Suitable Sleeping Positions After C Section Delivery

Follow medication, diet, and exercise tips for enjoying a good sleep after delivery.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sachchidananda Maiti, MD Dr Sachchidananda Maiti Dr Sachchidananda MaitiMD Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Obstetrics and GynecologyExperience: 31 years
Written by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Edited by , BDS, CLC Dr. Ritika Shah BDS, CLC Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Dental and General Health, LactationExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , MSc Reshmi Das MSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 4 years
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Woman Sleeping WIth Baby C-Section Delivery

Image: Shutterstock

You will need to be extra careful about your body after delivering a child through a C-section. Reconsidering the sleeping positions after a C-section is one such change to help the surgery incision heal better.

Adequate sleep in the right sleeping positions after childbirth is essential for the body to return to its pre-pregnancy state. Read this post to understand the importance of sleep after a C-section and some comfortable sleeping positions.

In This Article

The Importance Of Sleeping Right After A C-Section

The right sleeping position keeps you comfortable and reduces any pressure or stress at the site of surgery. It also helps you get off the bed comfortably, with reduced discomfort, enables better breathing and sound sleep. It lowers the strain on the abdominal muscles, and in turn, reduces any risk to the incision.

Why Is It Difficult To Sleep Well After A C-Section?

Difficulty in sleeping after a C-section

Image: IStock

Several institutes conducted an extensive meta-analysis of observational studies, revealing that 67.2% of postnatal women experienced poor sleep quality.  The increased hormonal levels and abdominal volume during pregnancy and postpartum period affect the airways, thereby, causing a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA could result in breathing difficulties and collapsing of the airways during sleep. These issues, combined with considerable pain of the cesarean, make it difficult to sleep.

What Are The Best Positions To Sleep In After A Cesarean Delivery?

The following are the possible ways you can try sleeping in after a c-section. Whether or not one works for you depends on the level of ease and comfort you develop with the position.

  1. On your back: In most cases, this is the comfortable position for the first few days and weeks after the cesarean. There is no pressure on the incision when you sleep on your back. You may also put a pillow below the knees for extra comfort. The downsides include difficulty in getting off the bed or sitting up as it can put some strain on the incision site. It is also not the right position to consider if you have abnormal blood pressure. While getting up from this position, it would be better for you to roll onto your side and then sit up followed by standing up if needed.
Sleeping on the back is comfortable for the first few weeks after the cesarean.

Image: IStock

  1. On your side: This is a more comfortable position after delivery. There is no pressure built on the incision site, and it is less painful while getting off the bed. Sleeping on the left helps in optimal blood flow and improves digestion. You may use pillows to support your abdomen and hips. Also, it is the best position to consider if you have blood pressure problems.

Liesel Teen, BSN, RN, a labor and delivery nurse and the founder of Mommy Labor Nurse from Raleigh, North Carolina, says, “Avoid sleeping on your stomach in the first several days and weeks following your C-section. A side-lying position should also be avoided in the immediate recovery period. Basically, you have to find a position that keeps pressure off your abdomen and your incision. In the first few days, the safest and most comfortable sleeping position will likely be on your back at a slight incline. Once your incision isn’t as sore, you can transition to side sleeping.”

  1. Elevating your upper body: Prop your upper body with several pillows so that the whole body is raised. It aids in better breathing and also eases sleeping, especially if you are experiencing OSA. If you are not comfortable elevating the entire body, use pillows between your knees and under your hips.

protip_icon Quick fact
In the postpartum period, sleeping or resting at 45° upper body elevation can improve respiratory safety and the severity of OSA by increasing upper airway cross-sectional area (CSA) (2). This position is also helpful in reducing the pressure on the incision.

Teen adds, “Many women find comfort in using pillows to prop up their upper bodies into a semi-reclined position. Others find it comfortable to elevate their legs with a rolled blanket or pillow. Just make sure you don’t have your upper body propped up too high to avoid pressure on your incision.”
Elevating your upper body aids in better breathing

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Upright: If none of the above positions work, you could try sleeping while sitting on a couch or chair with several pillows for support. This is a temporary sleeping position, but makes your job easier when breastfeeding or getting off from sleep. Recliners can provide good rest during the first two weeks.

Tips To Improve Your Sleep While Recovering From C-Section

You require plenty of sleep to recover quickly from the surgery. Here is what you can do to sleep better.

