Trouble breathing when laying flat after c section?

NewYorker325

Hello Everyone,
Congratulations on your new additions!

Last night was our first night home from the hospital and of course it was anxiety ridden, however, I had a very hard time sleeping laying flat because it felt like a ton of pressure on my chest and had trouble taking deep breaths - I could lie on my side but even that was uncomfortable.

Has anyone else experienced this?
 

eb1113

I remember being uncomfortable, especially on my side.  I propped myself up with two pillows.  In the hospital I never laid flat back, I was always on an incline, so I tried to mimic that at home with more pillows.

chrisncassie

I had the same issue when trying to sleep, try propping your legs up with pillows when on your back...that was the only way I was able to sleep without feeling like I was struggling to breathe.  sleeping on my side wasn't an option for a few weeks after the c-section.

desertlady86

eb1113:

I remember being uncomfortable, especially on my side.  I propped myself up with two pillows.  In the hospital I never laid flat back, I was always on an incline, so I tried to mimic that at home with more pillows.

 

Same thing with me!

Lilystar82

chrisncassie:

I had the same issue when trying to sleep, try propping your legs up with pillows when on your back...that was the only way I was able to sleep without feeling like I was struggling to breathe.  sleeping on my side wasn't an option for a few weeks after the c-section.

This exactly, it definitley wasnt comfortable, but it went away after a few weeks.

hpfreak2011

I slept in my recliner for about 5 days until I felt more comfortable sleeping in bed.