The Bed Rest Debate

Maybe it's because five weeks of bed rest have started to wear me down, maybe I'm just using my brain too much, but I came across several articles pointing to the limited research available on pregnancy bed rest and raising questions about its benefits. The articles also touched a nerve when discussing the potential negative side effects of bed rest on some women, as I am still recovering from what was diagnosed after many, many months of pain, as Parsonage Turner Syndrome, or Brachial Plexitis on my left shoulder. It is safe to say I was a little taken aback and apprehensive about all these articles and publications I came across, to say the least.

This is the article that first jolted me to seek Dr. Google's advice (bad, BAD move...)

Followed by all these publications found on this website.

To be fair, I was not looking for any of this. I was merely searching for possible bed rest exercises to help prevent muscle atrophy. In the end, I have come out with serious questions and doubts, which deep in my heart, I know can't be answered sufficiently or alleviated because even without much evidence, if Dr. F. tells me bed rest is the best chance I have at keeping this little boy inside longer, I will do it without a blink of an eye.

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Sunday morning in the backyard

Despite being cooped up as bed rest continues, I still find ways to enjoy summer, and more importantly, to indulge my little pumpkin in one of her favorite things of all time--to play outside! Every weekend morning it's the same thing after breakfast "Mommy, Daddy...outsiiiiide" "Outsiiiiide, peeeeeas" "I wan outsiiiiide"...and we just can't resist.

So, this is what we did on Sunday morning. Several hours of outsiiiiide!

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time and changes

A Letter to Chloë, on your 2nd birthday

From the moment my belly started bulging out a few months ago, until about 5 weeks ago, I cherished our bedtime routine, knowing they might come to an abrupt end through no fault of our own. I would hold you in my arms, and you always stuffed your face into my neck, trying to fit it just right, and you'd put your arms around me, and sigh so peacefully. They were short minutes, when I would hold you tight before placing you in your crib. I would say "'night, 'night" and you'd grab your bear and watch me leave the room. There were some nights I almost cried, because I knew that those days were almost over, that not only was my belly getting bigger, and bed rest was looming in our future, but you are also getting bigger, more independent, knowing your own mind, and some nights would quickly want to move from my shoulders to your crib.

Now you are two--two full years, and Daddy has been putting you to bed every night, for about 5 weeks now. Those first few days when you'd complain as you went upstairs and I stayed behind on the couch, I would cry as I heard you and Daddy upstairs, laughing, getting your PJs on, and doing our routine. I would cry because I miss you, because I know by the time I'm able to once again hold you in my arms before bed, you might not want it anymore because you are two. Two full years. Full of life, wants and demands.

I don't cry anymore, because I know you are strong and you understand. You kiss and pat my belly, but I still think you have no idea exactly how our world will rock when this other little treasure comes out into the world. It will be amazing, and with all that you have become in the last two years, you will also be amazing.

So for now, I celebrate your birthday, the little person you're becoming, and as I lay on the couch, on the bed, on the floor, I enjoy every minute of you. You, with your curls, and your knowing smile, your mischievous eyes, and all your charm. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I just knew it, you were about to rock my world, and you've never disappointed.

I love LOVE love you! Amo MUITO!

-Mommy


there are no words

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because it's worth it

this is day 26 of bed rest and for all the moments I want to rip my hair out or cry for hours on end, there's one thing that keeps me going. Knowing that I'll have a little piece of me, a little piece of Josh, wandering around climbing trees, and just looking positively mischievous.


climbing trees with friend, Chase


looking angelic to some, but really, ready to pounce on mischief

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