  • Stick to the pain medications your doctor might prescribe for a sound sleep. Unless prescribed by a doctor, do not take any sleep medication as it might go through the breast milk and also might affect your mental health.
protip_icon Expert says
According to the UNC Women’s Hospital Patient Education Committee, taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen four times daily for two weeks following a C-section delivery under a doctor’s prescription (3) can help you manage pain and allow you to sleep properly.
  • Begin with light exercises and movements with your maternity healthcare provider’s approval. Short walks and light stretching activities boost your blood circulation, tone muscles, lower stress and speed up the healing process, thus promoting good sleep.
Do light exercises to improve sleep after C-section

Image: Shutterstock

  • Having a well-balanced diet is also essential for quick healing. Include foods rich in vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids to decrease inflammation and promote recovery. It will, therefore, help you sleep well.
  • Drink enough water and add fiber to your diet to keep constipation away. A sensitive tummy will disturb your sleep. Your doctor might also prescribe stool softeners for smooth bowel movements, and it will, therefore, improve your sleep.
Drink enough water to improve sleep after C-section

Image: Shutterstock

  • Do not move out of the bed often, at least for the first few weeks. Get help from your partner or family to get your baby when needed for breastfeeding.

Next, we answer a few commonly asked queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to safely get out of bed after a c-section?

Try rolling onto one side while you are getting out of bed as it requires very less effort. When you need support, ask a family member to help you get in and out of bed. You can also use your elbow to support and push yourself to a comfortable seated position with your legs hanging over the side of the bed. Put your feet on the floor first and rest for a while before you stand.

2. Can you sleep on your stomach after c-section?

You cannot sleep on your stomach immediately after a c-section as the surgical site will be sore, and any pressure on it worsens the pain. Your body will respond when the pain subsides, and can sleep on your tummy when you feel comfortable. Teen recommends, “You can run this by your OB provider or surgeon, but generally, it is recommended to avoid sleeping on your stomach for at least six weeks after a C-section.  Usually, women return to their health provider’s office around six weeks for a postpartum check-up. At this time, they will examine your incision and let you know if it’s safe to sleep on your belly.”

3. Should we not use a pillow after a C-section?

Pillows can help ease many discomforts after cesarean section deliveries. You may use a pillow to elevate your head from your body to have better air circulation in the airways after C-section. Elevating the head with pillows can also prevent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). You may use pillows to support your back while sitting on the bed after C-section. They can also be used to support arms while breastfeeding the baby (1).

Finding the right sleeping position after a C-section birth might take some time since the amount of ease and familiarity you acquire with the position determines whether or not it will work. Also, keep in mind that the discomforts will only last a few days till your pain goes away, and soon you will be able to tell when your body is ready to sleep in any posture. 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.

Infographic: Reasons And Tips For Sleep Issues After C-Section Delivery

Unable to achieve quality sleep after C-section? Well, it is one of the several concerns most women experience postpartum. Firstly, it is crucial to check if your sleep issue is due to a medical reason (with a doctor) and follow practical measures. This infographic provides some of these potential reasons and tips to sleep well after a C-section.

tips to improve sleep after c-section delivery (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

You may feel discomfort while sleeping after undergoing a C-section. Watch this informative video where you are guided by a gynecologist on how to get a good night’s rest and recover quickly after a C-section.

Which sleeping position was more comfortable for you? Share your experiences with other new moms in the below comment section.

Disclaimer: The sleeping positions and advice are only for informational purposes, and they do not intend to be alternatives for medical advice.

Key Pointers

  • Right sleeping position after C-section reduces pain and helps to avoid pressure on the surgical site.
  • Lying on the back or sides and keeping the legs elevated are the best sleeping positions after C-section delivery.
  • Safely getting off the bed, taking pain medication as prescribed, and beginning gentle exercises can also help recover faster after C-section.
Sleeping Positions After A C-Section_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. After Your Caesarean Section.
    https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/M-After-Your-C-Section-c-section_infoleaflet2014-1.pdf
  2. Sebastian Zaremba et al.; (2015); Elevated upper body position improves pregnancy-related OSA without impairing sleep quality or sleep architecture early after delivery.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25905714/
  3. Managing Pain after Your Cesarean (C-section).
    https://www.mombaby.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Pain-management-after-c-section-3.5.18.pdf
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Dr Sachchidananda Maiti
Dr Sachchidananda MaitiMD
Dr Sachchidananda Maiti is a practicing Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician in Manchester, UK both in the National Health Service (NHS) and in private care at Pall Mall Medical. He has more than three decades of clinical experience in the UK and abroad.

Read full bio of Dr Sachchidananda Maiti
  • Liesel Teen
    Liesel TeenBSN, RN Liesel Teen is a labor and delivery nurse and the founder of Mommy Labor Nurse, which offers birth classes to pregnant women. Liesel did her nursing degree at The University of North Carolina Wilmington and has eight years of experience as a bedside labor and delivery nurse.
    Liesel Teen is a labor and delivery nurse and the founder of Mommy Labor Nurse, which offers birth classes to pregnant women. Liesel did her nursing degree at The University of North Carolina Wilmington and has eight years of experience as a bedside labor and delivery nurse.
Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi
Dr. Ritika Shah
Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC
Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

Read full bio of Dr. Ritika Shah
Reshmi Das
Reshmi DasMSc
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction.

Read full bio of Reshmi Das