The moment I was told that I had 12 weeks off (aka tv series to binge watch) during my maternity leave was the moment I felt like I was going to have all the time in the world to do everything and anything.
This is not a sponsored post, but rather a plug for my favorite TV shows and devices I use to watch them.
The moment I was told that I had 12 weeks off (aka tv series to binge watch) during my maternity leave was the moment I felt like I was going to have all the time in the world to do everything and anything.
Boy, was I wrong!
From the moment my precious baby was born and my nursing journey began, I did have time, but not the kind of time and energy that I felt was necessary to do simple everyday tasks or elaborate craft projects.
Because I was nursing and because I had to feed her every 2 hours, I spent a lot of time on my couch, with my boobs out, and my TV on.
Sure, I could spend hours staring at my baby, but you can only stare for so long without getting bored or wanting to fall asleep because you are sleep deprived.
Stalking Facebook got old and I was obsessed with googling every little aliment or problem I thought I had with breastfeeding.
Therefore, I became best friends with my Roku which included my new maternity leave best friends: Netflix!
If you do not have a streaming device already I highly recommend a Roku.
I bought one for my mother (who is tech clueless) and she loves hers too.
It is the easiest streaming device I have ever used. There are a few different models. I put together a comparison for you.
Roku (3600R)|Roku 3 (4230R) with Voice Search|Roku 2 (4210R) |Roku 4 (4400R) 4K UHD
With a Roku, you can watch copious amounts of great television without cable and you can save money by having these memberships!
With each passing show was another hour until my husband came home to help and I could rush to take a shower.
It was my way of passing the time while also snuggling with my precious baby.
Admittedly, I watched a lot of TV while snuggling my new bundle of joy.
I confess I am a TV Junkie and now I am passing on what shows both myself and my friends enjoyed accordingly to what mood they were in – because the mood swings after birth are not to be taken lightly.
Table of Contents
TV Series to Binge Watch during your Maternity Leave
Warning: Make sure to check your moods and only watch shows that will match your mood. For example, if you are having a funk day, perhaps skip the dark shows like Breaking Bad and find something happy to watch that will make you laugh.
Follow me to the Dark Side
- Breaking Bad
- Game of Thrones – must have HBO Go or subscription.
- House of Cards
- Dexter
- Sons of Anarchy
- The Blacklist
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
- Downton Abbey
- Orange is the New Black
- United States of Tara
Makes you cry, but in a good way:
- Parenthood
- Gilmore Girls
- A Baby Story
Makes you Laugh until You Cry or Pee in your Pants (Which isn’t hard these days)
- Parks and Recreation
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
- Arrested Development
Guilty Pleasures
- Scandal
- The Bachelorette
- The Real Housewives of Anywhere
- Keeping up with the Kardashians
- The Affair – must have Showtime application or subscription. Not out yet on others.
Just Plain Weird but Oddly Entertaining
- True Blood (until the last season, which I thought was awful)
Short Attention Span or Night Time Feedings
- The Jimmy Fallon Show clips
- The Jimmy Kimmel Show clips
- 30 Rock
Makes you feel Lost
- Lost (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself!)
This list is a good start for your maternity leave until you decide to have your second child but who are we kidding?
We know by that point you will be watching Kids shows to settle your toddler down so you can simply sit down or at least that is what I hear …
What tv series to binge watch during your maternity leave or which ones are you looking forward to watching?
Don’t worry, your baby is too young to judge you for them!
Do you have shows you recommend staying away from during maternity leave?
If you find this article useful, Check out our other articles; Potty Training your Big Kid with Huggies Pull-Ups.
1. How I met your mother
2. Gilmore Girls
3. Scandal
4. The Office
5. 24
6. Lost
7. Greys Anatomy
8. Private Practice
9. The bachelor/Bachelorette
10. Once Upon a Time
From the moment I came home with my baby girl we binge watched all of these shows from start to finish plus many others, useing just Canadian Netflix. Definatly a must have for new moms/dads.
I’m currently on maternity leave and am binge watching Parks and Rec! I haven’t laughed so hard I peed, but I definitely laugh so hard that I’ve felt bad for my pour baby on my breast! I’m sure it’s hard to eat while your head is bouncing! 😛
Currently on maternity leave and binging “The Good Wife.”
All episodes are available (free!) via Comcast On Demand.
Juliana M is amazing; I highly recommend!
I’ve been home since February when my daughter was born (I am a teacher so my 12 weeks ran into summer break…super awesome however it’ll make it that much harder to go back to school in August). Anyways…I started out with the latest season of ‘House of Cards’ and then started ‘Gilmore Girls’. I just started season 7 yesterday. I won’t get through this season nearly as fast since hubby is now home for the summer too so my viewing time has decreased=/