You will need to be extra careful about your body after delivering a child through a C-section. Reconsidering the sleeping positions after a C-section is one such change to help the surgery incision heal better. Adequate sleep in the right sleeping positions after childbirth is essential for the body to return to its pre-pregnancy state. Read this post to understand the importance of sleep after a C-section and some comfortable sleeping positions.
The Importance Of Sleeping Right After A C-Section
The right sleeping position keeps you comfortable and reduces any pressure or stress at the site of surgery. It also helps you get off the bed comfortably, with reduced discomfort, enables better breathing and sound sleep. It lowers the strain on the abdominal muscles, and in turn, reduces any risk to the incision.
Why Is It Difficult To Sleep Well After A C-Section?
The increased hormonal levels and abdominal volume during pregnancy and postpartum period affect the airways, thereby, causing a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA could result in breathing difficulties and collapsing of the airways during sleep. These issues, combined with considerable pain of the cesarean, make it difficult to sleep.
What Are The Best Positions To Sleep In After A Cesarean Delivery?
The following are the possible ways you can try sleeping in after a c-section. Whether or not one works for you depends on the level of ease and comfort you develop with the position. Liesel Teen, BSN, RN, a labor and delivery nurse and the founder of Mommy Labor Nurse from Raleigh, North Carolina, says, “Avoid sleeping on your stomach in the first several days and weeks following your C-section. A side-lying position should also be avoided in the immediate recovery period. Basically, you have to find a position that keeps pressure off your abdomen and your incision. In the first few days, the safest and most comfortable sleeping position will likely be on your back at a slight incline. Once your incision isn’t as sore, you can transition to side sleeping.” Teen adds, “Many women find comfort in using pillows to prop up their upper bodies into a semi-reclined position. Others find it comfortable to elevate their legs with a rolled blanket or pillow. Just make sure you don’t have your upper body propped up too high to avoid pressure on your incision.”
Tips To Improve Your Sleep While Recovering From C-Section
You require plenty of sleep to recover quickly from the surgery. Here is what you can do to sleep better.
Stick to the pain medications your doctor might prescribe for a sound sleep. Unless prescribed by a doctor, do not take any sleep medication as it might go through the breast milk and also might affect your mental health.
Begin with light exercises and movements with your doctor’s approval. Short walks and light stretching activities boost your blood circulation, tone muscles, lower stress and speed up the healing process, thus promoting good sleep.
Having a well-balanced diet is also essential for quick healing. Include foods rich in vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids to decrease inflammation and promote recovery. It will, therefore, help you sleep well.
Drink enough water and add fiber to your diet to keep constipation away. A sensitive tummy will disturb your sleep. Your doctor might also prescribe stool softeners for smooth bowel movements, and it will, therefore, improve your sleep.
Do not move out of the bed often, at least for the first few weeks. Get help from your partner or family to get your baby when needed for breastfeeding.
Next, we answer a few commonly asked queries.
Which sleeping position was more comfortable for you? Share your experiences with other new moms in the below comment section. Disclaimer: The sleeping positions and advice are only for informational purposes, and they do not intend to be alternatives for medical advice.
