5 Ways to Help Someone on Bed Rest
Simple things you can do to show your support
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Do not tell her that you are jealous
This is the cardinal rule of bed rest etiquette, and the one that seems to get broken the most often. Even if you, yourself, think that leaving your job and lying on the couch for three months sounds pretty good, keep it to yourself. Bed rest is not a vacation — it is a time of loneliness and stress. And lounging around in bed loses its luxury after about 24 hours.
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Bring dinner
Don’t even ask. If she already has dinner, she can freeze it. Nothing says love like feeding someone, especially when they can’t feed themselves.
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Remember the little things
Depending on the person, send clippings from the newspaper, funny cards, pictures of her from junior high ... anything to make her laugh. If humor doesn’t seem to help, just offer plain old support. Cards or phone calls just saying, “I’m thinking of you,” will always be appreciated.
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Pamper her
By the end of bed rest, I looked like a bloated sea lion due to my pregnancy and I had bad hair, nails, and skin on top of it. If you can, paint your friend’s toes or, if you (and she) are brave, do her eyebrows. Bring the spa to her!
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Bring the baby shower to her
One of the most memorable times of my pregnancy was when my co-workers brought my shower to me. They knew I would not be able to attend a one, so they planned everything and brought the cake, favors, decorations, and gifts right to my house. I lay fully reclined in the big Lazy-Boy while they hung streamers around me. It was so special, and I could not have asked for a better shower. I didn’t have to miss out on one of the milestones of my baby’s life because I was stuck at home.
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I promise you that your friends will always remember your kindnesses during this difficult time. Depending on the situation and the friend, you could also bring funny movies, gossipy magazines, or anything to make her laugh. My MIL even brought me a tiara to wear as I lay there, bloated and miserable. Companionship is one of the best gifts you can give (while folding laundry).
Touchdown! That’s a rellay cool way of putting it!
That’s way the bestest asnwer so far!
I feel so much hpaiper now I understand all this. Thanks!