Finding the Happy – Day 15

Have you heard of a Snoogle?

If not, I’m about to introduce you to one.  Snoogle is lucky because it’s getting free advertising today in the form of my happy.

A Snoogle is a body-length, C-shaped pillow that’s targeted towards pregnant women in an effort to make sleeping on their sides a little more comfortable.  And, boy, it does.

Those of you that know me well, know that I suffer from chronic back pain.  Thanks, mom…  When I first got pregnant, that was my biggest fear/worry.  I’ve definitely noticed a major increase in lower back and hip pain the further along I get but the pillow is definitely helping alleviate that a little bit.

How does one sleep in this?  Let me ‘splain.

When you are in your third trimester, you are supposed to sleep on your left side.  Sleep on your back and the weight of the uterus presses down on the vena cava and you could decrease blood flow to the baby.  Sleep on your right side and the weight of the uterus presses down on your liver and just makes things uncomfortable.  Trust me.  And sleeping on your stomach is a complete non-option for obvious reasons.

While sleeping on your left side, it’s recommended to keep a pillow between your knees so your hips and spine stay aligned and that goes towards minimizing morning back pain.  Now, it doesn’t cure it but I know my back pain would be worse if I didn’t sleep this way.

So, you sleep in the Snoogle with the top piece curving over your shoulder and the bottom piece curving around your butt and between your knees.  Your back is supported by the long strip of pillow behind you.

Or.

You can flip the pillow over and support the weight of your swelling belly with the strip of pillow – I’ve done this many times.  It really helps the sore muscle “omg they’re stretching” feeling.

But there’s more!

The Snoogle can be folded up into a variety of configurations while you’re awake and used as support in reading, watching TV, breastfeeding, surgery recovery, etc.  There’s something like ten different ways this thing can be contorted to suit your needs.

Want one?

I got mine from Target.  I got that cool mod cover from Amazon.  I’ve seen it at Babies R Us.  Google the Snoogle and see what happens but I highly recommend this pillow if you suffer from chronic back pain and/or are pregnant.

On a side note, the dog seems to think it’s his.

What’s your happy for today?

Many wonderful thanks to @tami_moore for the awesomely cute bunnies in the banner!