Info about Childcare
What You Can Do with Your Children While You are on Bed Rest
If you have other children, you'll need to make arrangements for child care in your home or with a babysitter. There should always be another adult in the home if you're on bed rest and your children are less than six years old.
If you've been the primary care giver for your child or children until you were put on bed rest, there will probably be a period of adjustment for everyone. You may find it easier to send the children to a sitter each day so you can truly rest, because you may be inclined to submit to helping him or her out as part of your mothering routine. The sitter will also be a good option if you have to leave your home suddenly if you're having medical problems. Or you may find it less stressful to have your children with you at home, but with a very perceptive babysitter who can engage your child with activities in another area allowing you to rest.
You may be able to count on family members for your babysitting needs. It's easier on everyone when the children are familiar with their care givers, but this may not be feasible because of the amount of babysitting time required. Regardless of outside or in-home child care, make a conscious effort to spend an hour or so with your children every day.
Here are some things you can do with your children while you're on bed rest:
o Plan craft activities they can do on your bed using your writing board.
o Select a chapter book and read one or two chapters to them each day.
o Have snack or "tea" time with them and find out how their day has gone.
o Pick out their clothes together and do their hair.
o Spend time helping them with homework.
o Plan a birthday party or some special activity for after the baby is born.
o Explain to them that lying in bed is helping their brother or sister get bigger. Let them hear the baby's heartbeat and feel for kicks. Solicit their help by asking them to get you things in other parts of the house. This will empower them. Avoid telling them about the things that may go wrong with your pregnancy as this may be too scary for them.