C section breastfeeding “Breastfeeding after a c-section”

How can a c-section impact breastfeeding?

- Moms might feel that they have failed at giving birth and then feel that they are going to fail at breastfeeding too. Moms should not feel like this, as there is no reason to feel insecure, c section breastfeeding can actually help you feel more normal and also keeps those postpartum blues away.

- Sometimes after a c-section moms are not able to breastfeed immediately due to pain. Mothers who have an epidural will be awake right through the procedure and will be able to hold and breastfeed baby straight after surgery.

- Babies born via c-section are sometimes a bit drowsy due to the anesthetics. Baby will just need some extra stimulation to stay awake. This should only last for a couple of hours.

- Medication given to mom after a c-section might make baby a little lethargic too, but are passed into the milk in very small quantities and shouldn’t harm baby if taken in the right amounts.

- Moms that have a c-section are often given antibiotics which can cause a thrush (yeast infection) Make yourself familiar with the signs so that you will know how to handle it fast.

- Finding a comfortable position for breastfeeding after c-section – This can sometimes leave mom feeling helpless. There are ways of placing baby in order to avoid him lying on your stomach or cut. The best c section breastfeeding position is lying down , or the foot ball hold which will keep baby on your side and away from your tummy.

Why women should try breastfeeding after cesarean sections as soon as possible?

- Breastfeeding promotes bonding

- It provides stimulation to the breast which will bring your milk in sooner

- It releases the hormone oxytocin which will help the uterus contract to its original shape

- It provides baby with colostrum

What to do before a c-section to ensure success with breastfeeding

- Choose a hospital that is supportive of c section breast feeding

- Make nurses and doctors aware of your decision to breastfeed and let them know that you do not want your child fed formula

- Make sure that the hospital provides that you can room-in with your baby for "on demand breastfeeding" and breastfeeding through the night.

- Ask for a private room as this will allow you to feel more comfortable while breastfeeding

- If you cannot be near baby for the first few hours it is best to ask if you can use the hospitals breast pump, this will get your milk supply coming in, prevent engorgement and the colostrum can be given to baby.

- Make sure that you will have sufficient help with chores at home after the surgery

- Get yourself a cesarean section breastfeeding pillow, this will help so that baby doesn’t have to lie on your cut. The Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow for Breastfeeding Moms is a pillow that is designed to help you gain the correct breast position for easier breastfeeding and will also keep baby off of your cut.

Things to remember “c section and breastfeeding advice”

- Breastfeeding after a c section should be done at least every two hours to keep your supply up and to prevent breast engorgement which can lead to mastitis

- Decide to stick to it and be determined to make it work. After a C section, breastfeeding can be really difficult the first few weeks, but it gets easier and it’s really worth it in the end.

- Try not give baby a pacifier or a bottle for at least six weeks after birth. If baby needs to be fed breast milk and is not able to come to the breast it is possible to feed baby from a syringe.

- Baby’s tummy is small and only needs a little colostrum the first few days to fill him

- Relax and enjoy this time. Stress can also cause a delay in your milk coming in so worrying is really not going to help at all.

What if your milk “coming in” is delayed after surgery?

- Remember that the first breastfeeding caesarean experience is usually the hardest, but the second time around your milk will usually come in much faster since the breast tissue has grown with your first pregnancy.

- In the case where a mom has had to give formula to her baby because of her milk coming in late, she will just need to continue pumping and breastfeeding after a cesarean until her supply is fully established. Also, make sure that baby is offered the breast first each time before offered anything else.

- Remember that baby needs to be breastfed every two hours for your milk supply to increase and this includes nighttime too. To do this, you will need to make sure that nobody is feeding baby formula in the first place.

- Your baby should be breastfed not later than the first hour after birth for best results in the establishment of your breast milk

- Get a better understanding on how breast milk is produced

Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” in connection c section breastfeeding

-  Breastfeeding preemies

-  Frustration and depression

-  Breastfeeding positions

-  The benefits of breastfeeding

-  The importance of colostrum

-  The boppy breastfeeding pillow

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