Breastfeeding After a Caesarean Surgery: What to Expect?

An operative birth is a different experience than the normal birthing process. Mother may feel that they have failed in the birthing process as well a...

An operative birth is a different experience than the normal birthing process. Mother may feel that they have failed in the birthing process as well as breastfeeding after a caesarean surgery. Fortunately, nursing a baby is still possible even after a c-section although there are some adjustments to be done by the mother.

Breastfeeding after caesarean surgery is frequently impeded because mothers who went through caesarean delivery may take time before feeling comfortable enough to hold and nurse their babies. However, as soon as the mother is alert, conscious and can hold the baby, she can already start nursing. Mothers who had epidural instead of general anesthesia are able to hold their babies sooner and can nurse them for a longer period initially.

Breastfeeding after caesarean surgery has the same advantages as natural birth. It gives stimulation to release milk, promotes bonding, releases the hormone oxytocin to help the uterus contract, and gives babies the immunological advantages of colostrum. Nursing soon after birth is an advantage because the babies’ sucking urge is strongest during the first several hours of birth. There is an extra advantage for caesarean mothers: nursing before the regional anesthetic wears off which provides pain-free and comfortable feeding experience.

cesarean surgery

Babies born through c-section tend to be drowsy and lethargic especially when mothers were exposed to anesthetics for a long period during labor. This doesn’t mean that breastfeeding after caesarean surgery won’t be successful; the breast milk supply may just take some time to come. Babies may need more encouragement to stay alert during feedings but this would only last for a short period.

A lot of mothers are worried that their medications after surgery will have an effect on their babies. The medications are not usually a problem. The medication usually passes on to the colostrums in small amounts so babies take in only small amounts. However, there is no reason not to take medications after birth because it will not harm the baby. Besides, after the milk is fully in, mothers will find that they won’t need as much medication as they did before.

Breastfeeding after a caesarean surgery can be challenging for some mothers because finding a comfortable position to nurse can be difficult. If epidural anesthesia is used, the mother is awake during the surgery and can nurse in the operating table. The side lying position is a favored way to breastfeed after caesarean surgery. Also, the football or clutch hold is found to be more comfortable to the traditional cradle hold. Hospital nurses are of big help to mothers in breastfeeding after caesarean surgery because it is challenging to nurse properly without feeling pain from the incision. Furthermore, it is also important to make sure that the baby is properly latched on the breast during feeding to prevent nipple sores and effective transfer of milk during feeding.

If the mother knows that she will give birth through c-section, she should avail of options facilitative of breastfeeding. She should also know how much time she will be able to spend with the baby. She should know if rooming in with the baby is allowed. Some hospitals have policies that babies born on caesarean section must be under observation for 24 hours. If the baby is healthy, discuss with the doctor the possibility of waiving this policy. However, if the baby has medical problems that require observation, she should check if the maternity section has electric pumps to pump the colostrums to the baby until mother and child can be together again.

It is also recommended that mother discuss the use of anesthesia before surgery. On elective operations, regional aesthesia is an option and mothers can breastfeed after a caesarean surgery sooner. However, even if general anesthesia is used and the feeding is delayed, the mother and child can still make up for lost time together.

The stay in the hospital is longer during caesarean operation. A mother should make use of this time finding a comfortable position to nurse. It is understandable that she will need time in adjusting to breastfeeding after caesarean surgery, the operation itself and to the life with a new baby. She should maximize the help offered by family and friends.