10 Activities to Do in Your Tummy Cradle

Pregnancy is a magical time, but it’s also tough work;  whether you’re still in the office, well into your third trimester or you’re busy turning the whole house into a home for baby (or all three!), being pregnant often means being busy and tired. Not to mention, the general fatigue and achiness of pregnancy that you never quite get used to … I mean, c’mon, expecting mothers are real-life superheroes!

Laying in a Tummy Cradle gives you a moment of feeling like your old self again, granting you an opportunity to do your favorite activities without the weight of a pregnant belly. 

Here are a few ideas of things you can do while you’re relaxing in your Tummy Cradle:

1. Catch up on Netflix
   Tilt that beautiful head of yours to the side and spend the time binging on some well-deserved TV. We all did it before without shame and now’s the time to do it again without shame or back pain.
   
   Nothing like a couple episodes of Gilmore Girls to get you excited to be a mom!
   
   
2. Solicit a Massage from a Loved One
   Maybe one of the only times when soliciting is encouraged in your neighborhood, don’t feel bad asking a loved one to give you a back rub while you’re resting on your tummy. Tummy Cradle produces a feeling of complete weightlessness and the only thing that makes the experience more enjoyable is one of your favorite people doing you a huge favor by playing masseur or masseuse. You deserve it!
   
   
   
3. Listen to a Podcast
   It’s difficult for anyone to keep up with regular programs, especially ones updated on a daily basis. Podcasts are one of those funny platforms that makes multitasking seem easy because you can do other things while listening, but when’s the last time you actually devoted your full attention to a podcast and got fully caught up?
   
   Whether it’s covering current events or sharing informative content, it’s nice to give yourself a moment to focus on just one thing. There are also some great podcasts about pregnancy, if you’re looking for something relatable and engaging!
   

   Photo courtesy of The Birthful Podcast

    

4. Sit in Silence or Meditate
   Okay, we know this one seems a little strange, but hear us out: many have cited the mental health benefits of sitting in silence regularly, if only for a minute or two. A different part of our brain, which influences creativity, is activated when we limit the constant on-the-go stimulations, and it’s also a great way to relieve stress.
   
   Meditative practices, like focusing on your breath, can make silence for extended periods seem a little less uncomfortable. You can even move the Tummy Cradle to the backyard to enjoy some fresh air!
   
   Finding a time to enjoy peace and quiet after the baby is born will surely be more difficult, so give it a try while you’re still expecting!
   
   
   
5. Take a Well-Deserved Nap
   This is especially important for those who liked sleeping on their stomach pre-pregnancy. As you enter the third trimester, it can be incredibly difficult to get a good night’s sleep — but getting too little sleep can affect not only your health, but the health of your little one.
6. Audiobook
   Similar to podcasts, there are a ton of audiobooks out there to listen to. We’re all familiar with the classic pregnancy books, but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy an easy read to get your mind off of everything — the baby may be your whole world, but the pregnancy doesn’t always have to be.
   
   Try checking out these best-sellers in fiction!
7. Nest
   Sometimes, however, it’s difficult to stop thinking about the baby — there’s so much to look forward to! Though you can’t physically prepare the house while you’re resting in a Tummy Cradle, you can spend time visualizing your ideal nest — and maybe even do some voice shopping if you’ve got a voice assistant at home.
8. Brainstorm Baby Names
   Big decisions have to be made soon! Giving yourself a chance to consider names (and maybe even test them out aloud) is a surefire way to find the perfect moniker for your little monkey.
   
   
   
9. Plan the Perfect Babymoon Vacation
   Another big decision to be made (though not quite as big as the name): the final vacation before both you and your partner get swallowed up by all things baby.
   
   Most couples play it safe by keeping it domestic, some travel to far-off destinations after making necessary health considerations; either way, this vacation is all about you and your significant other celebrating your time alone together — so decide on a spot together and enjoy your final moments as a family of two!
   
   
   
10. Aromatherapy
    Aromatherapy is an excellent way to engage and heighten your olfactory sense, especially when your visual sense is impaired (i.e., you’re face-down in a Tummy Cradle). Many swear by using essential oils to relieve stress and anxiety, alleviate joint pain and improve sleep quality. Plus, it can leave your home smelling wonderful.