C-Section Recovery & Cesarean Birth Advice, Tips and Support

For many women having a c-section there is the concern that they won’t be able to successfully breastfeed after a c-section.  For example, will it be painful and will the painkillers affect the baby?  Here’s some information and ideas that will help…

Let me start by saying that there are no complications from having a C-section that affect breastfeeding that can’t be overcome.

The medications that you are given for pain won’t negatively affect your baby. Your baby may seem a little sleepy at first but he tiny amount of medication that gets into your milk is not enough to hurt your baby or complicate breastfeeding, either short term or long term.

If you’ve made the decision to breastfeed it’s important to start breastfeeding as soon as possible.  It may take a day or two for your milk to come in but this is all the more reason to begin breastfeeding right away.  Upon starting to breastfeed your baby will be getting mostly colostrum but this is even better than the milk for baby, so definitely begin breastfeeding right away and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Breastfeeding also helps with your recovery as baby’s suckling will help to shrink your uterus back to its normal size and you can begin to quickly lose quickly your pregnancy weight.  It’s beneficial for both baby and mom.

Will Breastfeeding be Painful?

Breastfeeding after surgery may be somewhat painful, that’s why it’s important to keep on top of your pain medication.   As you begin breastfeeding always position baby away from your incision.  For most women the clutch hold and side lying positions will be the most comfortable. You’ll also find that a c-section abdominal binder will help lessen the pain of movement and help you get into a comfortable position much easier.

For additional comfort and less stress on your back try using a pillow to bring baby up to your height. Leaning over baby to feed can put undue stress on your back. Also your baby should be lying on her side to feed, not on her back.

Once you return home it will be important to breastfeed or use a breast pump often to maintain your milk supply and prevent engorgement.  In fact breast pumps, like the Avent Breastpump can be a lifesaver.  It can be painful if you are not feeding regularly or if baby does not latch on correctly so using a breast pump can help with those things.

Don’t let having a c-section prevent you from breastfeeding.  There can be more hurdles to overcome after having surgery but there are plenty of things you can do to overcome them.  This is your most precious baby’s birth,  it should be a rewarding one for both of you and breastfeeding can be a very rewarding experience.

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