Cesarean and breastfeeding

[soontobeslp]

Hey ladies!

So I have a scheduled cesarean and this is my first baby. I am intending to breastfeed as long as possible. I am wondering, those of you who were successful, was there any difficulty positioning/getting comfortable feeding after the section?

I am determined to do it, I would just like to know what to expect in terms of limitations of positions, etc.

Thanks!

 

[JessPape]

Positioning was the hardest part for me. I found lots of pillows and a nursing pillow helpful the most.

 

[MOMRETTIRC]

I really recommend getting a "my Brest friend" nursing pillow. I had a boppy pillow to start and my son was always sliding into the center. The. I tried my breast friend at the lactation office and there was no going back! I didn't find the incision interfered too much. Try to have someone there for a while who can hand the baby to you once you are all ready. That really helped. Good luck! I bet you can't wait to meet your baby!

 

[Marythefairy]

I loved rugby ball hold for feeding and did this on sofa or well propped up in bed for a good few weeks. Had to get my boob right out to do it though but never really cared Then I used a regular v pillow. I think a lot of it depends on size of your arms body and boobs but also what your baby finds comfortable. If u can borrow things to try then do so u can find what works for you. You will quickly find a comfy way and don'tbe shy to show midwife/llactation consultant/experienced bf family and friends what your doing as they might have tips too. Good luck. I loved bf my lo after my section. I felt a bit like I hadn't managed to do the birth thing properly (although I'm over that now) but succeeding at bf more than made up for it

 

[Marythefairy]

Also I found getting up out of bed to feed painful initially then my sister gave me her bednest (co sleeper) which she had just finished with and this made a world of difference. Have bought one ready to use immediately when my next lo arrives by planned section in a few weeks

 

[blinkava]

The only time I had a problem was when I was in the hospital and didn't have my nursing pillow, but other than that my nursing pillow helped a bunch.

 

[pinksmarties]

I had no problems with positioning due to incision site but it can take a few days longer for milk to come after a CS as it was for me. As the other ladies have said a bf pillow was a great help (cs or not) and don't be shy about whipping them out so show latch etc if you need help.

 

[mommytobe11]

I didn't have any issues at all with positioning but like someone else mentioned, the getting out of bed was the hardest part. If you can, have OH bring your LO to you so you don't have to move too much. Or get a cosleeper like PP suggested. My DH sleeps like the dead so I had to get up every couple hours and it was hell.

 

[petitpas]

Feeding was no problem whatsoever (I just used normal pillows under baby, under my arm or wherever felt comfortable).
I can definitely join the ladies in recommending a co-sleeper. Feeding lying down was easiest for me plus baby doesn't need burping so I could just fall asleep after. Bliss!

Good luck with everything and try not to stress about it now. As long as you have numbers to call in case you need help you will be fine

 

[minties]

Breastfeeding was hard, but not due to the c-section, just my awkward big boobs and small nipples. I would have been using pillows etc anyway, as I did for 11 months with Sophie and about 10 months with Thomas.

 

[babyv13]

getting up out of bed has been the hardest part for me, I wish I had discovered that I could nurse lying down on my side right at the beginning! positioning wise I have found it hard to prop myself up, get comfortable etc because of pain but that has improved quite quickly.

my LO was really mucousy and wouldn't feed which apparently is quite common with c section babies so don't be discouraged if this happens! she lost 13.4% of her birth weight but by day 11 was 2oz above her birth weight, we had to go back into hospital and do a feeding plan type thing but I stuck at expressing/breast feeding and it has been worth it! the fact you are so determined to do it will help, good luck

 

[tublet]

I couldn't do it sadly. By day 5 she had lost 15% of her birth weight and we were admitted to hospital. I have been told the blood transfusions I needed in surgery stopped my milk coming through