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New Moms 101

Being a new mom brings so many questions. Find easy ways to prepare you, your family and your home for your newest addition. We've taken the thinking and worrying out of making sure your home is clean and ready for your newest addition.

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Rest and Exercise

Getting Enough Sleep

If you're like many women, you are probably having trouble getting enough deep, uninterrupted sleep in the third trimester. This is because the increasing size of your unborn baby can make it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position. Plus, your healthcare provider has probably recommended that you sleep on your side, which can be difficult if you've always been a back or stomach sleeper. Other issues like heartburn and constipation can interfere as well.

When You Can't Sleep: Strategies to Try

During the Day:

  • Cut out caffeinated drinks like soda, coffee, and tea from your diet as much as possible, especially in the afternoon/evening.
  • Avoid drinking a lot of fluids or eating a full meal within a few hours of going to bed.
  • Don't exercise right before you go to bed.
  • Try to get into a routine of going to bed and getting up at the same time each day.
  • Take short naps (30 to 60 minutes) during the day to make up for lost sleep.
  • Take a yoga class or learn other techniques to help you relax after a busy day. (Discuss any new activity or fitness plan with your doctor first.)
  • If worrying is keeping you awake at night, talk to other expectant moms (like those you met in childbirth class) or make a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider on your next visit.

At Night:

  • Try lying on your side with your knees bent. This is likely to be the most comfortable position in the third trimester.
  • Experiment with pillows to discover a comfortable sleeping position. Try placing one under your abdomen or between your legs.
  • If a leg cramp wakes you up, try pressing your feet hard against the wall or standing on the leg. (Also make sure that you're getting enough calcium in your diet, which can help reduce leg cramps.)

If you really can't sleep, it's often better to get up and do something instead of tossing and turning. Read a book, listen to music, watch TV, or catch up on letters or email. Eventually, you'll probably feel tired enough to go back to bed and get some sleep.