Breastfeeding after a C-Section

[Hobnob]

I was devastated to find out that our LO is breech, so I'm having an elective C-Section in 2 weeks time.

Will I still be able to breastfeed ok after surgery ? I've read up a lot in the last few days and from what I've read the surgery can affect my LO latching on, is this true ?

Any hints and tips gratefully received

 

[Cazzyg]

You should be able to breastfeed after a section. I know lots of mums who have managed.

It can take a little longer for you milk to come in, but the key is to get lots of skin to skin as soon as possible and get your baby to latch on. The key to getting your supply going, it to get your baby to feed.

Make sure the staff in the hospital know you want to breastfeed, make sure it is in your birth plan that you want skin to skin as soon as possible and don't be scared to ask for help. You will need help additional help with lifting and positioning your baby because of your section and this is where support and help from the hospital staff comes in.

You might also find it easier to get a v shaped or semi circular cushion - really helps with positioning, especially after a section.

 

[Hobnob]

You should be able to breastfeed after a section. I know lots of mums who have managed.

It can take a little longer for you milk to come in, but the key is to get lots of skin to skin as soon as possible and get your baby to latch on. The key to getting your supply going, it to get your baby to feed.

Make sure the staff in the hospital know you want to breastfeed, make sure it is in your birth plan that you want skin to skin as soon as possible and don't be scared to ask for help. You will need help additional help with lifting and positioning your baby because of your section and this is where support and help from the hospital staff comes in.

You might also find it easier to get a v shaped or semi circular cushion - really helps with positioning, especially after a section.

Thanks for the advice, I'll be sure to add that into my birth plan (really should start it!) I've already got a widgey breastfeeding pillow, will that be ok for using ?

 

[Cazzyg]

That sounds perfect!

 

[Celesse]

The U shape pillow was totally vital for me after my section.

Make sure you ask them for skin to skin in the theatre. I was unable to hold Abigail in theatre as they put the screen up too high at nipple height and there was nowhere for her to go.

 

[SpelmanMommy]

I had a c section 3 weeks ago and I am breastfeeding and my best advice is stick with it!! I was frustrated the first 2 weeks and in the hospital I even had to supplement which was really discouraging for me but now my milk has come in, I've started taking Fenugeek, I pump as much as I can and now things are going a lot better. Our saving grace for the latching problem was a nipple shield so if latching becomes a problem try that. Whatever you do don't give up!!

 

[winegums]

as much skin to skin contact as poss after c section hun! they kept putting my baby in the plastic cot next to my bed and walking off and i literally couldnt move to pick him up myself so had to keep buzzing them to come and give him back to me

 

[hpjagged]

I had a c-section, my bubs is tounge tied and she latched on like a pro! Now she can't get off lol at first I needed someone to show me and with the help of my husband she took to it right away.

 

[dawnydiva]

I had an emergancy c-section as baby was undiagnosed breech and am breast feeding

 

[Hobnob]

Oooh thanks, these stories are so encouraging and just what I need to read, brilliant! Breastfeeding after the op was something I've been so worried about.

 

[lousielou]

My son was delivered via C-Section as he was breech too. We BF for a year. The one thing I'd advise is to get the breastfeeding consultant to check and double check your baby's latch - I thought we were doing fine while we were in hospital, but was in quite a bit of pain when we got home. I think it was because my son's latch wasn't great, but I didn't notice in hospital due to all the painkillers!

All the best hun xx

 

[aob1013]

I had an EMCS after my waters broke 6 weeks early, my son was also in SCBU for 10 days and we have been exclusively breastfeeding since day 1

You will be fine!

 

[Hobnob]

Thank ladies, fab reassurance from you all

 

[Samantha675]

Same as the others. We have been nursing just fine for going on 28 months now. Just make sure everyone there knows what you want. Get skin to skin ASAP. If you can't get skin to skin, tell them you HAVE to touch your baby at least before they clean him off. I was reading something about this helping both of you.

 

[Heavenx]

I can only repeat what the other ladies have said about letting the staff know you want to BF and they will then ensure you have skin to skin contact with your baby as soon as possible and will also help you to find a comfortable position to hold your baby as well as help your baby to latch on if he/she is struggling.

I've had 2 c-sections, my first was because she was breech (it was an elective section), we struggled to establish bf though because I had to top her up with a bottle and my daughter then became too lazy on my breast and I decided it wasn't worth the upset after 6 weeks so gave her the bottle exclusively after that. However with my second daughter (also delivered by elective c-section just over a week ago) she has taken to bf brilliantly, even though again I'm having to top her up with a bottle but thankfully she prefers my breast

I don't see you having any probs hun, all the best xx

 

[Eve]

I had a scheduled c-section at 36+ weeks and even with LO early&jaundiced I still managed My milk came in in the evening of day 3 which is normal. I didn't get much at all for skin to skin the first 24 hours as LO was in the NICU but they brought her to me for each feed and I would try to latch, then after an hour or so I would pump and they would finger/tube feed Kayleigh the EBM mixed with some formula so she didn't get nipple confusion.

Good luck!!

 

[Lushwirral]

I had my little one 4 weeks ago and we're breast feeding fine. I was sick for an hour or so whilst in recovery after my section and her first feed was bottle, but this didn't effect anything.

Try not to worry, it will be fine.

 

[cleckner04]

I had an emergency c-section and didn't even get to hold my LO until she was 3 hours old. And my milk did come in late(day 6) and we had issues at the beginning but we got through it and I've been breastfeeding ever since. I do suggest a good nursing pillow and to have someone there to help hand you the baby, etc. But I think you'll do fine! Good luck!!

 

[mackenzie]

I had an emergency section and we are breastfeeding. We didn't get skin to skin in theatre but I held her for hours on my chest once back on the ward. Lovely, sigh! Sony be afraid to ask for help, support can be crucial. Good luck, it's wonderful, and worth the hard work x

 

[mackenzie]

That should have been Don't, not Sony!