https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 18 May 2026 18:59:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wrapping-my-head-around-early-loa#post-2775480 Mon, 25 Sep 2017 20:00:26 +0000 Ina85 2775480@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry you're having to deal with all this! I think you've made the right decision to keep your baby safe and baby's health your top priority, this is what I would've done if I was in your situation. To help with the stress and boredom, do you have any hobbies you can be engaged in at home? Do you like art/crafts? Regarding the loneliness, do you have family near you who can come visit, can your friends come visit? When I was pregnant, sometimes I just didn't want to go out or leave my house but I still felt like being around friends and being social and they would come visit and I would have a good time in my pj's :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wrapping-my-head-around-early-loa#post-2775479 Mon, 25 Sep 2017 19:55:41 +0000 lamariniere 2775479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hugs to you! It sounds like, at this point, there is no turning back as far as going back to work before you deliver. I know it is much easier said than done, but I would try to figure out a way to enjoy or at least fill your time off pre-baby. Could you take a prenatal yoga class while your LO is in school to get in some relaxation time? I would try to plan at least one outing a day just to get out of the house (even if it’s just grocery shopping). Maybe do breakfast or lunch out with your LO once in awhile? Go to the library for story hour, explore a new park/playground, see if there are any mom and me activities or meet ups in your area. Also, maybe delegate at least one evening a week to your DH so you can really take a night off to catch a movie, meet with friends, or just do something for yourself like read a book or go to bed early. As for the finances, try to remember that it’s a short term hardship. Things will look different in a few months and you will get through this moment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wrapping-my-head-around-early-loa#post-2775470 Mon, 25 Sep 2017 19:41:47 +0000 tillma 2775470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not really sure what I am looking for by writing this. Commiseration? Suggestions? I'm having a tough time because I have been put on leave seven weeks before my due date. This is my second pregnancy and, although my first pregnancy was no walk in the park, this one has been so so much harder. I have had wicked reflux, nausea and complete lack of appetite through the entire thing. Around 6 1/2 months the cloud finally lifted and felt so much better for about two months until my nausea suddenly returned two weeks ago. Within a matter of days I had dropped 5 pounds and my baby stopped responding as well on ultrasound. My OB strongly suggested I be done working. I was sick enough and sufficiently scared enough to agree. Two weeks later I have good days and bad days but most are bad days. The rest has helped and I have put some weight back on and baby responded so much better at my last ultrasound. The problem? I am going crazy being at home. I didn't expect this so I have no idea what to do with myself. I have a preschooler at home so caring for him certainly takes up a fair amount of time but I struggle with finding things to keep myself engaged, interested and happy when not absorbed in his care. I miss the social contact of work too and find myself feeling isolated, especially when most days I don't feel well enough to get out of bed much. To add to all of this I am waiting to hear if my short term disability will cover this leave or not and I am majorly stressing about finances (even if I do get paid it will only be at 60% and won't completely cover our bills so we will either have to accumulate debt or borrow from our 401k- neither of which will be an appealing option) I am majorly doubting whether I made the right decision to discontinue work at this point. When we initially made the decision we were both so focused on doing everything we could to keep our baby safe in the time we had left. Now I am wondering if I failed to consider the additional stress and financial burden going on leave would place on us which seems just as bad. I am having such doubt about what is best and how to handle all of this. Was anyone else in a similar position? Are we making the right choice? If so how do I deal with the stress and boredom and loneliness of being on leave? I just am feeling so lost and stressed right now any advice, commiseration or ideas would he greatly appreciated! </p>