You got it Jannie.

Check out Sidelines. They are a support group for high risk pregnant mothers on bedrest. I used to sit on their board of directors. Excellent organization!

Jodi-

Here is a link that might be useful: Sidelines

One of my dear friends was put on bedrest with her last child. She is in her late 30's and had 4 at home! She is NEVER in a bad mood and boy, did she ever get unhappy.

Just keep reminding her it is only for a short time and it is all for the best. I will be happy to keep her in my prayers. How much longer does she have to go?

Trish

I'll be thinking about Eve. She's the same age as my mother was when Neva and I were born (we were the 6th & 7th!)

By the way Jannie, I meant to tell you in my first post that I went into labor at 22 weeks with my son who is a healthy 22 year old now.

I was on total bedrest for three months and was induced at 36 weeks because of pre-eclampsia. He was just fine at birth and was sent home with me 36 hours later.

For me, total bedrest meant that I was to lay on my left side, only allowed to shower twice a week, use the bathroom only when needed. All other times I was not allowed out of bed for any other reason. I did not cook, get the mail, chase after my 2 year old (who was put into day care) or leave the house except to be wheeled outside on a chaise lounge for some fresh air. A nurse came to my house once every two weeks to examine me.

I was on the first fetal monitor developed and monitored myself twice a day (more if my contractions were over 6 per hour) and uploaded the results via modem. I was required to take terbutaline by mouth to help lessen the contractions every three hours, around the clock for the entire three months. They now have a pump that can be used so you don't suffer from the extreme sleep deprivation I did.

If it wasn't for the horrible worry and lack of sleep, it would have been a great experience. I read 27 novels, three medical books cover to cover, about 20 medical magazines (our next door neighbor was a doctor), and 20+ Reader's Digests. I had internet access back in 1987 and had people from all over the world following my progress and cheering me on. I watched TV only twice the entire three months.

I did phone support for women on bedrest with pre-term labor for several years and like I said earlier, sat on the board for Sidelines.

If I can recommend only three things to Eve, it would be this
1. Drink lots and lots of water. It helps keep contractions down. Dehydration can start contractions.
2. Be 100% compliant with the doctor's orders.
3. Think of the big picture. Two or three months is a very short time in the scheme of an entire lifetime and the results are well worth it.

Jodi-

((((Eve))))

Best of luck for your friend

Thanks for the good wishes and suggestions. I will relay everything to Eve.

My SIL was just saying how 13 years ago today she went in to pre term labor and was admited into the hospital. She spent 6 weeks in the hospital on bedrest then delivered triplets. Bedrest is really difficult, but you get through it for the sake of those babies. Having healthy babies makes it all worth while.

Best of luck!!!