Consider getting a few different types of pillows such as a body pillow as well as those for neck and lumbar support. This is so important for sleep-deprived new moms in general, but as your body recovers from the C-section you need even more rest than usual. Everything you read will tell you to talk to your doctor and you should but I want to add here to talk with a physical therapist (PT) as well. Diet After C-section Delivery Foods to Eat and Avoid. Theyre indeed right. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. If youre sleeping on your back, it is very important not to sit up directly from this position. If you have a partner at home to help you try and plan a little additional time to stretch the breaks you get by getting help with diaper changes or meal preparation so you can rest. Bleeding After C-Section: Causes And How Long It Lasts, Arthritis (Joint Pain) After Pregnancy: Causes And Tips To Manage. It will, therefore, help you sleep well. First rolling to your side and using your arms to help you sit up will protect your recovering abdominal muscles. Reach out to your health care professionals for help and an assessment of your situation. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. Perkins tells Romper that the best sleeping position after any surgery is usually on the back, which supports your spine and keeps your body aligned especially if you use pillows or blankets to help support your lower back, neck, and legs. 13 Causes Of Abdominal Pain In Teens And Tips To.. Drink plenty of water especially if youre breastfeeding/bodyfeeding. There is no single sleeping position that works for everybody. Its a process of trial and error till you find a sleeping position that suits you best. Postpartum Hives: Causes Symptoms Treatment And Remedies, 9 Tips To Tighten Belly Skin After Pregnancy, Without Surgery, 4 Best Sleeping Positions After A C-Section Delivery, Stick to the pain medications your doctor might prescribe for a sound sleep. Keep in mind this is just a small part of your journey with your new baby, and the better you take care of yourself the faster your recovery can happen. While parenting is no doubt a wonderful experience, the initial few weeks after childbirth can be tough. How Does Sleeping Position Affect the Quality of Sleep after a Cesarean? You can choose from these best ways to sleep after a C-section delivery. 2022 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Thats because the incision site will be sore and undergoing recovery. You can also breastfeed with ease. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 1. Moving around is important, even if its from one end of your room to the next. He has had decades of clinical experience in the UK and abroad. Read this post to understand the importance of sleep after a C-section and some comfortable sleeping positions. Keep your incision clean, your doctor or nurse will advise you regarding care. Choosing the most comfortable sleeping position will reduce the strain on your abdominal muscles, in turn, reducing the pressure on your incision. Use your arms to push your body up to a sitting position. At such a chaotic time in your life, filled with so much change, it's important to rest so you can help your body recover from something as intrusive as major abdominal surgery. MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Enjoy this new and exciting time with your newborn and your growing family! Your body has gone through some amazing changes in the last 9 months, and there are more changes ahead as your hormones and body recover from giving birth. Certain disturbances, like waking up to feed your baby, are unavoidable. By using our site, you agree to our. Its so easy to stare at those precious little details and count the fingers and toes all day, but as you have probably heard over and over again at this point: Rest when your baby rests. What works for one mom may not work for another. If it's after Wednesday, see you in your inbox next Wednesday. The study found that sleeping with their upper body elevated by 45 degrees was the best way for postpartum moms to sleep and breathe easy, and the position didn't seem to interfere with sleep quality or time. Breastfeeding After Caesarean Section Delivery Most anti-inflammatory medications wont pass into your colostrum, so they are safe to take even if you are breastfeeding. It lowers the strain on the abdominal muscles, and in turn, reduces any risk to the incision. Consider keeping an eye mask nearby to block out some light as you rest during the day. All rights reserved. Try to keep your abdomen relaxed. No mom can ever forget the sleepless days and nights that follow delivery. Turn off your notifications if possible or set your device away from you so youre not tempted to pick it up during your dedicated rest time. But, with proper care and precautions, youll be able to recover faster. You may experience a roller coaster of emotions during this time which is absolutely normal, but if you feel yourself becoming more anxious, worried, or depressed after the first couple of