Stir-crazy.
>> Friday, February 19, 2010
It's funny how I feel like so much of my life is riding on an uncomfortable exam with my obstetrician. An invasive doctor's appointment should be something to dread, right? Except I find myself looking at my calendar daily wondering if I really have three more weeks until I go back to the doctor.
I'm dying for the okay to act like a human.
I know from reading other women's experiences that a lot of people don't follow the six-week rule. And while I'm usually the last person to perfectly mind my doctor's orders, this time it's different. I guess 'cuz now there's a baby involved, and her health is the most important thing, followed by my health so I can stick around and take care of her.
But ohmygod I want to work out. Move my limbs, run until I'm out of breath. I want to take Adelyn into the world. I want to start merging these two lives--the one I barely remember, way back when Adelyn wasn't even a blip on my radar, and the other that I'm in now, where she is the center of my world.
This isn't a complaint. I wouldn't trade this new life for anything. I'd gladly trade in the parts in between her smiles and playtime, though.
When she's sleeping (which is a lot), I find myself thinking more and more about what's next. I know Jason and I don't want to put Adelyn in daycare yet, because we both want to spare the insane expense and realize that we're lucky enough that we don't have to put her in it. But I also know that I'll quickly go crazy without a path, a goal, a project outside of poopy diapers and warming bottles.
I'm not talking about tomorrow, or even next week. I'm talking about in the future, once our lives and my health start becoming a little more predictable. When we have actual bed-times. For now, I'll make do with the okay that I can start acting like a non-pregnant, non postpartum person. One who can drink a beer or lift some weights without suffering the guilt.
More than anything I want the okay to take her outside. There's a big world outside of this apartment (from what I can remember).
13 comments:
how long must you wait to take her out? my doc never said anything about keeping her away from anyone for a particular amount of time, i just did it because it eased my mind.
I was told to wait six weeks to take her out in public. Plus it's been so cold here recently I feel bad even taking her outside at all. How long did you wait?
Six weeks seems like a long time, but I live in AZ where it is not very cold. Ever. We had the opposite problem... Heat! I went got crazy cabin fever after a few weeks too and went for walks. There was no one to "catch" anything from and it could be as long or as short as we were comfortable with. We went when it was coolest out... but if you "wear" her in the sling she will be warm and toasty. My friend put her hubby's jacket over her and her baby in the sling and left the top open so the baby could get fresh air but was toasty and the went out in the city for walks after 2 weeks... I was warned against very public places (where there are crowds or close quarters) but you should be OK to take her places where there are not a lot of people. Most people will respect the age and keep their distance and not touch, but don't hesitate to tell them to keep hands off etc. You sound like you are doing really well! Remember that your mental health contributes to your overall health and if you need a few hours out, you should take them. You may feel guilty either way though... comes with the territory :)
Hang in there!!
Wow, 6 weeks is a super long time to be cooped up! We weren't given a restriction and started taking her to peoples houses at 1.5 weeks and she was at a restaurant at 2.5 weeks. I live in Minnesota so no outdoor activities yet and we do make sure to warm up the car first!
We weren't given any restriction either! I was super nervous at first though and only took her out for walks where there were no other people to catch anything from...I can't imagine not leaving the house for 6 weeks!
Well, we've gone to my parents' house and Jason's parents' house, as well as the doctor twice. I was told to wait six weeks before bringing her anywhere aside from the doctor or family members' homes. And--thank GOD--I have wonderful family members who've allowed me to get out here and there.
I just can't wait until Adelyn can tag along with me wherever. Writing that post and hearing the feedback I've gotten is making me wonder if my doctor's orders were a little excessive, after all.
Sarah--get the video Be Fit Mom. It's a gentle postpartum workout that you can use to start restrengthening your abs and back. It's really low strain pilates. I love it.
Is there a particular reason why Adelyn has been ordered into seclusion? I'm confused. Our pediatrician told us to take Hendrix out every day, and get him as much sunlight as Brooklyn in the dead of winter permits. We've taken him on the subway once (avoiding sick people as best as possible), and I've taken him to new moms meetup groups. That's how to start building the immune system! I've only heard of keeping babies in seclusion as a Chinese tradition.
-Aubrey
It does seem a little excessive. After all, the pediatrician's office has got to be at least as "germy" as anywhere else. If not more....:)
it was about three weeks before we went anywhere other than church or family members. but it was my choice, not the doc telling me too
Six weeks to take her out!?!?!?!? Someone is trying to drive you insane girl!
My (late term preemie born at 36w5d and 5lbs1oz) daughter and I went out just eight days after she was born. We braved snowy weather because I was going INSANE in my house! After five days in a hospital, and three more in my tiny 900 sq. ft. apartment we had to get out. We went to the mall, we got some lunch and we went home.
Go out, go somewhere and do something. She's perfectly healthy and as long as you are up for it, GO GO GO! (Sorry, I have a toddler learning sign language and she loves to quote her video!)
Here to agree with everyone else...we had no restrictions either. I'd call the doctor and see if that is his/her standard instructions or if for some reason that was specific to y'all. If it's his standard pitch...GET OUT!! Get some fresh air!
Hey Nine Months! I was also told to wait six weeks. My girl was born in January as well. It might be a winter/cold-and-flu season thing. Good news is all that breast milk does wonders for her immune system.
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