No mom can ever forget the sleepless days and nights that follow delivery. While parenting is no doubt a wonderful experience, the initial few weeks after childbirth can be tough. The recovery period after a C-Section delivery will be painful and require the better part of your patience and courage. But remember, this is a temporary phase and you will sail through it eventually.
Sometimes, during pregnancy and after pregnancy, a woman’s airway is unable to function smoothly due to increased hormone levels and increased abdominal volume. This condition is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and observed in a lot of women. Improper breathing and collapsing of the airway makes it difficult to stay asleep when you manage to find the time to. Another significant reason why moms suffer from insomnia, fatigue and depression after a C-Section delivery is the pain. But, with proper care and precautions, you’ll be able to recover faster.
While pain medications almost always help you fall asleep, an appropriate sleeping position will ensure better breathing and a sound nap. Choosing the most comfortable sleeping position will reduce the strain on your abdominal muscles, in turn, reducing the pressure on your incision.
There is no single sleeping position that works for everybody. What works for one mom may not work for another. It’s a process of trial and error till you find a sleeping position that suits you best. You can choose from these best ways to sleep after a C-section delivery.
A lot of women vote sleeping on the back as the most comfortable position after a surgery. In this position, your incision won’t be under any pressure anymore. You can also put a pillow under your knees. The only downside is that you can strain your belly while sitting up or getting out of bed. After a few weeks, try rolling on to your side if it doesn’t hurt much. Women with high blood pressure may be advised against this.
You might find it comfortable to sleep on your side soon after delivery. Sleeping to the left side aids optimum blood flow and digestion (which you very much need). You can use pillows to support your belly and hips. An advantage of sleeping to the side after a C-Section delivery is that you can prop yourself up on your elbow and push with your arms to sit up and get out of bed. Tip – breathe out while pushing yourself up.
Friends who have had a cesarean delivery will tell you that pillows are your lifesavers. They’re indeed right. Prop yourself on a pile of cosy pillows so that your entire upper body is elevated, not just the head. This position facilitates better breathing and easy sleeping for many suffering from OSA.
For many women, finding comfort in any position becomes really difficult. But many moms have claimed to have slept in a recliner or rocking chair. Of course, it doesn’t feel like sleeping on a bed, but it makes getting up easier. You can also breastfeed with ease.
For new moms, it is important to have sound sleep even if it is for a short duration of time. Since good quality sleep helps you recover faster, here are some tips to keep in mind:
We get a lot of questions on how to sleep after undergoing a C-section. Here we’ve answered a few of them.
Although rolling onto your belly is something you don’t have control over, deliberately sleeping on your stomach is advised against. That’s because the incision site will be sore and undergoing recovery. As the pain gradually subsides with time, you can sleep on your tummy if you find it comfortable.
While getting up from your sleeping position, turn to either side and prop yourself up with the help of your elbows. You can also ask a family member to assist you with this. First, assume a comfortable seated position and then let your legs dangle over the side of the bed. Put your feet on the floor and rest for a minute before you stand up. This method will make getting out of bed in the morning easier.
These are some of the most comfortable ways for good sleep after a C-section. Your emotional health is your first priority. A healthy and positive mind accelerates physical recovery. A happy you is what your baby needs right now.