Best Sleeping Positions After Your C-Section
Pregnancy, as amazing as you think it is, comes not only with a bundle of happiness but with a slew of aches and pains, the most well-known of which being labor and delivery. Yes, you most definitely should take pride in the fact that you made it through 9 months of bodily changes and successfully gave birth to a little human being, regardless of how you delivered your kid.
However, if you have gone through a cesarean section or C-section, you must know that your postpartum recovery may necessitate a few extra measures. These precautions will help you in healing properly and in getting back on your feet so you can easily and more quickly keep up with your new baby. This includes getting enough restful, and high-quality sleep.
Why do you think it is crucial to get enough sleep after having a C-section?
It is quite an understatement to even think or say that the first few weeks after your delivery are frantic. You have to recover from your C-section all the while also need to be caring for a small human who is fully depending on you for everything.
As a result, you need to be obtaining enough sleep. It is really important. You will be more alert and be able to care for your kid and yourself if you get enough sleep. Similarly, when you are sleeping, your body’s energy is completely directed towards its healing process.
You should obtain as much rest as possible following a C-section delivery, especially in the first several weeks. Sleeping whenever your baby sleeps or enlisting the help of your close friends and your family and relatives to help you out in the early days of your delivery are both excellent ways to relieve your stress and keep you calm and rested.
Why is it said that sleeping after a C-section will be difficult?
It can be quite difficult to get as much rest as you would like to when you have a newly born baby. One of the most obvious reasons is that you are trying to conform to the needs of a tiny little human being who sleeps for 30 minutes to 2 hours at a time. This includes the baby’s night-time feedings and frequent wakings.
Another reason for you to be experiencing more trouble sleeping is that you are still in the process of completely recovering from the surgery.
While some individuals feel that C-sections are a common occurrence, this is not the truth. It is a big procedure that involves some incisions into the abdomen and uterus. Because this procedure requires an incision across your belly, finding a quite comfortable posture that does not put undue pressure on your healing wound might be difficult. Similarly, it is not that common to experience soreness at the incision site for a short time, which can make falling or staying asleep quite difficult for you.
Keeping this in mind, you might also want to try a few of these various sleeping positions to relieve pressure on your incision and make it easier for you to fall asleep.
- The black sleeping posture
While back sleeping is not much advised once you have reached the 20-week mark, it is recommended for people who are recovering from this surgery. Before you stand up, make sure you are in a fully upright seated position. To lie down on the bed, you will want to reverse the log roll approach.
- Sleeping on your back with an incline
This is another great way to get a good night’s sleep. In this case, you should have stacked enough supportive pillows in your bed to achieve a 45-degree slope. Although this is an uncommon sleeping position if you are not used to it, you may find it to be quite pleasant throughout your recuperation phase.
Additionally, obstructive sleep apnea is common after childbirth. So, do not be scared. You should know that most women who have had a C-section are more prone to acquire this problem. Sleeping on an incline can help you in relieving pressure on your incision and keep your airway free and clear.
- Sleeping in an upright seated position
If you have ever stayed up late night at binge-watching your favorite tv shows, you must have most likely dozed off in an upright seated position. This position, even though it is not as comfy as getting snuggled up on your bed, is one of the best alternative positions that can be useful in the early days. To make this upright sleeping posture as comfortable as possible, try to invest in some supportive pillows. Sleeping upright, especially if you are nursing your baby, makes it easier to feed him or her during those repeated nightly feedings.
However, an upright sleeping position is not a long-term solution, as most women may often return to their beds approximately two weeks after delivery.
- Sleeping on your side
For a lot of people, side sleeping is their second most pleasant posture but only after back sleeping. It is a terrific alternative for all those women who are recovering from abdominal surgery or C-section surgery because it does not put extra strain on the incision and makes getting in and out of bed simpler. Sleeping on your left side is highly recommended because it improves your blood flow and makes digestion easier for you. To feel more comfortable and to give sufficient support for your abdomen and hips, you may require a body pillow or some other supporting devices.
Some other helpful hints for getting a good night’s sleep:
Many people, not just new parents, find it a lot difficult to get a decent good night’s sleep. However, all the stress you may have of caring for a newly born baby while still recovering from a major surgery like a C-section can only make obtaining enough sleep a lot more difficult aim to achieve. Even so, there are a few tricks that can help you in getting sleep better at night.
- Put your partner on night duty if you have one
It can feel like you are in charge of everything, like running a marathon when you are first starting as a parent. You may feel like there is a whole new set of a burden on your head. It is fine to delegate some responsibilities to your partner, a friend, your very family, or a helpful relative so that you can find some time to relax. Have them change the baby’s clothes and diapers and bring them in for a feed if you are breastfeeding. You can also feel free to request assistance in turning on your side or in rising to use the restroom. If you are not breastfeeding, delegate overnight feedings to them so you can rest properly. This is especially crucial in the early stages of your recovery when you are still recovering and slowly getting adjusted to your new routine.
- Before going to bed, limit your screen time
This is a rule that can be done easily and should also be followed by everyone, not just new parents. Blue light is emitted by the screens on your electronics, such as your tablets and your smartphones. This light can deceive your brain into lowering melatonin production and keeping you awake for a long time.
- Make sure your sleeping environment is as comfortable as possible
If your new bundle of joy, your baby, is properly resting in a nearby bassinet that is kept in your bedroom, make your bed or room comfortable enough for you to rest. Yes, this may be easier said than done. However, the idea of all this is to create a peaceful environment that encourages you to unwind. Ideally, make sure that your room should not be too hot or too cold and should be enough dark to enable you to easily fall asleep.
- Speak with your doctor if discomfort is keeping you awake at night
If your incision discomfort is keeping you awake at night, do not be reluctant to visit or speak with your doctor. If you feel the pain is too severe to be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, your doctor can prescribe a safe pain reliever even if you are breastfeeding.
- Supportive pillows can be purchased
If you used a pregnancy pillow, now is the most terrific moment to make the most out of your investment. A supportive pillow can only assist you in relieving your pressure points and make it simpler to sleep without suffering from aches and pains.
- There will be no more late-night snacking and no coffee
This is again another suggestion that applies to everyone, not just those of you who are in postpartum recovery. Drinking caffeinated drinks or eating substantial snacks or meals later in the evening can only keep you awake when you are all ready to sleep. At least 2 hours before you plan to sleep, avoid large meals or caffeinated beverages.
