In the middle of a nail appointment at only 31 weeks pregnant, my water broke.
I rushed home, grabbed the family and we went to the hospital where I received my sentencing... Bedrest, hospital bed rest.
It didn't really hit me until about two days in, the isolation, not being able to see my daughter all day everyday, canceling our whole month of summer plans. This wasn't going to be easy, and it's not!
But I hope that me writing this will help other women in my position. Just remember you are not alone and there is a sweet little baby at the end of the tunnel.
First off, rally your troops. We were very fortunate my parents live close by and my husband's job was able to give him vacation time. So my mother and husband were able to switch off taking care of Morrison.
I also have an incredible group of Mom's clubs that I'm apart of, they organized a meal train for my family, and brought me snacks and things to do. Which was so incredibly helpful. My husband really enjoyed a home cooked meal every few days. Which brings me to my first piece of advice, if your people are offering you help, I know it can be hard to take it, but your family needs it.
Next, my list of essentials to survive.
ASK FOR A FRIDGE - If you don't already have one ask for one, some people need them for medication so they definitely have them available. This way you can stock it up with some good snacks to have on hand. I was very lucky our hospital has an incredible restaurant so I wasn't eating your typical hospital food. If you aren't as lucky no worries stock up that fridge. Here are some of the things I stocked mine with: Honey greek yogurt, mixed berries, granola, hummus, small veggie tray, plantain chips, salsa, mixed nuts, and lots and lots of chocolate. I also love Poppi probiotic sodas, you'll most likely be on antibiotics so these will help your gut.
LAPTOP/IPAD - Time to catch up on shows or watch your favorite movie. A great way to pass the time.
JOURNAL/NOTEBOOK - This was a huge help for me. I can finally sit and write all the blog topics I haven't have the time to, my goal is to get all caught up. Also just journaling about your time here will feel good and wild to look back on one day.
BOOKS TO READ - My moms club does a book club, so it was a great time to catch up on this months book. Or ask some friends to recommend a good book for you.
SELF CARE -This one is super important to me, Have someone pick you up some face masks, essential oils (Lavender is a must), water hydration sticks (You'll get sick of water), nail stuff (you probably won't be able to do your toes, but your hands would love some treatment. Take a shower or a bath if you have one, style your hair and put some makeup on, anything to boost your mood will help.
POLAROID CAMERA - I had recently purchased a Polaroid camera and I thought it would be a cute way to document this experience. I had my husband bring it to the hospital, it was fun to create little keepsakes and my daughter gets a kick out of it.
STAY COMFY - This one is a big one. Hospital beds are not known to be comfortable so bringing your own pillow, comfy blanket, slippers, and PJs are very important. I laid a fuzzy blanket over the bed, then used another to sleep with. Comfy slippers for walking around are great and cozy matching PJs help me feel like I have my life together. Also, a few good pillows from home will make a huge difference.
SLEEP MASK - Must have with all the monitors that are on all night. I also played white noise to drown out all the sounds of the hospital. worked like a charm, I actually slept pretty well.
COLORING BOOKS/PUZZLES - I love to color and it's a great way to keep your mind stimulated, also sudoku or crossword puzzles are great.
HAVE FRIENDS/FAMILY VISIT - It's a must to stay sane. Have friends to come to visit (ask for Starbucks, hospital coffee is horrible) for some much needed girl time. My husband would bring my daughter every morning and we would have breakfast together. Most the nurses are amazing as well and would stay and talk for a bit.
I truly hope this helps you get through this hard time, and just know every day that baby stays in is less time in the NICU. You got this mama! Try to enjoy all this YOU time.
xo, Kristin
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