Learning to sleep on your side

nbad311 · August 2014

I have been a stomach sleeper my whole life. Even before pregnant, I tried to get into the habit of sleeping any other way (because on your stomach is apparently the worst for your back), but I was never successful. For some reason, laying on my back or side just isn't as relaxing as my stomach. When I turn on to my belly, it's like I get lulled to sleep. Not only am I physically awake in bed, but at a certain point I get mentally frustrated and feel the need to give up and roll over because I know it's getting too late and I can't afford the tiredness the next day due getting only 6 hours of sleep.

Alas the bump is growing and while I can technically still belly-sleep with comfort, I know that needs to stop ASAP. Can anyone share tips, tricks, life hacks, advice? I'm willing to try the Snoogle or other pillows/bed items. I'm also going to try harder on weekend nights (when I can afford to lay in bed for as long as it takes to fall asleep) to get into the habit of side sleeping.

michelle142 · August 2014

My only advice is pillows. Lots of them.

kbelly777 · August 2014

I I second the pillows idea. Also, there will come a time soon for all of us where stomach sleepingn is anything put comfortable. It becomes impossible. However, my doctor said I had until 20 weeks to switch completely to side sleeping.

jennjilljo · August 2014

I put pillows under the side of one hip and my chest/shoulder so I'm propped up off my stomach until I'm more comfortable side sleeping. Then I use pillows to prop myself in whatever position I feel comfy in.

WanderingA · August 2014

Yes to above posters - pillows are your friend. I am also a stomach sleeper I am still sleeping on my belly as much as possible. However, I have started putting a snoogle pillow on one side of me and another pillow behind me so I wedge myself into a "pillow nest." I think that around the 20 week mark last pregnancy I was no longer able to sleep on my belly.

jmcgra06 · August 2014

I had a girlfriend that slept on her stomach even in the hospital before delivering. She used a bunch of pillows and two boppys to make a belly nest. It seemed like a lot of effort to me, but whatever it takes to sleep! I'm a stomach sleeper too, and right now I lay on a pillow that ends just before my belly button, so my little bump area isn't getting as much pressure. With my first pregnancy, I forced myself to sleep on my left side so early, and it was weeks of terrible sleep for me. When it's time to switch, it will be very uncomfortable to lay on your stomach and you'll know.

animalcrckr · August 2014

I would sleep however you sleep best. In my experience, your body will let you know when a particular position is too uncomfortable. It is usually not until the 3rd trimester that you will most likely be sleeping on your side due to the size of your belly. It's impossible to sleep in one position all night.

Neesey · August 2014

I'm slowly working on it too. I bought a wedge yesterday and slept really well on my side. I'm claustrophobic too so tons of pillows isn't an option.

angelg3134 · August 2014

I'm a belly sleeper as well. The snoogle has helped me a lot. It doesn't get rid of my issue, but I do feel like I'll get there at some point.

nbad311 · August 2014

Thanks everyone! Off to invest in a Snoogle / other plush items for the bed!

TheStormCloudAngel · August 2014

I'm going to have lots of trouble with this too. I've had a bit of a back problem for a few years due to some disks being super close together, but I couldn't give up stomach sleeping. Lots of pillows help as others stated.

poopylove · August 2014

I too was a stomach sleeper, until I got a bump nest and it is amazing! I sleep so soundly! Even DH remarked that I had stayed in the same position all night and didn't toss and turn or wake up to pee! However, I do find that now that I sleep on my left side I have a sore ear afterwards... I guess it's cos I'm not used to it? Anyway best of luck!

WA1215 · August 2014

I'm in the same boat, I've always been a stomach sleeper. We have a long body pillow (they usually sell them this time of year for college dorms). I lay on my side, almost on my stomach and put that pillow between my legs and cuddle it. Much cheaper than those pg pillows.

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