Mamas on Bedrest & Beyond & Support for Mamas on Bedrest, thru post partum.

Mamas on Bedrest: Meet April’s Mama of the Month, Jennifer Breedlove

I love hearing how mamas cope with bed rest. Each story, while strikingly similar is also uniquely different. Each mama finds a way to cope, stay strong and do what she must to “keep her little bun (s) in the oven.”

April’s Mama of the Month is Jennifer Breedlove. Jennifer is a mama of 4 and endured 11 weeks of bed rest while pregnant with her now 15 month old twin boys. Here is Jennifer’s story.

I was put on bed rest at 25 weeks for preterm labor with cervical shortening.  I was hospitalized and got magnesium and sent home three days later.  Four weeks afterward, I went back for a check up (I had been seen at two week check up, with no cervical changes) and I was dilated to 5 cm in preterm labor again!  My first twin was breech so at 29 weeks, they kept me in the hospital for preterm labor and advanced cervical dilation.  I stayed at 5 cm for the next seven weeks and ultimately got induced!  My ob said he’d never seen anyone stay dilated for so long without complications.  I was on bed rest with our twin boys for eleven weeks…56 of those days on hospital bed rest!

I had a goal each day and became a creature of habit.  I am very active so I was shocked when I was put on bed rest!  I immediately started a bed rest exercise program and when I became inpatient, a physical therapist designed a program for me that I would do every day (most times twice daily).  Like most moms on bed rest, I felt alone, afraid for my babies and angry that my body was going into labor too soon.  I Just prayed for each day to stay pregnant and at 36 weeks, I was induced and gave birth to two healthy boys!  Praise God!

To mamas on bed rest I say stay positive, take help from whomever offers and have a daily goal.  I got reacquainted on Facebook and looked forward to my two other children and husband to visit.  Thankfully, my mom was able to visit me ever night and eventually, I got wheelchair privileges  to get some fresh air.  It’s been a rough year but we’re finally adjusted to our new life and I ran my first marathon within eight months after their birth to celebrate our health.

Andrew and Joseph were born on January 30, 2011.  Drew was 5 lbs, 6oz.  Joseph was 6 lbs, 2 oz.  Perfect little men who walk now!

Tags: bed rest, Bedrest Fitness, incompetent cervix, multiple gestation, pregnancy, preterm labor, self care, Surviving bed rest
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