Breastfeeding After C-Section Delivery - Everything You Need to Know

Have you undergone a C-section delivery? Did you know it is considered amongst the most painful procedures, cutting through multiple layers of skin and others to get the baby out? C-section is literally a rebirth for mothers and recovery usually does take time and it is important that new mothers give themselves some downtime and time to recover. A C-section delivery can, at times, bring some issues post the procedure. One of them is breastfeeding after C sections delivery.

When Should You Consider Breastfeeding After a C-Section Delivery?

Even if you have had a c-section delivery, you do not have to wait for longer to breastfeed your newborn. You can do it right away. Yes, you heard that right. As soon as you are stable and, in a position, to nurse your baby, you can breastfeed. The good thing about it is that you can begin with breastfeeding in the operating room itself, right after your surgery. A healthy newborn would require feeding soon after birth or after 15-20 minutes of birth. Babies have an innate ability to suckle and latch.

Moving on, keep these crucial things in mind which you must consider:

1. Skin-to-Skin Contact is a Lifesaver

You can opt for skin-to-skin feeding but only if your doctor has approved it. With the help of this method, you will be able to make a judgment about your baby’s nursing instincts. This skin-to-skin contact would also lead your baby to naturally reach out to your breast when hungry. This technique would not just keep your baby’s body temperature normal but also makes them comfortable and familiar with you going ahead.

[Read : Skin-to-Skin Contact With Your Newborn]

2. Talk to Your Doctor if Your Surgery Pains are Unbearable

When you have a c-section, you may be in severe pain right after the surgery and even after that. So, in this case, it would be better if you could reach out to your doctor asking for some help or medications so that you could breastfeed your newborn. As you will be on medications, it is possible that your baby would feel drowsy too. This is normal, don’t worry.

3. Slight Fever is Normal

After a c-section delivery, you might have a slight fever and hence this is not a matter of concern. It is normal to have a fever after delivery. Breastfeeding does not have any concerns with it. All you need to make sure of is to maintain hygiene levels so that germs could not reach out to your baby easily.

Top 2 Best Positions For Breastfeeding After C-section Delivery

Well, breastfeeding can be very difficult for mothers especially the ones who have had a c-section. This is because the baby would put direct pressure on the scars and stitches which might cause you ultimate discomfort.

So, here are a few positions in which you might feel comfortable.

1. Cradle Hold

When you have had a c-section delivery, doctors emphasize you taking complete rest. But this does not mean that you cannot breastfeed your baby. In cradle hold, while lying down you can position your baby across your breasts. This will make sure that the baby is placed far away from your belly and would ensure utmost comfort.

2. Side-Lying Position

After a c-section delivery, as the doctors recommend taking complete bed rest, it becomes very boring after a certain day to lie down in the same position. But it is also important to take a good rest so you become fit for nursing. Meanwhile, a side-lying breastfeeding position can help you. In this, the baby is placed in a cuddling form with a small pillow in front of your incision. This will ensure comfort and less or no contact of the baby with your scars and affected areas.

What to Do if You May Not Be Able to Breastfeed Soon After C-Section Delivery?

It is crucial to breastfeed after the delivery so that a connection can be built between you and your newborn baby. But as some women undergo c-section delivery, it becomes difficult for them to breastfeed right after the surgery. Also at times, the baby would be moved to the ICU or a special ward for observation.

In such cases, it would be better if you pump your milk as your milk would prove to be most beneficial and effective for your baby in this critical stage. Your milk has some antibiotic essentials which will help your baby in their life.

[Read : All You Should Know About Newborn Feeding In First 24 Hours After Birth]

Possible Effects on Breastfeeding if You Had a C-Section

Not every woman’s body acts the same after having a c-section delivery, some women witness difficulty producing breast milk whereas others find it difficult to make their babies breastfeed. Sometimes the effect of anaesthesia remains for longer which makes the process of breastfeeding delayed. So, the effects of having a c-section delivery act differently on different women.

When Will You Start Producing Milk For Breastfeeding After C-Section Delivery?

You do not have to play any role in producing the milk in your body. The whole process is done with the response of your hormones. Yes, the milk is produced automatically even if you are not breastfeeding. However, it might take around 3-4 days for a new mother to fully become comfortable with breastfeeding. But if it’s your second pregnancy, the process is done even faster. After a couple of days of childbirth, your breasts would start feeling full of milk.

Top 3 Tips For Breastfeeding Right After a C-Section

It is a long process to be able to recover after a c-section. There are certain instances where a mother has been denied breastfeeding just because it’s a concern for the baby’s health.

Hence it is important to prepare yourself for the same beforehand. Here are some tips to follow:

You can ask about the experiences of other women with c-sections but make sure that you do not get influenced by it as their experience with the c-section might not be as same as it will be for you.
If you have any underlying medical conditions or issues, it’s better to have a word with the doctor beforehand. This will help you avoid any post or pre-delivery complications.
It might be difficult to remain in that operation room alone and let the delivery happen. To seek moral and physical help, you can call your partner or anyone upon whom you can rely completely during your crucial time.

Breastfeeding after a C-section delivery may not be smooth for all women who undergo the procedure. Since the baby is being brought out through artificial methods, it may take some time for the related hormones to influence the body to start producing milk. It is important for new mothers who have undergone the procedure to stay calm and take the doctor’s advice to ensure that the milk supply starts. You can even take the help of galactogenic supplements after talking to your doctor.

FAQ’s

1. Is it Safe to Take Pain Medication While Breastfeeding?

Yes, most OTC, that is Over counter medications such as pain relievers are safe to be taken while breastfeeding. But you must consult with your doctor before taking medication of any sort when breastfeeding as these medications can tend to seep in to the breastmilk.

2. Is it Harder to Breastfeed After a C-Section?

It might be difficult to breastfeed after a c-section but definitely, it is not hard or impossible.

3. Does Having a C-Section Affect Breastfeeding?

As per studies, the production of mature milk might be delayed after having a c-section.

4. Does Drinking Water Increase Breast Milk?

No, an increase in the intake of fluids would not increase your milk volume.

Breastfeeding After C-Section Delivery – Everything You Need to Know