To a lot of people bed rest can seem like some kind of excuse to get Mum out of having to do basically anything, but that is far from the truth.
Lazing around in your pyjamas and watching telly in bed may sound like a good way to spend a day, but there is an unsettling reason it has been prescribed: either Mum or Baby is at risk.
If your other half has been told to spend the next few weeks resting, why not help make it a little more bearable for her with the following tips:
1. Don’t moan at her
We know it can be hard trying to do everything when you’re on your own, especially if you have other children, but the last thing she wants to hear is you moaning about it. for a lot of women, bed rest is not particularly a barrel of laughs and she probably feels bad already.
2. Talk to her
Remember, she has been cooped up in bed while you have been at work and is probably craving adult conversation. Try to spend as much time in the evening sitting and talking to her – particularly if she is stuck in her bedroom at the top of the house.
3. Keep her entertained
Facebook and Twitter can only keep her entertained for so long so make sure she has enough books, magazines, movies and games to keep her happy. Hook her computer up to Skype so that she can talk to family and friends.
4. Make her comfortable
Pile the bed or couch with comfy pillows and blankets so that she can’t get cold and make sure the room is warm enough to keep her toasty – the less she has to move for the better. And keep a bedside locker full of her favourite treats so that she won’t go hungry!
5. Have a bed rest party
While she is meant to be resting there is no harm in asking family and friends to call over if they can. Your partner is no doubt missing interaction with other people and could do with a friendly face or two popping around. Why not give family a spare key so that your other half won’t even have to answer the door.
