You know how they roll a giant log into a fire? That’s you now. The log roll is your new best friend. Forget using your abs to sit up; you’ll use your arms and momentum.
How to do it: Lie on your back. Bend your knees. Keep your shoulders and hips aligned like a board. Then, using your arms, roll your entire body as one stiff unit to your side. Yes, you will look like a weird, stiff burrito. Yes, it works.
Once on your side, use your arms to push your torso up. Don’t use your belly. Don’t even look at your belly. Pretend it’s made of wet tissue paper. (Bonus tip: keep a sturdy nightstand or a chair next to the bed to grab onto. Trust me, you’ll need that leverage.)
Pillow Forts Are Not Just For Kids
This is where you get to channel your inner architect. You need a pillow fortress. I’m not joking. Place one pillow under your knees to take pressure off your lower back. Place another small, firm pillow or rolled-up towel against your incision.
Why? When you roll or cough, that pillow acts like a splint. It stops the skin from pulling. It’s like a seatbelt for your stitches. I kept a small, flat boppy pillow just for this purpose. It was my security blanket.
Sleeping Positions After C-Section: 4 Options For Faster Recovery
Also, sleep on your back or on your side with a pillow between your knees. Sleeping on your stomach is a distant dream for at least a few weeks. When you side-sleep, you’ll feel that weird “hollow” sensation where your uterus used to be. The pillow between your knees keeps your hips aligned and stops that fun pulling sensation.
