Customer Reviews

Bed Rest Survival Guide

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I was told that I was going to be on bedrest for four months, and this was the first book I bought. The author obviously has more money than I do, because I cannot afford to have a massage twice a week, or buy a Select Comfort bed or a new laptop computer...I'm out of work! I needed practical advice, and this book didn't offer it. Instead, it offered me ideas for things I wish I could afford.

As a pregnant bedrester, I was diappointed with this book. The book is intended to help all people on bedrest, rather than just pregnant women. The author offers some helpful suggestions, but is not very realistic. Suggesting that women hire housekeepers, gardeners, and massage therapists is NOT practical or realistic for women who have to quit working, and then adjust their incomes accordingly. I just puchased a book from A Place to Remember, entitled "Days in Waiting: A Guide to Surviving Pregnancy Bedrest" by Mary Ann McCann. I found it very practical and helpful.

This book was neither helpful, nor realistic. As on OB nurse, I feel that this book also has some dangerous information for pregnant women, such as advice about exercise and sex. There is not enough support in the author's strangely optimistic perspective of her "bedrest journey." Most women find bedrest quite a challenge. These women need support from someone who has endured the struggles and offers helpful assistance.

I anticipated reading this book as I approached week four of eight weeks of bed rest. There are some good suggestions, ideas and information provided here. I found myself put off by the first chapter, however, entitled "Finding Inspiration." In it, the author describes how she began to "treasure" her time on bed rest and speaks at length about how restorative and peaceful the experience was for her. It bothered me to read that at the beginning of the book. More empathy and supportiveness before launching into the "gratitude" mode would have suited me better.

I also feel that many of her suggestions assume the reader is of a certain financial status. Many patients on bedrest cannot afford or do not own a remote control TV, cordless phone, laptop computer, or some of the other "necessities" Peterson outlines. Greater sensitivity to a wide range of circumstances is needed.