If you opt for caesarean delivery or C-section and you plan to breastfeed your baby, you may have a few concerns about it. And the good news is there is no reason why breastfeeding cannot be successful if you have just given birth through C-section. In fact, it is beneficial for both you and your newborn.
Skin-to-skin contact
How soon you can start breastfeeding your baby depends on how you are feeling and how your newborn is doing. Many hospitals allow skin-to-skin contact right after delivery, as long as it is safe for you and your baby. Some may even give moms the opportunity to breastfeed their baby right after a C-section while they are still in the operating room.
Having skin-to-skin contact will help you:
- find a breastfeeding position that works
- attach your baby comfortably to your breast
- bond with your baby
Breastfeeding positions
You will first likely find breastfeeding uncomfortable after a C-section (at least as soon as your pain medication wears off). So, you and your baby will have to try a few ways to find the best position.
Get assistance from your midwife to help you position yourself and lift your baby out of their cot on the first day. Find a breastfeeding position that puts the least pressure on your incision and this includes:
- side-lying — the most comfortable position for many moms, especially in the first few days following surgery
- football hold — with your newborn supported by a breastfeeding pillow
- cradle or crossover hold — with a breastfeeding (or normal) pillow on your lap and your baby lying on top
Some breastfeeding positions may feel more comfortable than others, so give each position a try to see which works for you and your baby. A belly band can also help take some of the pressure off your incision making breastfeeding your baby a bit more comfortable.
Other tips to consider:
- make sure you have plenty of towels and pillows before you position your baby to feed — you'll find them helpful for support!
- place a rolled towel next to your incision to protect it in case your baby kicks it
- put a rolled-up towel behind your baby when they are attached to keep them from pulling away from the breast when they relax during feeding
Pain relief
A caesarean birth is a major surgery so ensure that you take the right amount of pain relief. Your breastfeeding journey will be a lot more comfortable if your pain is managed.
The medicines you take pass into your breast milk in a very small amount. The amount of colostrum produced in the first few days is small, so, the amount of medicine taken by your baby is also small. As long as you only use the pain meds for short at a safe dose and watch for your baby's excessive drowsiness, they are safe for your newborn and compatible with breastfeeding.
Developing thrush
Antibiotics are normally given after a C-section to help prevent infection, which increases the chances of your newborn developing thrush (ie. a yeast infection) in the mouth and/or possibly the diaper area. You can help prevent infections by:
- taking probiotics
- cleaning and sterilizing bottles, pump parts, and pacifiers thoroughly after each use
- giving your nipples time to completely air dry after each session
- changing nursing pads
If you do get thrush, the infection can be passed back and forth between you and your newborn. However, there is no need to stop breastfeeding when this happens. Instead, talk to your doctor about prescribing an antifungal medication to use on your baby's mouth and your nipples to help clear them up.
