How to Sleep After a C Section

Co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: December 24, 2023 Fact Checked

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There are a lot of things they don’t tell you about the aftermath of getting a C-section, including the fact that it can be hard to sleep while you heal. Certain disturbances are unavoidable, like waking up to feed your baby. If you can plan a little before your operation and make some small adjustments to your sleeping habits, you can get the rest you need to let your body recover while being a new parent.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Adjusting Your Sleeping Position

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Most women find sleeping on their back to be the most comfortable. This helps them keep all pressure off of their incision site. Many women use pillows to take pressure off their hips, knees, and lower back when sleeping this way.^{[1]
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Some women find sleeping on their side more comforting than sleeping on their back. Placing pillows around the hips and stomach can help side-sleepers avoid rolling over toward their incision. Find the sleeping position that is most comfortable for you, taking care not to put pressure on your incision.^{[2]
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Avoid sleeping on your stomach until your C-section scar has healed completely and all stitches have been safely removed. Stomach sleeping can put pressure on the incision, causing irritation around your scar. It can also increase the risk of popping stitches.^{[3]
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Obstructive sleep apnea impacts many pregnant and postpartum women.^{[4]
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Research source} Use pillows to elevate your head and shoulders above your torso and keep your airways open while you sleep. This can help you sleep deeper and longer if you are having problems staying asleep after your C-section.^{[5]
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After giving birth, tasks like feeding and changing your baby interrupt your sleep schedule. To give your body the rest it needs to recover completely, try to sleep whenever your baby sleeps, even during the day.^{[6]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

Go to source} Ask your partner, family, and friends to help care for things like household chores, and take the time you need to recover properly.^{[7]
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6
Use a postpartum belly wrap to support your abdomen while you sleep. Belly wraps are commonly used to help support the back, manage back pain, and increase comfort while moving after giving birth. Belly wraps are often worn during the day but can provide additional comfort at night if you are struggling to sleep.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.} Try a few different belly wraps and look for one that does not stick, itch, or dig into your skin.
- You may want to wear different wraps during the day and at night. A firmer wrap may offer support for moving throughout the day, while a looser wrap can give you support at night without feeling restrictive.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Setting up Your Sleeping Space

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1
Store your bedtime necessities near your bed. Setting up your sleeping space in the days before giving birth can go a long way in keeping yourself comfortable when you get home. Store the things you need within arm’s reach near your bed to make going to bed easy.^{[9]
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- 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.
2
Put your bed on a low-lying bed frame. It can be difficult to get in and out of tall beds. If you have the means, consider buying a low profile bed frame for your mattress. This will help make it easier and more comfortable for you to get in and out of bed.^{[10]
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- If you don’t 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.
- If possible, try to sleep on the same floor as your living space. Just like tall beds, stairs can be difficult in the days after surgery. Try to avoid stairs whenever possible.
3
Add extra pillows to your bed. You don't know how many pillows you will need to stay comfortable on those first nights, and it's better to be over-prepared. Add some extra pillows to your sleeping space so that you have more options to help keep yourself as supported and comfortable as possible while you sleep.
- Consider getting a few different types of pillows, such as a body pillow and those for neck and lumbar support. Different types of pillows will offer different types of support. Experiment to find a combination that works for you.
- Try placing one pillow behind your back and one under your belly so you don't move while you sleep.^{[11]
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  Expert Source
  
  Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
  Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
  
  Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.}
4
Create a dark, quiet environment in your sleeping space. A dark, quiet room may make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep after your C-section. Turn off all the lights, and ban bright electronics such as phones, tablets, and computers from your sleeping area. If you like some noise while you sleep, try playing calming music or listening to white noise.^{[12]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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- If light pollution makes it difficult to keep your sleeping area dark, consider installing blackout curtains.
- You can download relaxing music from most online music marketplaces or purchase CDs in stores or online.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Managing Pain and Discomfort

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1
Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication before bed. An anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen can help manage swelling, pain, and discomfort after a C-section.^{[13]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

Go to source} Take an over-the-counter pain medication before bed as advised by your doctor or on the medication’s packaging to help minimize discomfort while you sleep.
- Talk to your doctor about the right pain medication for you. Most anti-inflammatory medications won’t pass into your colostrum, so they are safe to take even if you are breastfeeding.
2
Start walking as soon as your doctor approves light exercise. Perform small amounts of light activity every day to help you sleep better. Try starting with a gentle walk for as long as your doctor recommends, and gradually build the amount of exercise you do as you heal.
- Walking increases circulation and can help promote healing.
- Typically, you will have a 6-week postpartum check-up after birth to see how your incision is healing. Your doctor will discuss whether or not they recommend exercise based on your progress at this visit. Follow any instructions precisely and call the nurse if you have questions.^{[14]
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Talk to your doctor if pain, discomfort, or anything else prevents you from falling asleep or staying asleep. They may be able to provide a proper sleep and pain management program to help meet your needs.^{[15]
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Recruit help for household chores and emotional support. After your C-section, your body will need time to rest and recover. Talk to your partner, family members, or close friends about coming over and assisting with some household cleaning and or just helping you deal with any emotions about your birth.^{[16]
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Mayo Clinic
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- If you are uncomfortable asking someone to help you, you may consider hiring a maid, a nanny, or a mother’s assistant. An online support group or local mother’s group can also be a great emotional resource.
- Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms of postpartum depression, such as feelings of worthlessness, self-harm, or trouble eating. Confiding in friends and other mothers can also help you process your distressing feelings. You are not alone.^{[17]
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  National Health Service (UK)
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- You do not need to plan on having help for long periods of time if you do not want it. Many women are well enough after 6 weeks to resume regular activity. Give yourself the time you need to heal so that you can be ready to take on all your new parent duties as soon as possible.
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Eat a balanced diet rather than comfort food. Eat foods rich in vitamin C and protein to reduce inflammation and fuel your body. Try to limit red meat, which can aggravate inflammation. Your doctor can provide dietary recommendations as well as a stool softener if you are constipated after birth.^{[18]
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Johns Hopkins Medicine
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- It’s important not to strain during bowel movements to avoid injuring your incision site or pelvic floor.