Many new mothers wonder if breastfeeding will be more difficult after a C-section delivery. It’s a valid concern, since C-sections do present some unique challenges for establishing breastfeeding. However, with a little preparation and patience, successfully nursing your baby after a C-section is absolutely achievable.
The challenges of breastfeeding after C-section
Some of the potential obstacles to breastfeeding after a C-section include:
- Delayed initial skin-to-skin contact and first breastfeeding session due to medical procedures and recovery time
- Effects of anesthesia and pain medication on baby’s alertness and ability to latch
- Soreness and discomfort from the incision site inhibiting optimal breastfeeding positioning
- Lower energy and stamina levels slowing milk production
- Reduced mobility making it harder to get comfortable and properly situated for feeding
These difficulties can delay the onset of mature milk supply. However, with dedication and support, you can overcome them.
Steps to take for successful breastfeeding after C-section
Here are some proactive steps you can take to get breastfeeding off to the best start after a cesarean delivery:
- Attend a prenatal breastfeeding class to learn techniques and what to expect.
- Tell your medical team you want to breastfeed as soon as possible after birth.
- Have your partner or support person be your advocate for initiating nursing if you are groggy or distracted after surgery.
- Use laid-back/biological nurturing positions to avoid putting pressure on your incision.
- Keep your newborn skin-to-skin as much as possible.
- Ask hospital staff to help baby latch and feed while you are still in your recovery room.
- Use pillows to support your abdomen and find comfortable positions for nursing.
- Pump to initiate milk production if baby is unable to effectively latch at first.
- Seek help from lactation consultants as needed once you are home.
How milk supply is affected by C-section
There are several physiological reasons why milk supply can be slower to come in after a cesarean birth, including:
- Surgical stress causing delayed secretory activation of the mammary glands.
- Anesthesia and pain meds passing through breastmilk to newborn.
- IV fluids shifting postpartum hormone levels.
- Delayed initial feedings missing opportunity for suckling stimulation.
However, once the anesthetic drugs have left your system, hormonal levels stabilize, and frequent breastfeeding resumes, your milk production should rebound. Supply is driven by consistent nursing stimulation.
Tips for increasing milk supply after C-section
If your milk seems slow to arrive or isn’t coming in as abundantly after your cesarean, try these tips:
- Nurse as soon as baby shows feeding cues, at least 8-12 times per day.
- Ensure proper latch so baby can transfer milk effectively.
- Massage breasts during feeding to facilitate let-down.
- Stay hydrated and eat nourishing foods like oatmeal, leafy greens, and eggs.
- Pump after or between feedings to increase demand.
- Get adequate rest – nap when baby sleeps.
- Accept offers of meals and help around the house to focus on breastfeeding.
Talk to a lactation consultant if overcoming low supply persists longer than a few weeks. Medications and herbs like domperidone, goat’s rue, and moringa can help, along with continued pumping and skin-to-skin time.
Breastfeeding positions after C-section
Some classic breastfeeding positions like the cradle hold or straddling position apply uncomfortable pressure on an incision. But with some small modifications, you can find comfortable ways to nurse your baby after cesarean delivery.
Positions to try
- Laid-back/Biological nurturing: Lean back on pillows at a 45-degree incline and place baby stomach-down on top of you. Allow your newborn to self-latch and feed undisturbed.
- Side-lying: Lie on your side with a pillow supporting your back and another between your knees. Place baby next to you facing your breasts. Use your lower arm to support baby’s back while feeding.
- Football hold: Use this classic hold but on the side of your body opposite your incision to avoid contact with it.
- Cross cradle: Support your baby’s head with the arm opposite your incision and allow the body to cross over your lap instead of straddle.
Positions to avoid
- Cradle hold with baby’s body directly on the incision.
- Straddling position with baby’s weight on the incision.
- Leaning over or hunching shoulders forward to reach baby.
- Any position that strains or pulling at the healing incision site.
Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best. Having a few go-to nursing positions prepared will help you get comfortable and succeed with breastfeeding your cesarean baby.
How long until mature milk after C-section?
On average, mature breastmilk usually comes in within 3-5 days after delivery, regardless of whether you had a vaginal or cesarean birth. However, it’s normal for it to take a little longer after a C-section – closer to 5-7 days.
Here is a general timeline:
- Days 1-2: Colostrum only
- Days 3-5: Transitional milk starts replacing colostrum
- Days 5-7: Mature breastmilk comes in gradually
Every woman’s milk is unique and your own timeline may vary. Don’t get discouraged if your milk seems slow to increase after your C-section. Keep nursing on demand and your mature milk supply will arrive!
Signs mature milk has arrived
Here are some signs to look for to know if your mature breastmilk has come in after delivery:
- Breasts feel fuller, warmer, and heavier
- Tingling sensation in breasts
- Milk looks whiter and less yellowish
- Hearing gulping or swallowing while baby nurses
- Seeing milk dripping or spraying during let-down
- Being able to pump 2-3 ounces of milk
- Less soft breast tissue after nursing sessions
- Baby seeming satisfied after feeding
As long as your newborn is nursing frequently and effectively, trust the process and your mature milk will arrive right on schedule.
How to prepare while pregnant for breastfeeding after C-section
Some proactive steps you can take before your scheduled C-section to set yourself up for breastfeeding success include:
- Reading up on biological nurturing positions.
- Getting any potential breastfeeding logistics written into your birth plan.
- Touring your hospital’s mother-baby unit.
