Breastfeeding After a C-Section
Breastfeeding after a C-section is not only possible but medical experts recommend it as the healthiest option for feeding most newborns. However, learning to breastfeed after having major surgery presents issues that can make the process more difficult—but support is out there to help you navigate this skill. It’s also helpful to understand the breastfeeding challenges you may face after a C-section so you can prepare for them. Some common experiences include the following.
Delayed Start to Breastfeeding
Depending on the type of anesthesia you have, you and your baby may be sleepy for awhile after the procedure. If you have general anesthesia (which is rare), you will be able to breastfeed once it begins to wear off and you are feeling up to it. With an epidural or spinal anesthesia, you may be able to breastfeed while you are still in the operating room. More commonly, you will do so shortly after the surgery, in the recovery room.
Incision Pain
Pain from the incision site and afterpains from your uterus contracting back down in size can make it very uncomfortable to breastfeed. The side-lying and football hold positions are good choices while your incision is healing. If you want to try nursing while you’re sitting up, you can place a pillow over your incision site to protect it. It may be tough in the beginning, but breastfeeding will get easier as your body heals.
A Sleepy Baby
It’s very important that you take your pain medication after you have a cesarean section. If you are in pain, it will be harder for your body to heal, and you will be more uncomfortable while you breastfeed. Some medications are safe to take while you’re breastfeeding, so be sure to tell the doctor you’ll be nursing your child. Even though the pain medication will be safe for the baby, some of it may pass through the breast milk and make your newborn sleepy. The sleepiness caused by the pain medication is not harmful to your child, but it can be a challenge to breastfeed a sleepy baby.
Delayed Milk Production
If you have a cesarean section, it may take longer for your milk to come in compared to if you have a vaginal delivery. You’ll want to put the baby to breast as soon as possible and breastfeed very often to stimulate milk production. If you and your child are separated after delivery (for example, if either of you needs extra care), you will not have the chance to begin breastfeeding right away. Ask to use a breast pump if you will be separated for more than 12 hours so you can start to stimulate your breasts to produce milk. Pump every two to three hours until you can put the baby to your breast.
Complex Feelings
If the surgery was very difficult or if it was an emergency that you were not prepared for, your physical and emotional state may interfere with breastfeeding. A traumatic birth or unexpected C-section may cause sadness and a sense of failure. If the birth did not occur the way you imagined, you might also be feeling a sense of loss. These are common emotions, and you are not alone. Talk about your feelings and accept support. Keep in mind that breastfeeding your baby may actually help you get past the difficulty and sadness.
7 Tips for Post-Cesarean Breastfeeding
It may be more difficult, but you can definitely breastfeed after a C-section. These tips can help.
A Word From Verywell
A C-section adds a few common obstacles to successful breastfeeding. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the pain and the physical and emotional exhaustion. Take your time, accept help, manage your pain, get enough rest, and stick with it. Breastfeeding will get easier as you heal.
