Meghan Markle wasn't the first pregnant woman to be so over her pregnancy and she won't be the last. For many mamas-to-be, pregnancy becomes less amazing as her belly grows and doing everything becomes harder. Picking up a toy or something else off the ground becomes a Herculean task. Sleeping? For a lot of women, that doesn't happen so much during pregnancy, either. Sleep patterns during pregnancy can affect a delivery, so it's good to prioritize sleep just because being tired sucks. With a big belly it cannot only be cumbersome to find a comfortable position, but limbs can cramp up or fall asleep really quickly. Thankfully, there are tips and tricks to helping get better sleep (like certain pillows and turning off devices). But sometimes, enforcers are needed to be brought in.
So what are those sleep enforcers we speak of? Well, in this case, they're products we that found from sleep sources and by factoring in other moms' reviews. They're meant to help mamas-to-be get sleep, whether that's in the form of actually lulling them to sleep or by creating a calm environment as possible.
These products include belly lotions and essential oils. We also included products that just help her get comfortable as that is a main stressor in itself. Seriously, body pillows are not to be underestimated. The hope is that she will get the sleep she can, as easily as possible, before baby comes. Because after that, she may not need much to sleep as she might pretty tired as is. So here's to a good, no, great night's sleep future mamas (or just mamas who are pregnant.) Try out one of these items below (after checking with the doctor, of course) for a one-way-ticket to dreamland.
Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter
There's not much more relaxing than a hot shower and lathering up in lotion to soothe the skin. The Mama Bee Belly Butter by Burt's Bee is for moments like these, but especially for mamas-to-be. It's natural, fragrance-free and provides complete hydration.
Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter ($10, Target)
Downlite Extra Soft Down Pillow
It seems obvious, but having a decent pillow can make a huge difference in someone's sleep schedule or ability to not wake up without a crick in their neck. And good news: the Extra Soft Down Pillow is specifically designed for face or stomach sleepers.
Downlite Extra Soft Down Pillow ($65, Amazon)
SleepWell Balm Stick
Essential oils help with many things, and sleeping is supposedly one of them. The SleepWell Balm Stick is made from 14 different calming oils that is meant to be applied to the pressure points on the body, like the neck and wrists. Always check with a doctor before using essential oils during pregnancy.
SleepWell Balm Stick ($25, SleepScore)
Relaxation Gift Set
The best part of the Relaxation Gift Set is that it can be used by the person who buys it or given as a gift. It comes with an aromatherapy roll on, smudge (room and body) spray, tincture, and moisturizer that may help reduce stress, increase relaxation, and make it easier to drift off to sleep. Check with a doctor before using essential oils during pregnancy.
Relaxation Gift Set ($45, RootedEarth/Etsy)
Restore Sleep Mask
Sleep masks can't help with body comfort too much, but it can help make the room a lot darker, and therefore assist with sleep. The Restore Face Mask is amazing because it's noise-muffling and also hair-friendly — the elastic won't create and lines on the back of one's head.
Restore Sleep Mask ($48, Luna)
Maternity Sleep Pant
Pajamas are beloved items of clothing because feeling comfortable is vital to a good night's sleep. This is even more true during pregnancy. Life gets uncomfortable enough, so soften up the sleep with comfy sleep pants.
Maternity Sleep Pant ($20, Motherhood)
Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter
If it isn't obvious, tummy rub butter is a Thing and for good reason. It feels good and makes mamas feel soothed before hitting the hay. The Tummy Rub Butter cream from Mama Mio strengthens and soothes the skin with its main ingredients coconut oil, avocado oil, and shea butter.
Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter ($30, Amazon)
Compression Knee-High Socks
Who would have guessed that tight socks could help with sleep, but it's true. Compression socks encourage circulation which is important while traveling. But having a human being inside of a body that might lose circulation at night would make a good reason to get them, too.
Compression Knee-High Socks ($30, Amazon)
Full Body Pregnancy Pillow
Need support for the belly or simply something to cuddle with? We have three words: Full. Body. Pillow. This one from Groupon helps support the back, knees, hips, and more, and can also be used post-birth for nursing support.
Full Body Pregnancy Pillow ($39, Groupon)
Cozy Bump Pregnancy Pillow
Speaking of pregnancy pillows, this one goes out to the mamas-to-be who can't fall asleep unless they're on their stomachs. This also works perfectly for pregnant babes about to hit the beach or pool this summer — they deserve to relax in the sun, too.
Cozy Bump Pregnancy Pillow ($75, Bed Bath & Beyond)
Third Trimester Pregnancy Kit
First trimester morning sickness aside, the third and last trimester is been known to be the least comfortable for sleep, for big and obvious reasons. A Third Trimester kit for mama will be just the right amount of self-care she needs to get comfortable and relax.
Third Trimester Pregnancy Kit ($49, Eco Centric Mom)
Pink Stork Flakes: Pregnancy Bath Salt
Speaking of self-care, a good bath feels good any day, but with a baby belly? Forget it. Sign mama up ASAP. Add these organic pregnancy Dead Sea bath salts to heal "aches pains nausea stress and anxiety."
Pink Stork Flakes: Pregnancy Bath Salt ($17, Google)
Babymoov Dream Belt Maternity Sleep Support
Just because baby bellies are attached to mamas-to-be doesn't mean they're used to supporting them. They can get heavy, especially toward the end, which is where the maternity sleep belt comes in. It helps supports her growing belly so the night means less aches and more z's.
Babymoov Dream Belt Maternity Sleep Support ($66, Google)
Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon
Sleep like a baby and wake up looking refreshed with the Derm Store's Sound Sleep Cocoon night cream. If mama's doctor approves of it, the lavender essential oils aid a restful night while the cream itself assists in firming, hydrating, and evening the skin.
Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon ($80, Dermstore)
Woman's Mother's To Be Tea
Mom's to be are so amazing, they have their own tea (and OK, maybe because they especially need tea's sleep-aiding ingredients.) The tea is caffeine-free and "supports a healthy pregnancy."
Woman's Mother's To Be Tea ($5, Mercato)
Marpac Dohm Elite White Noise Machine
White noise machines are a useful tool for getting to sleep. They provide the low background noise to lull a stressed or hurting mama to sleep. Bonus: It's the official "sound conditioner" of the National Sleep Foundation.
White Noise Machine ($50, Bed Bath & Beyond)
Weighted Blanket
It may look like just a regular blanket but weighed blankets are truly something special. Their heaviness applies pressure evenly across the body, which has a stress-relieving effect.
Weighted Blanket ($99, Bed Bath & Beyond)
Scarlet French Pleat Blackout Panel
If all else fails, make the room as dark as possible. Thankfully, blackout curtains exist for this reason and can assist in making sure light doesn't disturb a sleeping mama-to-be.
Scarlet French Pleat Blackout Panel ($89, Pottery Barn Kids)
Headspace Meditation App
3-in-1 Humidifier
The FridaBaby 3-in-1 humidifier puts moisture in the air for easier breathing, but it also doubles as an essential oil diffuser and nightlight. Sleep soundly before baby comes, then use for or along with baby after LO arrives.
3-in-1 Humidifier ($50, Bed, Bath and Beyond)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