- Talking to your doctor about minimizing unnecessary IV fluids.
- Arranging for lactation consultant visits at the hospital.
- Doing nipple stimulation and skin-to-skin time right after birth.
- Asking what breastfeeding resources are available after discharge.
- Researching lactation cookies recipes to make and freeze.
- Buying nursing bras, pillows, and supplies.
The more you can set up support systems, identify positions that will work for you, and advocate for early initiation, the better prepared you’ll be to meet your breastfeeding goals after your cesarean delivery.
Pumping and supplementing after C-section
Many mothers need to pump and supplement with formula while breastfeeding after a C-section for various reasons:
- Baby having trouble effectively nursing at first
- Difficulty getting a good latch due to positioning challenges
- Delayed lactogenesis due to surgical stress
- Soreness and pain interfering with sufficient nursing
- Need to increase low supply
Pumping is a great way to bridge the gap until breastfeeding is fully established. It signals your body to produce more milk. Tips for effective pumping:
- Pump every 2-3 hours if baby can’t nurse efficiently.
- Aim to pump 8-10 times per day.
- Double pump for max efficiency.
- Massage breasts while pumping.
- Pump after nursing to fully empty breasts.
Formula supplementation in the short term is perfectly okay too. Work closely with your pediatrician and lactation consultant to ensure baby is getting enough nutrition while your milk supply increases. The ultimate goal is to maintain a breastfeeding relationship while using temporary aids like pumping and formula.
Common breastfeeding challenges after C-section and how to handle them
Despite best efforts, breastfeeding difficulties can still pop up after a cesarean birth. Here are some common issues and tips for overcoming them:
Sore nipples
- Use ultra-purified lanolin after every feeding session.
- Try different nursing positions to change pressure points.
- Ensure baby has a wide, deep latch.
- Express some milk before nursing to avoid strong initial sucking.
- Use hydrogel soothies between feedings.
Trouble latching
- See a lactation consultant to evaluate latch and positioning.
- Try laid back and side-lying positions.
- Use breast compression and nipple brushes to encourage baby.
- Pump and bottle-feed expressed milk until latch improves.
Low milk supply
- Nurse more frequently, at least 8-12 times daily.
- Double pump after nursing sessions.
- Drink lactation teas and eat oats, flaxseed, and leafy greens.
- Use breast massages and compression while nursing.
- Take galactagogue supplements like moringa or fenugreek.
- Get professional lactation help for additional tips.
Poor weight gain
- See pediatrician to rule out tongue-ties or illness.
- Nurse, pump, and supplement on demand.
- Try switch nursing to get more fatty hindmilk.
- Apply for WIC services and lactation support.
- Consider prescription medication to increase supply.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from lactation consultants, support groups like La Leche League, and your OB’s office. Troubleshooting breastfeeding issues quickly is key.
Does breastfeeding get easier after C-section?
Generally, yes – breastfeeding does get easier with time after a cesarean delivery. As the initial challenges like positioning, latch difficulty, and low supply are overcome, nursing becomes more second nature.
Here is a general timeline of breastfeeding getting easier after a C-section:
- Week 1: Hardest time – healing, milk coming in, learning to latch.
- Weeks 2-4: Finding more comfortable positions and routines.
- Weeks 4-8: Supply regulates, problems decrease, more confidence.
- 2 months on: Fully established nursing, easier and more efficient.
Give yourself grace as you navigate the learning curve after your C-section. With persistence through the difficult early weeks, breastfeeding gets simpler over time. Before you know it, you’ll have hit your groove.
Tips for making breastfeeding easier
Some tips for helping breastfeeding continue to get easier as you recover from your C-section include:
- Keep babesleeping near you at night for easy night feeds.
- Use nursing pillows and donut cushions to take pressure off incision.
- Have snacks and water set up nursing stations around your home.
- Get baby and yourself into a consistent feeding routine.
- Invest in quality nursing/pumping bras and gear.
- Limit visitors to reduce stress and distractions.
- Join online breastfeeding support groups.
- Accept help with errands, chores, and meals.
Don’t be afraid to make breastfeeding your #1 priority while recovering. Saying no to extra obligations allows you to focus on healing and bonding with your new baby.
Does breastfeeding help C-section recovery?
Yes, breastfeeding can actually help speed up the recovery process after a C-section in a few key ways:
- Uterine contractions: Nursing triggers the release of oxytocin which causes contractions to shrink uterus back down to size more quickly.
- Healing promotion: Prolactin and oxytocin in breastmilk have healing properties to help repair your incision internally and externally.
- Natural pain relief: Oxytocin produces a mild analgesic effect to ease post-surgical discomfort.
- Infection prevention: Close contact facilitates transfer of antibodies that boost your immune response and prevent infection.
- Weight loss: Breastfeeding burns extra calories to help lose the pregnancy weight faster.
So not only is nursing highly beneficial for your baby after cesarean delivery, it can help get you on the road to recovery as well. However, be sure to balance breastfeeding sessions with plenty of rest for optimal healing.
The bottom line
Breastfeeding after a C-section has unique obstacles, but with preparation, support, and determination, your success rate is excellent. Give yourself patience and grace as you navigate the learning curve. Before you know it, you and your sweet new baby will have hit your groove together.
Trust the process, utilize available resources, and know that the rewards are so worth it. Although it may take a little extra work, breastfeeding can absolutely become a beautiful bonding experience after a cesarean delivery.
