Maternity leave

My maternity leave was supposed to begin May 24th. Instead, it began May 1st {my last day of actual work was April 25th}.

Slight high blood pressure, being at risk for gestational diabetes, and long work hours all made my doctor conclude that my leave needed to begin early. At first I was not excited about it.

What was I going to do for almost two months {besides my minimum of two hours of ordered bed rest each day}?  I will admit that my pride got in the way for a few days; other people work up until they are contracting! Why couldn't I? What were other people (mainly my coworkers) going to think of me for needing to take leave early?

Then, I had a few days off and I realized how extremely exhausted I was. Working for 24 hour shifts are great, until you have some time off and see what it's like to sleep in your own bed every night, to be able to take a nap when you are tired and being able to get outside to see that the sun is in fact shining.

There are times at work where we are up for over 20 hours straight; not healthy for an adult, let alone a little one trying to grow in a peaceful environment. Thankfully, my doctor saw how worn out I was, even when I wasn't willing to admit it to myself.

I have already enjoyed my new routine: laying on the couch with my feet elevated, taking daily walks, sleeping in the same bed as my husband (what a concept!), reading to Bailey and enjoying her kicks and movements, organizing and cleaning.

I've tried to plan out my days so I'm not bored or sitting around doing nothing all day; or wearing myself out from trying to do too much at once. I am very thankful for this time to catch up on my sleep (when it isn't interrupted by trips to the bathroom or leg cramps at 3am), getting ready for Bailey's arrival and spending time cleaning and organizing our home.

I'm so very glad to have a doctor and husband who point out that it's ok to take a break and take care of myself for a while, because come next month, it's all about Bailey!