Undergoing a cesarean section during childbirth is not a trivial act. Some constraints can arise following this surgical act that should not be neglected, and questions concerning breastfeeding can then bother the mother-to-be. Post-operative care, pain related to the operation, accumulated fatigue… are all elements to be taken into consideration when you wish to breastfeed your baby after having undergone a caesarean section, whether it is scheduled or not. This article gives you the details about C-section and breastfeeding.
Is breastfeeding after a C-section recommended?
Between the fatigue related to the birth of the baby, and the pain of the C-section, many women feel concerned about the possibility of breastfeeding while managing all the inconveniences related to the surgery. According to lactation specialists, it is perfectly possible to breastfeed your baby after a C-section. However, it is necessary to prepare the mother for the sometimes particular conditions of breastfeeding.
Most of the time, the first feeding is possible after the cesarean section, because the mother is perfectly awake and the conditions are studied to allow the baby to benefit from this important contact right after birth. The anesthetic has time to be evacuated and does not pass through the milk. It is therefore possible to combine a cesarean section with breastfeeding without risk for the baby or the mother.
Difficulties to foresee
The pain related to the cesarean section can be more or less important depending on the person and the intervention. However, physical activity remains reduced and it is necessary to limit gestures as much as possible in order not to impact the healing process. It is therefore important to provide assistance in order to manage daily life.
It can also happen that the baby takes a long time to suckle because of the possible tensions felt following the birth by cesarean section. There is no need to be alarmed. The nursery assistants will help you and inform you about this particularity. It only takes a few days for the baby to accept breastfeeding. It is, however, advisable to introduce him to the breast as soon as he is born.
There is also the phenomenon of post-delivery contractions during feeding, for women who have had a cesarean section. This phenomenon is a reflex of the body that disappears a few days after the birth. It can, however, cause unpleasant pain.
The position to adopt
It is not easy, after a C-section, to find the right position to avoid pain while ensuring the comfort of baby. First of all, it is important to make sure that the baby’s body does not rest on the scar so as not to impact the healing process.
Then, it is advisable to place the baby perpendicular to you, in order to facilitate breastfeeding. The semi-recumbent or recumbent position of the mother is the most comfortable for both. You should not hesitate to bring a pillow to maximize the comfort of both.
When the pain is less pronounced and the healing is advanced, breastfeeding in a chair is possible, with the baby on his side, with the help of a pillow.
It is important to ensure that the pain is not unbearable. If necessary, it is advisable to seek the help of a medical professional to advise you and help you find the best possible position for you and your child. In fact, the help of a lactation consultant can be beneficial to you and provide answers to your concerns.
If you find breastfeeding after a C-section difficult, there are other options. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and learn about all the options available so you can make the best decision for you and your baby. It is not advisable to wait until discomfort sets in. Feeding time should remain pleasant for the baby, as well as for the mother!
