Pregnancy
When the most anticipated time of your life unexpectedly turns into a challenging ordeal, what do you do? You lean on your friends, of course.
During my pregnancy, I found myself on bed rest due to an incompetent cervix, which meant I had to stay horizontal, keep my legs together, and pray for the best. Reactions from my friends and family varied widely; some were eager to help, while others were unsure of how to assist. Luckily, a few amazing friends jumped right in with recommendations for specialists, massage therapists, and even some comforting advice. One friend arrived with a stash of nail polish and freshly baked croissants. Those months were filled with uncertainty, but the support I received made all the difference. Here’s how you can assist your friend during her time on bed rest:
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Join Her in Bed
Solidarity is key. As her closest friend, you’re there to support her through all of life’s ups and downs. Even if she has a caring partner, no one understands her fears quite like you do. Slip into your comfy clothes, grab a tub of ice cream, and settle in beside her. Your main goal? Distract her from the bed rest and make her laugh. An excellent way to do this is by binge-watching classic ’80s sitcoms together. A friend once brought me “Cheers” on DVD, and we spent hours laughing and reminiscing about simpler times. If you can do one thing for her, make it this; she will be grateful for it forever. -
Send Thoughtful Care Packages
Even if you live far away, like my best friend who was three hours away from me, you can still send a care package. Fill it with her favorite magazines, puzzles, and some sweet treats. I received a box filled with hand cream, cozy socks, and even some CDs. These items might not be essentials, but they serve as a reminder that she is loved during a vulnerable time. Plus, it gives her a reason to get out of bed to greet the delivery person. -
Arrange a Spa Day at Home
While being on bed rest means limited mobility, it doesn’t mean she shouldn’t feel pampered. If you can find a local service, arrange for a professional to come over for a pedicure or a massage. I remember how excited I was when a prenatal massage therapist visited my home weekly. It was a much-needed break and a chance for some personal attention. If you’re unsure what type of pampering she would enjoy, just ask her about it. -
Help with House Cleaning
Sometimes, love is expressed through actions like cleaning. While she may initially refuse, insist on helping out. Bring over a snack to entice her and ask where she keeps the cleaning supplies. Even if her home seems tidy, find something to spruce up. I’m a bit of a neat freak, and having a friend come over to help tidy my space made a world of difference. Bonus points if you change her sheets to something fresh and luxurious. -
Cook for Her
Food is a powerful way to show you care. My mother once shipped frozen lasagna, which was a bit soggy but full of love. Learn about your friend’s dietary restrictions and prepare some meals to stock her freezer. Bring over convenient snacks as well. I survived on a diet of cheese and nuts, but having friends drop by with homemade meals was such a treat. Even better is sitting down to share a meal with her. -
Take Care of Her Kids
If she has other children, she may be feeling some guilt about not being able to care for them. This is your moment to step in. Offer to take care of her kids for a day, allowing her to rest and focus on herself and the baby growing inside her. She’ll appreciate knowing her kids are having fun while she takes a much-needed break.
While I wish I could say my time on bed rest felt like a luxurious retreat, the reality was filled with fear and uncertainty. However, the unwavering support from my friends made those dark days much more bearable. Even if you can’t physically be there, the most crucial thing you can do is listen. Bed rest can be an extremely daunting experience for any pregnant woman, so don’t let her face it alone. And remember to bring those croissants!
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Summary
Supporting a friend on bed rest during pregnancy requires creativity, empathy, and tangible actions. From joining her in bed for comfort to sending care packages and even helping with household chores, there are numerous ways to show your love. Cooking meals and taking care of kids can also provide her necessary relief. Ultimately, being there for her emotionally is just as important as any physical assistance.