In the bed, on the bed, around the bed.

When John and I had Ivy that advice was given to us by our midwife. Meaning that the first week after you have a baby you should be in bed, all people who might visit should be family and those close enough to you to see you in whatever state you may be in – in your bed. The next week you can be a bit more mobile but mostly you stay on your bed, and by the third week you should be up and moving some, but staying in the house, taking it easy – staying around the bed.

It’s possibly the best advice ever and, fortunately for me, John is a true believer.  Jane and I (as with Ivy and Clara when they were born) have had such a great chance, to rest, heal, sleep when we need, remember how nursing works and spend an amount of hours probably only new mothers and babies can spend staring at each other.

Of course now that I’ve been hanging out in my bedroom for a week and half I’m getting a bit restless. “On the bed” I’ve been getting our Christmas (turned New Years) cards ready to send out, folding laundry and reading to the big girls. Every now and then I even sneak into a different room for awhile – until John finds me and sends Jane and I back to bed. Then for few moments of completely uncalled for self pity I think that I would much rather go outside and do something, it’s January, January weather is great. Then I look out the window and remember there is no snow. Then I look at the mud covered dog and remember that until today it wasn’t even that cold.  Then I look at the pictures John took of Clara playing in the sandbox last week and think that the weather is completely ridiculous! Then I look at Jane and happily snuggle into bed with her. One of the very best things in the world is taking a midday nap with a warm baby on a nasty day. My weeks of rests are almost up, so I’m going to enjoy it while I can!