Luckily DS2 still sleeps for at least 2 1/2 hours, but DS1 is pretty hit and miss now. Some days he will sleep, most he won't. But he is old enough to understand "quiet time", especially seeing as they do that at day care and kindy as well. So if he doesn't sleep he will usually at least lie on his bed quietly.

IKWYM about the DVDs but I have to admit that I have resorted to it myself to get a break during the day when he won't sleep or lie quietly. I have come to accept that it might not be ideal, but once in a while is probably not going to hurt, and if it gives me some "me time" than it's worth it. I wouldn't do it everyday, but if you need to do it sometimes, especially while you are pg and must really need the rest, I can't see the harm.