Sleep & Soothe
A Note from Jane
Gentle ways to support rest for mums, bumps & babies
Hi lovely,
This week in The Calm Nest, we’re giving sleep some tender attention — not by trying to fix it (because, let’s be honest, newborn sleep is wild), but by softening into rest wherever and however we can.
Whether you’re struggling to sleep with a growing bump especially in this heat at the moment or holding a baby who thinks 3am is party time… this one’s for you.
Pregnancy Corner: Sleep & Support
The best sleeping position in the 2nd and 3rd trimester is on your left side, or right side research shows now that it doesn’t matter which side, a pillow between your knees and another behind your back.
but if you find yourself on your back to do not Panic! Laying on your side helps with with circulation and can help eases back and hip pain.
✨ Try this nighttime ritual:
- A warm bath or foot soak
- 3 long slow as you can breaths in bed-resting your hands on your bump or where ever is comfortable.
- Listening to calming music or birth affirmations I have a playlist I can share and recorded meditations are coming!
It doesn’t have to be long ritual — it just has to be your time to yourself.
My Top Tips for the heat are the obvious get an aircon machine if there is budget a lot of the double as dehumidifiers so great for getting washing dry in the winter too, I found this one for under £150 down from £279 Daewoo 5000 or this one from Costway under £200 if not as good a fan as budget will allow! This Pro breeze Tower fan is down from £89.99 to £64.99
Try keeping a water spray bottle next to the bed too so you can spritz yourself for a bit of extra cooling.
If your legs are swollen pop them up the wall or at least lie down with them over the edge of the sofa or propped up on pillows try and get them above your heart if possible to get the blood flowing the other way.
Ice Cold water in an hot water bottle to drape over them too :)
Mama & Me Moments: Soothing Rhythms
Baby sleep is unpredictable — but your nervous system craves rhythm. Try this 3-step Calm Reset before naps or bedtime:
1. Dim the lights – make it as cosy as possible.
2. Rock or sway slowly while breathing deep and slow when we slow down our breathing it helps babies too .
3. Hum or shhh gently, Mine also like being sung too i found myself singing nursery rhymes from when was young.
All my babies loved a twinkly night light we are still using this one now Star Projector 2 years on and this is the one we use in class its more of swirling galaxy effect galaxy projector both currently on offer on Amazon.
✨ Remember: You don’t need to fix sleep, its not something you can fix but just support calm for you both and try different things until you find something that works for you both (baby carriers massively help too)
Mini Yoga Moment
Try Legs Up the Wall (or feet on the sofa). This simple pose calms your heart rate and supports deep rest. Stay here for 3–5 minutes, eyes closed, palms up. Even 2 minutes can do you the world of good :)
'Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. I only share products I have used and loved or would buy if I needed one and have good reviews ideally are also on offer (I do love a bargain)
Coming Up Next Week
Week 3: Nourish & Nurture — Real food, gentle care, and simple ways to feed your body and soul.