This topic is about the concerns and experiences of an ostomate who has started waking up on their stomach and is worried about the potential long-term effects on their stoma. They are particularly concerned about discomfort and the possibility of leaks. Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Physical harm to the stoma from sleeping on your stomach is unlikely. The discomfort you feel might be due to pouch friction, skin irritation, or leftover tenderness from surgery.

2. The main risk of sleeping on your stomach is putting pressure on a full pouch, which can lead to leaks. Many ostomates avoid this sleep position to prevent such issues.

3. You can train yourself to avoid sleeping on your stomach, similar to how you might learn not to roll out of bed. This is especially important for those with an ileostomy.

4. Once your body has healed, sleeping on your side is generally safe. Some people find it helpful to use a pillow between their knees, which can also support the pouch. This can help a new appliance seal properly and prevent movement.

5. Over time, many ostomates develop the ability to wake up when their pouch needs emptying, which further reduces the risk of leaks during the night.