Babies delivered via Cesarean section, also known as a C-section, tend to sleep more than babies born vaginally in the first few days of life. This is likely due to the different birthing process and recovery for C-section babies. However, this sleep difference seems to disappear after the first week.
Why do C-section babies sleep more at first?
There are a few key reasons why babies born by C-section tend to sleep more in the first days of life:
- Medications from surgery – Babies delivered by C-section are exposed to medications from the surgery, like anesthetics and pain relievers given to the mother. These medications can make the newborn sleepy.
- Birth trauma – Although C-sections are routine procedures now, they are still major abdominal surgery. The process of being born via C-section is more “traumatic” than a vaginal birth and requires recovery.
- Delayed labor – Many C-sections are done after labor has started. The labor process can be exhausting for the baby. Therefore, babies born after a long labor tend to be more tired.
- Respiratory changes – Babies born by C-section do not go through the birth canal, which can squeeze fluid out of the lungs. This may lead to some temporary respiratory changes that contribute to sleepiness.
Together, these factors all help explain why C-section babies tend to sleep more at first as they recover from the birthing process.
How much more do C-section babies sleep?
Studies have found that C-section babies sleep about 1-1.5 hours more per day on average compared to vaginally delivered babies in the first 2-3 days of life. One study published in the journal Birth observed newborns continuously and found:[1]
- Vaginal birth babies slept about 14.5 hours per day.
- Planned C-section babies slept around 16 hours per day.
- Unplanned C-section babies slept about 15.5 hours per day.
So while C-section babies slept 1-1.5 more hours per day on average, the difference was relatively small over a 24 hour period. Other studies have found similar 30-90 minute differences in sleep over the first few postpartum days.
Does birth method impact total sleep?
While C-section babies may sleep more in the first few days, total sleep over the first year does not appear to be impacted by birth method. One study published in the journal Sleep Medicine found:[2]
- Both vaginal and C-section babies slept around 9.5 hours per day at 1 month old.
- By 6 months, total sleep dropped to around 8.5 hours per day in both groups.
- Nighttime sleep was also similar between the groups at both 1 and 6 months old.
This suggests birth method has little long-term impact on an infant’s sleep patterns. The early extra sleep in C-section babies likely helps them recover after birth trauma.
Tips for helping a C-section baby sleep
If you have a newborn delivered by C-section who is extra sleepy, here are some tips to help:
- Allow time to sleep – Let your C-section baby get the rest they need, especially in the first few days.
- Wake to feed – Gently rouse your sleepy baby every 2-3 hours to breastfeed or bottle feed to ensure they get adequate nutrition.
- Keep stimulating – When awake, keep your baby stimulated with eye contact, touch, and sound to help promote wakefulness for feeding.
- Discuss concerns – Talk to your pediatrician if excessive sleepiness persists beyond the first week or impacts feeding.
Do C-section babies have more sleep issues later on?
Babies delivered via C-section do not appear more likely to develop sleep issues later in infancy or childhood. Some studies have found no difference in sleep disorders between C-section and vaginally born babies. For example:
- Colic – A 2013 study found no difference in colic, excessive crying, or sleep problems at 6 months old between C-section and vaginally delivered infants.[3]
- Sleep disordered breathing – A 2010 study found no increased risk of sleep disordered breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea in C-section infants by 6-8 years old.[4]
While the birthing process itself likely does not affect long-term sleep, other factors like parenting at bedtime, family sleep habits, and the child’s environment play a larger role in sleep beyond infancy.
Key takeaways
Here are the key takeaways on sleep for C-section babies:
- C-section babies tend to sleep 1-1.5 more hours per day in the first 2-3 days after delivery.
- This extra early sleep helps them recover from the “trauma” of surgery and the birth process.
- But birth method does not impact total sleep amounts by 1 month old or sleep disorders later in childhood.
- Ensuring adequate feeding and stimulation when awake can help manage an extra sleepy newborn delivered via C-section.
Conclusion
Babies born via Cesarean section tend to sleep more than vaginally delivered babies in the first few postpartum days. However, this appears to be a short-term effect allowing recovery from the C-section birth process. In the long run, birth method does not impact total sleep, nighttime sleep, or risk of later sleep disorders. Providing adequate feeds and stimulation when awake can help a C-section baby sleep appropriately. If excessive sleepiness persists beyond the first week or impacts feeding, be sure to consult your pediatrician. With time to recover, support, and loving care, C-section babies establish normal sleep cycles just like any other newborn.