Question for those that were on bedrest...

vsealey

I'm not sure which board to post this on, but I need a favor please. My cousin is 22 weeks pregnant with twins and has been put on bedrest.  She only has 2 weeks paid leave at work so it's going to be hard on her family.  My questions are:

If you have been on bedrest, what would you have liked someone to send you (like in a care package)? 

What meals or help did you enjoy (or wish you had) the most?

 Thanks so much.  I live 4 hours away so housework or a visit is out of the question, but my Mom lives close.  Any ideas are much appreciated

 

Kadyra

I didn't have disability insurance with DS when I was on bedrest. Never thought I'd need it! So I feel her pain.

I liked the craft projects my friends brought me. And the occasional Starbucks. Last pregnancy, I crocheted a ton. This time I'm doing a lot of cross stitch on bibs. I read a ton, so books or amazon gift cards were much appreciated. Weirdly, a friend brought me coloring books and crayons and I found that to be soothing. Movies were also a welcome distraction.

Food... Stuff easy for DH to prepare. Healthy snacks. Non sugary drinks that weren't water. I love Vita Rain from Costco. Zero cal fruity flavor drinks. I personally hate defrosting stuff. Takes too long and then it tastes weird. But a meal that can be in the fridge 1 or 2 days is appreciated. And casseroles get old!

HTH. Best wishes to your friend.

Help with laundry, dishes, cleaning is a wonderful thoughtful gift.

Some people love visitors. Some want privacy. I'm a private person, but I did like when someone stopped by for a few minutes. Not too often though.

This time, I have DS at home. The wonderful family and friends who've taken him, even if just for a few hours, have done us a huge service. I'm so grateful for their help.

weddedwife

::lurking::

I've been on bed rest since 15 weeks. Given their current financial situation, seems like food or help might be the most useful. You could send snacks, gift cards for restaurants that do take out or deliver or a gift cert for a cleaning service. Maybe even an Amazon gift card so they can order household necessities? I know it's 4 hours away, but I'll bet your friend would really appreciate a visit, maybe on a weekend? Send cards, call her, text her often and check in on her.

thishappyhouse

I was on bedrest for a little over a month (3 weeks in the hospital) and then had a 4 month NICU stay.  The most useful things we received were:

practical:

gas gift cards

whole foods gift cards

MH's Aunt coordinated family contributions to pay our Monthly Hospital parking ($150/month) 

freezer meals- stews, soups, enchiladas, muffins were our favs

 

nice while I was on bedrest:

lots of magazines

someone let me borrow a kindle

good hand lotion & manicure set

lululemon headbands to keep my unwashed frizzy hair under control

 cards and notes/ "visiting" with far away friends/family on skype

 

Courtneyw04

Magazines, magazines, and more magazines! Those mio flavored water mixes were so helpful since you usually have to guzzle lots of water to keep contractions at bay. Protein drinks.