So you’re pregnant and planning to breastfeed—kudos! Breastfeeding offers so many benefits for you and your baby.
If you’re also planning to have a cesarean birth (a.k.a. c-section), you may be wondering: Can I still breastfeed if I have a c-section? Often, the answer is yes!
“Breastfeeding after a c-section can be harder in some ways than with a vaginal birth,” says Dr. Megan Pallister, OB-GYN. “But having a c-section shouldn’t stop you from being able to breastfeed your baby.”
Let’s look at why a c-section may pose challenges for breastfeeding, plus tips to overcome them.
How C-Section Recovery Affects Breastfeeding
Generally speaking, healing from a cesarean birth can be more complicated than healing from a vaginal birth. “The surgery itself, plus the longer recovery process, make breastfeeding a little trickier for moms who have been through c-sections,” Dr. Pallister explains.
The reasons include:
- Surgery of any kind puts stress on your body. The stress of having a c-section may cause your breastmilk to come in later, up to a few days after birth.
- You and your baby may be drowsy until the anesthesia wears off after surgery. This can delay the first breastfeeding session.
- Another potential delay: You could be separated from your little one immediately after birth. “Babies born by c-section are more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Sometimes this is simply a precaution,” Dr. Pallister explains. “Or either of you could have a complication that needs treatment—which could happen with any birth.”
- The pain from your abdominal incision could make breastfeeding uncomfortable for the first couple of weeks. (Tip: Cold therapy can be helpful in easing that incision pain.)
- The same goes for lower back pain after a c-section. This pain is caused by the combo of postpartum hormonal changes, weight gain from pregnancy, and the effects of anesthesia. It usually eases up within one week.
How to Set Yourself Up for Breastfeeding Success
Whether you already know you’ll give birth by c-section or just want to be prepared in case one becomes necessary, here are some tips for breastfeeding success.
Make your wishes known. Communicate your breastfeeding intentions to your ob-gyn ahead of time. That way your healthcare team will know to give you the opportunity to nurse as soon as possible following the surgery. Enlist your partner, doula, or other support person to help advocate for your desires if needed.
Lactation support. It may be helpful to meet with a lactation consultant or take a breastfeeding class during your pregnancy. During your hospital or birthing center tour, you can ask if there are lactation consultants on staff to meet with you after your baby arrives.
Practice skin-to-skin contact. This can start in the delivery room and continue throughout your breastfeeding journey. The closeness will help you bond with your newborn and set the stage for nursing.
Start nursing as soon as you can. No matter how you give birth, the key to establishing a breastfeeding routine is to nurse early and often. “As long as you and baby are doing well, you should be able to breastfeed as soon as you’re ready after birth—sometimes even right there in the operating room,” shares Dr. Pallister. Continue feeding your newborn every two to three hours to stimulate milk production.
Consider pumping. If your baby needs to spend time in the NICU, or you are otherwise separated after birth, you may need to pump instead for a while. Pumping breastmilk is especially a good idea to protect your milk supply. This way, you can express that oh-so-valuable colostrum for bottle-feeding and encourage your milk to come in.
Manage your pain. Your doctor will prescribe pain relievers that are safe to take while breastfeeding (acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two examples). And don’t be afraid to take these medications as directed. Being in severe pain will only hinder your c-section recovery and your breastfeeding attempts. Cold therapy can also be helpful in easing that incision pain. (We love keeping our Hot & Cold Postpartum Therapy Packs for this very reason!)
“Room in” with baby. During your hospital stay, have your baby sleep in a bassinet next to you as much as possible. Continue this practice once you get home, at least until you both get the hang of breastfeeding. You want to make breastfeeding as easy as possible and having your little one within arm’s reach will really help.
Remember the rule of supply and demand. If you’re concerned about your milk supply, remember that breastfeeding works on a supply-and-demand system. Feed your newborn every two to three hours, or on demand, which may be even more often. Pump on a similar schedule if there are times you cannot feed your little one directly. Learn more ways to increase your milk supply.
Get into position. Choose a breastfeeding position that doesn’t put undue pressure on your incision. For this reason, the football hold and side-lying hold are two good options for c-section mamas. Learn exactly how to do them. Bonus: Lying on your side also lets you rest at the same time!
Ask your nurse, lactation consultant, or partner to help get your baby into just the right spot for feeding. You also may find it helpful to protect your tummy with a pillow (either nursing or regular).
Seek extra help if you need it. If you find yourself struggling with breastfeeding after a c-section, consider seeing a lactation consultant. It’s best to resolve any breastfeeding issues sooner rather than later.
Keep It Up
Can you breastfeed after a c-section? In most cases, yes! Adds Dr. Pallister: “I’ve found that breastfeeding can help new moms heal emotionally from the surgery, especially if their birth did not go as they planned.”
If you’re determined to breastfeed after a c-section, take things one day at a time. With the right support, you can make the experience as comfortable as possible, and soon come to enjoy feeding your little one in a way no one else can.
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