Even though some women are strongly against C-section, sometimes when there is a risk to the baby or mother, a C-section is inevitable. Knowing what you can expect after the procedure will help you recover more easily. You may experience pain, and also find it quite hard to choose the most comfortable position to sleep.

How to Sleep After C-Section

1. Sleep on Your Back

A lot of women report that sleeping on their back provides them with the most comfort in their first days after the C-section. You can try this position during the first few weeks after the C-section.

2. Sleep on Your Side

Going from a lying position into an upright one is quite tricky after a C-section, and that's why many new moms prefer sleeping on their side as it allows them to get up less painfully. You should try this position earlier if you have high blood pressure.

Other Mothers’ Experiences

''I felt most comfortable sleeping on my back, but, since I had some issues with my blood pressure, the doctor advised me to switch to my left side, which wasn't so comfortable at first, but once I got used to it, it became fine.''

''The only position I could sleep in during my first week after the procedure was the back one, but now, after 2 weeks, sleeping on my sides is good too. Also, getting out of bed during the first week hurts a lot, so take Percs or Mortin when needed, and remember, you'll feel much better in a couple of days.''

''You ask how to sleep after C-section? I find that sleeping on my side works best for me, as it allows me to roll onto my belly, put my feet on the ground and slowly stand up without feeling any unnecessary pain.''

''Even though it has been 3 weeks since I had an emergency cesarean section, sleeping on my side still hurts. It's annoying, since I used to sleep on it prior to getting pregnant, but now I can only tolerate it when I place some pillows between my legs and lay still.''

How to Speed Up Your Recovery After C-Section

1. Take the Painkillers

Pain after C-section is perfectly normal during the first two weeks. Your OB will probably prescribe you some painkillers such as ibuprofen. It is important to take painkillers to make your body get back on track.

2. Take Probiotics

The antibiotics you received during your procedure can kill useful bacteria living in your gut. While deciding how to sleep after C-section is important, restoring your gut flora with probiotics is also of great importance. Balanced gut flora can prevent diarrhea and give your immunity a boost, thus allowing you to recover faster.

3. Care for the Incision

If you have stitches, they will most likely dissolve by themselves, but as for staples, only your medical professional can remove them. Make sure that the area of your incision is dry, and if you notice that it has gotten red and hot, or that your pain has increased, inform your doctor straight away since those could be signs of infection.

4. Start Walking

Once your doctor has approved, get out of the bed. You can start with short walks, and increase your minutes/mileage gradually. Exercises can improve your circulation and decrease your risk of developing blood clots.

5. Eat Right

Try eating more foods that have anti-inflammatory property, such as those rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C. Vitamin C is responsible for the production of the protein in charge of tissue repair, which makes it a vital part of the healing process.

6. Combat Constipation

How to sleep after C-section? You already know the answer, and you may also wonder how to deal with the constipation caused by pregnancy hormones and painkillers. Try to eat foods that are rich in fiber, drink lots of water, and consult your doctor about using some stool-softening products.

7. Breastfeed with Support

Instead of leaning forward while breastfeeding which may limit your oxygen intake, sit in a chair with your back straight and let somebody else bring the baby closer to you.

8. Ease Back into Sex

Women who went through with cesarean section can oftentimes experience painful sex as scar tissue can reduce the mobility of pelvic organs. If you want to have sex, apply lubricant to reduce the pain, and if the pain persists, make sure to see a doctor.

9. Get Emotional Support

Some researchers suggest that women who had a C-section are more prone to suffering from postpartum depression. If that's you, don't hesitate to seek help, be it from someone you love, some support group, or even online. One thing is for sure, though, by taking care of yourself, you are taking care of your baby.