weeks, contact your health care professionals to talk about how youre feeling. Most people skip this step and just talk with their OBGYNs who are not typically focused on or trained in abdominal separation and recovery the way a PT is. Well, at least for a little while. These are some of the most comfortable ways for good sleep after a C-section. Sleeping after getting a C section can be uncomfortable, but you can rest easy by adjusting your sleeping positions and managing your pain. Elevating the head with pillows can also prevent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). There is a lot to go through with a newborn and recovering from major abdominal surgery on top of that takes some extra care. Improper breathing and collapsing of the airway makes it difficult to stay asleep when you manage to find the time to. -Eda Leshan, Written by contributing writer AmberMauriello. When you need support, ask a family member to help you get in and out of bed. Along with witch hazel, the balm is made with peppermint which provides even more cooling relief. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. No matter what position you try, you might find that using lots of pillows to support your legs and back will help you get comfortable after your C-section, as it helps to align your body in a neutral position, says Perkins. Between pain, anxiety, and waking up to feed your baby, getting a good nights sleep after childbirth is pretty impossible. First, assume a comfortable seated position and then let your legs dangle over the side of the bed. How Does a Baby Blood Type Calculator Work? It also helps you get off the bed comfortably, with reduced discomfort, enables better breathing and sound sleep. Many times sleeping on your back may be the best option to relieve any pressure on your incision. A full submersion tub bath is not recommended until about 4 weeks after a cesarean birth or when your doctor gives the go-ahead. Try and stand as straight as possible. Sitz bath soothes c-section soreness and swelling. If possible, try to sleep on the same floor as your living space. Pillows or even a rolled blanket can support your arms, legs, knees, back, and hips. So, with that in mind, if you're on the mend and caring for your little one, here's how to sleep after a C-section. Many apps have nature sounds and white noise options to help block out distractions. Join 5000+ women who believe the same.. Planning some unplugged rest time will help to disconnect and mentally recharge. If you dont have the resources to invest in an entirely new bed frame, a comfortable couch or chair might be a good place to rest in the days immediately after your c-section. This will bring comfort and better rest. This position facilitates better breathing and easy sleeping for many suffering from OSA. Subscribe Below! If it's not Wednesday yet, you'll be getting an email as soon as this week. You are not alone. Using pillows during recovery from surgery helps to support and align your body for optimal healing, she says. Short walks and light stretching activities boost your blood circulation, tone muscles, lower stress and speed up the healing process, thus promoting good sleep. Dr Sachchidananda Maiti is a practising Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician in Manchester, UK both in the National Health Service (NHS) and in private care at Pall Mall Medical. 13 Steps For A Good Breastfeeding Latch & Techniques.. Yoga For Breastfeeding: Benefits And 9 Poses That Help. You may want to wear different wraps during the day and at night. She likes to write research-based articles that are informative and relevant. Try out different adjustments or supplementing the cushions with small pillows or a rolled-up blanket to get things just right. Ask friends, family for assistance, or consider hiring a postpartum doula to spend time with you and your baby in the early stages. This is optimal for healing. Your doctor will discuss whether or not they recommend exercise based on your progress at this visit. As a new breastfeeding mom, you may find side-lying very comfortable for breastfeeding, especially after a [C-section].. Avoid exerting yourself, climbing stairs, or lifting weights heavier than your baby. While working as an intern for an English daily, she realised that she likes writing above anything else. Side sleeping is generally recommended in late pregnancy to support your growing belly, and it also gets a green light for post-op snoozing. Perkins recommends using pillows to help you get comfortable and support your spine. We advise you to drink lots of water and include fibre-rich foods to your diet. Things you need may include medical supplies such as sanitary pads, gauze, topical medications, and compresses, as well as personal items like books, hand cream, and extra pillows and blankets. Aarohi Achwal holds a bachelors degree in Commerce and a masters degree in English Literature. If you begin to feel depressed, negative emotional changes, or feel in a constant state of fatigue beyond the first couple of weeks you may be experiencing postpartum depression. Keep in mind that your legs and upper body are strong, so use them to help move you in and out of the bed, OB-GYN Dr. Kameelah Phillips, M.D. Sit on the side of the bed before you stand up. previously told Romper. There are many other reasons why a c-section may be necessary and should never be judged solely on being the easy way out. Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms of postpartum depression, such as feelings of worthlessness, self-harm, or trouble eating. Why Is It Difficult to Sleep After a C-Section? There are a lot of things they dont tell you about the aftermath of getting a c-section, including the fact that it can be hard to sleep while you heal. That said, an optimum amount of movement and exercise can boost blood circulation and quicken the healing process. Try to avoid stairs whenever possible. Also Read:Massage After Caesarean Delivery All You Need To Know. This position decreases stress on the incision and pelvis as it heals., If you do sleep on your back, just make sure not to use your abs to help you sit up. You may also begin light workouts, eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and have a happy attitude to help speed up your recovery. The idea of being heard without having to speak appeals to her. This article was co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Do not move out of the bed often, at least for the first few weeks. You will need to be extra careful about your body after delivering a child through a C-section. Follow any instructions precisely and call the nurse if you have questions. Kameelah Phillips, M.D., board-certified OB-GYN and founder of Calla Womens Health, This article was originally published on Feb. 1, 2018, I'm Tired Of Lying To My Pediatrician About Bed-Sharing, Is It Safe To Breastfeed A Swaddled Baby? Here weve answered a few of them. Social Security Benefits For Divorced Spouse & How To.. 23-Month-Old Baby's Developmental Milestones And Growth, 5 Helpful Ways To Increase Breastmilk Supply. This article has been viewed 124,365 times. For more help from our Medical co-author, like how to create a relaxing bedroom environment, read on. Instead, you should first roll onto your side, and use your arms and not your abs to help you sit up. Reference back to the logroll method mentioned above to get into and out of this position. University of Washington Medical Center recommends the logroll method to get yourself out of bed. Right sleeping position after C-section reduces pain and helps to avoid pressure on the surgical site. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 124,365 times. You can also eat nuts and seeds. Moving is a must! You will be sore for a few weeks after surgery, so it's best to keep your baby close by when you sleep. Over thirty percent of women in the United States have cesarean birth yet moms get very little education or support on how to recover. Next, we answer a few commonly asked queries. Experts Weigh In, In Search Of New York City's Most Luxurious Birth Experience, How To Use A Vibrator For Clogged Milk Ducts. 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. But remember, this is a temporary phase and you will sail through it eventually. She did her graduation in Biotec more. Move your feet off the bed. Have sex:sex is one of those things you have to feel ready for mentally/physically. Unless prescribed by a doctor, d. Begin with light exercises and movements with your doctors approval. According to the CHEST study, sleeping in an upright position improved breathing and reduced postpartum moms' risk of a dangerous condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which sometimes occurs during pregnancy. While pain medications almost always help you fall asleep, an appropriate sleeping position will ensure better breathing and a sound nap. Friends who have had a cesarean delivery will tell you that pillows are your lifesavers. You can also ask your doctor about using a stool softener for better bowel movements. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesnt recommend bed-sharing with your newborn. See a medical professional for personalized consultation. If you still cant get comfortable, talk to your doctor about how you can get better sleep in those first few weeks with your little one. With a careful post-op recovery plan, youll be back to sleeping more normally well, as normal as one can sleep with a crying baby in the house. Also Read:Exercises & Tips To Reduce Tummy Post Cesarean Delivery. Avoid getting up from bed too often during the first few weeks. Home | Ebooks | Shop | Blog | About | Become an Ambassador | Shipping & Returns | Connect, healing foods, food in postpartum, postpartum food, recovery soups, c section healing, healing food to eat postpartum, anti-inflammatory foods, foods and c section, c section awareness month, c section surgery, constipation and c section, black mothers, black women mortality rate, black birth experience, black birth equity, black motherhood, black maternal health and racism, weathering, birthing while black in america.