you are resting. At home, keep snacks, water, books, and other items close at hand so you don’t have to be up and about during the day. Bring comforts from home to the hospital. Items like blankets and pillows, pictures of family, and any favorites that make you feel more comfortable will ease the time you spend at the hospital.

Keep busy

This is the time to catch up on the things you never have time to do. Try beauty maintenance such as painting your fingernails or plucking your eyebrows. Teach yourself a new skill like knitting or crocheting using free tutorial videos online. Finish the thank you cards from your baby shower. Anything to pass the time.

Keep a routine

Wake up at approximately the same time daily, shower, get dressed, eat meals at the same times, and do basically the same activities each day. Keeping a simple daily routine will help time pass and help create a sense of normalcy. If you are working, get a laptop and keep up with your work from your home or the hospital bed.

Keep a positive perspective

It is hard not to get down when you see the same four walls day in and day out, sometimes for weeks on end. Keep telling yourself “You can do it!”. Take each day as it comes and keep pushing yourself toward your goal. Remind yourself this is temporary and will be worth it in the end. Someday this will all be a distant memory.

Keep a support system

A strong support system is key to surviving bed rest. Encourage friends and family to visit as much as possible. Having people around to talk to does wonders to raise spirits for a mom on bed rest. If family and friends offer to help by bringing meals, caring for older children, or doing housework, accept the help.

The main thing to remember while on bed rest is that it will end. Each day the baby stays in utero is less time baby will spend in the NICU. Take one day at a time and try to remain positive. Soon enough, you will be holding your baby in your arms.

How to Survive Hospital Bed Rest

Hospital bed rest is a totally different experience than resting at home. The four walls of a hospital room can feel like a prison after looking at them for days and weeks on end. Here are some ways to survive hospital bed rest.

Sleep. Often, it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep in the hospital. Taking naps throughout the day is healthy for mom and baby and passes the time.

Accept visitors. If someone offers to visit, accept their offer. It’s always nice to have someone new to talk to.

Comforts. Bring as many comforts from home as you can. Having a favorite pillow or photos of loved ones can do a lot to encourage you.

Go for a ride. Ask if you are allowed to go for a ride in a wheelchair. A change of scenery, even for a few minutes, can make a big difference.

Throw a party. Ask friends or family to bring dinner to you. Watch a movie together or just chat. Make it a weekly event so you have something to look forward to.

One day at a time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when the days are long and boring. Try to take one day at a time and remain positive. Each day that passes is allowing baby to grow bigger and stronger.

SARAH LYONS survived five weeks on bed rest prior to the birth of her triplets in 2014.

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