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Breastfeeding your baby after a c-section can look a little different but many of the same principles apply! So if you’re preparing for a c-section birth or just want to know what might be different if your birth results in one, don’t panic and read some of the tips to getting breastfeeding off to a great start!
Breastfeed as soon as possible (and often)
Breastfeed as soon as possible (and often)
Milk production may experience a delay following a C-section; however, engaging in skin-to-skin contact with your baby and breastfeeding as soon as possible can help encourage milk production. Skin-to-skin has so many benefits to you and baby no matter how they are born! Try to bring your baby to your chest, skin to skin as soon as possible and expect to breastfeed every 2 hours after. Many mothers successfully breastfeed in the operating or recovery rooms!
If your baby is separated from you after birth, ask for help with hand expression of colostrum. Try to start expressing within 1-2 hours after baby is born and every 2 hours after that. Hand expression is more effective than pumping in the first couple of days.
Colostrum is liquid gold
Colostrum is liquid gold
Colostrum is highly nutrient-rich and supplies all the essentials your baby requires during those early days. To help your body produce milk more rapidly, you can hand express after a feeding.
You can offer this to your baby using a cup, spoon, or syringe. Remember, regardless of how baby is born, it’s best to avoid the use of pacifiers and artificial teats should be avoided until breastfeeding is well established (around 4-6 weeks).
Baby’s stomach is very small in the first few days of life so don’t be surprised if you only get a little bit of colostrum from your breasts. See my other post about hand expression of colostrum.
Get comfy!
Get comfy!
Laid-back, side-lying and reclined positions often provide greater comfort following a C-section. Having a support person nearby to help you maneuver is a great idea to ensure you and baby get into a comfortable position. You might also consider football or underarm holds for support. Additionally, using a folded blanket or soft pillow over the surgical area can offer protection and more comfort.
Medications can make baby sleepy
Medications can make baby sleepy
It could take as long as a week for these medications to be fully cleared from your baby's system, which might affect their alertness for nursing during the initial days. Try bringing baby to the breast 8-10 times in 24 hours and offering both breasts at every feed. Instead of using
bottles, offer expressed colostrum using a cup, spoon, or syringe whenever possible.
Take time to rest and heal
Take time to rest and heal
Parents frequently require additional time to recover after a cesarean delivery, it is major surgery afterall! It's essential to rest as much as you can, nourish your body with healthy food and keep your digestive tract moving (constipation is more likely after a c-section 💩), and embrace support from family and friends whenever possible. Your body needs to heal while taking care of a newborn, it is hard work but with the right support, you’ve got this mama!
Get help with breastfeeding
Get help with breastfeeding
Reaching out to a lactation consultant can provide you with the support you need to tackle any challenges you may encounter, ensuring you don't have to navigate this journey by yourself!
Resources
Resources
Download and save my C-section + Breastfeeding infographic as a quick reference!
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