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4 Best Sleeping Positions After A C-section Delivery

Sudeshna Chakravarti  |  Jun 3, 2022
4 Best Sleeping Positions After A C-section Delivery

Getting a good night’s sleep after childbirth may seem pretty impossible. Well, at least for a little while. However, getting adequate rest during this time is crucial as it helps your body heal faster and return to the pre-pregnancy state. This is especially important if you delivered through a Caesarean.

A caesarean (c-section) delivery requires a few extra precautions to ensure your surgery site is safe and healing properly. This includes readjusting your sleeping positions to avoid exerting any kind of pressure on your incision site. 

The Importance Of Sleeping In The Right Position After A C-section

It is crucial to sleep in a comfortable sleeping position post-childbirth to avoid any kind of strain or pressure on the incision site

The right sleeping position will keep you comfortable and reduce any stress or pressure at the site of the surgery. It also helps you get off the bed comfortably when you have to feed your little one, reduces discomfort, and enables better breathing, and good quality sleep. Additionally, it lowers the strain on the abdominal muscles, thus, reducing the risk of harming the surgery site.

Why Do Some Women Find It Difficult To Sleep Well After A C-section?

During the postpartum period, there is an increase in the abdominal volume, which affects the airways, thereby, causing a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition could lead to breathing difficulties and collapsing of the airways during sleep. These issues, combined with the caeserean incision pain can make it difficult for you to sleep soundly. 

The Best Sleeping Positions To Sleep In After A C-section

The best sleeping position after a c-section can reduce any discomfort while getting off the bed and also keep the surgery site safe

Sleeping On Your Side

This is a comfortable sleeping position after abdominal surgery. It doesn’t exert any pressure on the incision site and reduces discomfort while getting off the bed. Additionally, sleeping on your side will help in optimal blood flow and improved digestion. Also, it’s the best position to consider if you suffer from blood pressure problems.

Sleeping On Your Back

This is the most comfortable sleeping position for the first few days and weeks after the c-section delivery. Sleeping on your back doesn’t create any pressure on your incision site, thus keeping it safe. You may also use pillows below your knees for added comfort. However, the only downside to this sleeping position is the difficulty involved in getting out of the bed. Rather than sitting upright, use the three-step log roll method to get out of the bed.

Sleeping While Elevating Your Upper Body

Prop your upper body with pillows. This will keep the whole body elevated and aid in better breathing and sound sleep, especially for those experiencing OSA. In case you aren’t comfortable elevating the whole body, use pillows only between your knees and under your hips for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Sleeping In An Upright Position

If none of the sleeping positions mentioned above work, you can try resting while sitting on a couch or chair with plenty of pillows for support. This temporary sleeping position can make it easier for you to get off from sleep when you need to nurse your baby. 

Helpful Tips To Improve Your Sleep While Recovering After A C-section Delivery

There are several ways to improve your sleep quality after a c-section delivery, such as following a soothing nighttime routine and taking medications to reduce incision pain

You require plenty of rest to recover quickly from the surgery. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help improve the quality of your sleep during this time.

It may take some time for you to determine a comfortable sleeping position after a c-section delivery. But the good thing is that the right sleeping position will keep most of your discomforts away and keep the incision site unharmed. Also, it will promote better sleep, which is crucial to speed up the recovery process. 

Apart from sleeping in the right position, consume healthy foods, do light to moderate stretching, and keep a happy and positive attitude to help promote your recovery. 

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