breastfeeding after c-section

[nataliecn]

I've heard that sometimes it can be harder to breastfeed after a c-section... and I was hoping some of you have insight into this to let me know your experience and if you had issues, or if everything was fine despite the section.


thanks!

 

[Logiebear]

Hi Nat. I have been having problems with bfing since my section on 13th Feb but my daughter was 6 weeks early and was sent to another hosp for a while away from me. I have found it very tough but I know that it is not like this for most women. Your midwife should put baby to breast as soon as you go into recovery so it is easier to establish bfing immediately. I didn't get that as she was put in an incubator within 20 mins of birth.

I hope it goes well for you hun xxx

 

[Samantha675]

I had no problems at all. My son was at the breast less than an hour after birth and my MW helped latch him on. I pretty much kept him on the boob for the first few days, letting him bring my milk in. I was very lucky in that I never had problems with his latch, my milk or him gaining weight.

 

[izzy29]

The only problem I had was it took my milk longer to come in, MW said sometimes it can take a day extra. She suggested i get a breat pump to stimulate my my breasts to bring the milk in and it worked!

 

[nataliecn]

Thanks very much girls!!
That was one of the issues about my decision for a c-section, cause I'd like to be able to breastfeed if I can.

Hope things get easier Logie!

 

[marley2580]

It can take longer for your milk to come in after a c-section as the labour hormones won't be present. It can also be painful to lie baby across your stomach, but a pillow can help with this. The bit I found hardest was that for the first night I had to ask the midwifes to lift her up for me as I just couldn't reach across for her, I felt like I was just bothering them.

 

[kellyharrison]

I had an emergency c-section with some dodgy complications (they gave me too much epidural) so my recovery was hectic - but I breastfed within the hour of my LO being born and continued until my milk came in 4 days later. Like pretty much all women, I got very sore (invest in some avent nipple shields now!) but after a painful start we are now in fully established feeding and I have a fat little happy 10 week old baba who's never tasted formula. Its the removal of the placenta that triggers your milk hormones etc so there is no reason why you shouldnt be able to do the same!! Good luck with everything!! xx

 

[SuzyQ]

I had an emergency c section too but still managed to breastfeed LO just after she was born, managed ok in hospital but my milk was late coming in, think that was maybe to do with having an infection after tho. It can be painful holding the baby, you need a pillow, but the midwifes were great in helping the first days when you can't get out of bed easily to get baby. x

 

[clairebear]

i had an emergency c section and can honestly say i had no problem other then getting comfortable x x a pillow really helps x

 

[nataliecn]

Thanks so much girls!
I was a little worried cause I've read different things stating those who have c-sections are more likely not to breastfeed..
But you've all helped put my mind at ease!

 

[ryder]

Make sure you get your baby asap after birth... The sooner you can get the baby onto your breast the better... I didnt even get to see Jasmine for about 5 hours and it was hard on her so I told them to feed her... I cant bare the thought of her being hungry... You could also try nipple stimulation before your c-section... but not too soon because it can also start labour.

 

[Whisper]

i had an emergency c section and can honestly say i had no problem other then getting comfortable x x a pillow really helps x

I was the same a Clairebear. Just getting comfy is a problem so i just loaded myself up with about 4pillows all around ! lol

 

[missjacey44]

I had an emergency csection, my milk took about a week to come in but once it did, there was never much of it... I know if you keep baby feeding and feeding your body is meant to produce more milk but this wasnt the case.. after 7weeks it just completely dryed up even though my baby was feeding almost every hour. I asked my healthvisitor about this but she said it was either because of the section or the stress i was under.. or maybe both! But it looks like most others havnt had problems..