The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after the baby is born — and continuing it for at least two years. But many women find it difficult to establish lactation after having a cesarean section. We tell you how to organize breastfeeding after a cesarean section.
Is it possible to Breastfeeding after cesarean section?
Breastfeeding after cesarean section is not only possible, but also recommended by WHO, if there are no individual contraindications.
The first breastfeeding after cesarean section usually occurs immediately in the operating room. It is very important to put the baby to the breast as soon as possible, if possible. The baby can immediately take the breast – a few drops of colostrum will be enough for him. But if the baby refuses mother’s milk in the first minutes after birth, do not worry – some children need a little more time to adapt.
The surgery does not prevent breastfeeding, but recovery may create temporary complications. Pain in the incision area or limited mobility often makes it difficult to latch the baby on. To reduce discomfort, you can choose a position that minimizes pressure on the incision, such as feeding on your side or in the cradle position with support from pillows.
How does cesarean section affect lactation?
A cesarean section itself usually does not affect lactation. Milk production begins under the influence of hormonal changes that occur in a woman’s body after the placenta separates, regardless of the method of delivery.
In women who have undergone surgery, milk may come in on the 3rd to 5th day, that is, a little later than in natural childbirth, but this is completely normal. In the first days, colostrum is secreted – a concentrated nutritious liquid that fully satisfies the needs of the newborn.
Sometimes breast milk production after a cesarean section is not very good. This may be due to stress or medication. In most cases, this problem can be solved by frequent latching. Regular sucking starts lactation, so it is important to offer the breast to the baby as often as possible. If necessary, consult a doctor to select safe painkillers and get recommendations for care.
How do mustard plasters affect the first trimester?
Several practical tips will help you establish breastfeeding of a newborn after a cesarean section.
- Create contact with your baby. If your doctor allows it, breastfeed your baby in the first hours after surgery. Even short feeding sessions stimulate milk production and strengthen your psychological bond with your newborn.
- Express milk. If it is not possible to feed immediately after a cesarean section, express milk by hand or with a breast pump every two hours – this will help start and maintain lactation.
- Choose comfortable positions. Find a feeding position that will not put pressure on the surgical incision. For example, you can feed your baby lying on your side or use pillows to support your back and arms.
- Don’t refuse help. Ask a nurse or loved ones to help you put your baby to your breast. This will be especially important in the first days after surgery, when your mobility is limited.
- Attach your baby to the breast correctly. The newborn should take most of the areola into his mouth, not just the nipple.
- Feed on demand. Frequent attachments are the key to success. Feed your baby on demand, every time he wakes up, but at least 8 times a day – even if it seems like there is little milk. Attachments improve the functioning of the mammary glands and increase the volume of lactation.
- Do not supplement with formula unless strictly indicated. Do not offer the baby pacifiers and bottles – this may reduce interest in the breast.
Don’t forget about your recovery, either. Make sure to rest whenever possible and drink plenty of fluids.
If you have any difficulties and are unable to establish breastfeeding after a cesarean section, consult a breastfeeding consultant. Remember that temporary difficulties are not uncommon, but most of them can be resolved with the support of specialists and regular feeding.
What to do if the baby does not take the breast?
If your baby won’t latch on after a C-section, it’s important to stay calm and take things step by step. Here’s what you can try on your own:
- Provide frequent skin-to-skin contact – it stimulates the baby’s natural reflexes. Try to spend more time near the baby.
- If your baby does not take the breast due to developmental peculiarities, express milk manually or with a breast pump and feed the baby with a spoon, pipette or syringe without a needle. This will maintain his interest in the breast and will help him avoid getting used to the bottle.
If this does not help, consult a doctor. It is necessary to check whether there are physiological reasons for refusing milk. For example, a short frenulum of the tongue or nasal congestion often prevents children from taking the breast. The doctor will help correct these problems and establish feeding after a cesarean section.
If after the examination the doctor does not find any abnormalities, consult a breastfeeding specialist. He will tell you how to improve the breast latch, what position to choose and what else should be done to improve lactation.
Remember that stress and fatigue of a woman can affect lactation. Try to rest more, delegate simple household tasks and drink enough water. Take care of your health, because the condition of the child depends on it.
When should you delay breastfeeding?
Sometimes breastfeeding after a cesarean section becomes impossible due to various conditions related to the health of the mother and the child.
- If the doctor prescribes medications to a woman that are incompatible with breastfeeding (certain types of antibiotics, strong painkillers).
- If serious complications arose during childbirth (severe infection or significant blood loss) and intensive care was required.
In such situations, it is usually recommended to express milk to maintain lactation, but not to give it to the baby until recovery.
On the baby’s side, the reason for a pause may be severe congenital pathologies, prematurity requiring intensive care, or breathing problems. In these cases, breastfeeding will not work – the child will receive nutrition through a tube or intravenously. But even during this period, you can express milk to maintain lactation and begin feeding the child after his condition stabilizes.
