Will I be able to breastfeed if I have ac section?

Breastfeeding After a Cesarean Section: What to Expect
The journey into motherhood is a unique experience filled with a myriad of decisions and challenges, one of which is whether to breastfeed. For women who undergo a cesarean section (C-section), this question often carries additional layers of concern and uncertainty. However, the good news is that breastfeeding after a C-section is not only possible but can also be successful.
Understanding the C-Section Experience
A cesarean section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. This method may be planned or performed urgently due to complications during labor. While C-sections are sometimes necessary for the health of the mother or baby, they can lead to concerns about initiating and sustaining breastfeeding due to recovery time and potential discomfort.
The Impact on Breastfeeding
1. Physical Recovery: After a C-section, mothers may experience pain and limited mobility as they heal from surgery. This can impact their ability to position the baby comfortably for breastfeeding. However, with proper support and pain management, many mothers find ways to nurse effectively.
2. Milk Production: Hormonal changes following childbirth trigger milk production, regardless of the delivery method. While some studies suggest that milk might come in a little later for C-section mothers compared to vaginal births, this does not typically affect the ability to breastfeed.
3. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Immediate skin-to-skin contact after delivery is vital in establishing breastfeeding. In cases of C-section, this may be delayed, but hospitals are increasingly encouraging this practice.
Tips for Successful Breastfeeding Post-C-Section
– Seek Support: Engage with lactation consultants who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation. They can help you find comfortable positions for breastfeeding that accommodate your recovery.
– Utilize Pillows: Use pillows to cushion your incision area while breastfeeding. Positions like the side-lying or football hold can be particularly helpful.
– Stay Informed: Understanding your body and its post-operative changes can alleviate anxiety. Learning about breastfeeding techniques and the importance of frequent feeding can boost confidence.
– Be Patient: Recovery takes time, so allow yourself to adjust to both the surgical recovery and the new role of motherhood. It’s normal for breastfeeding to take some time to establish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a cesarean section can present unique challenges to breastfeeding, it does not preclude the possibility of nursing. With the right support, knowledge, and patience, many mothers successfully breastfeed their babies after a C-section. As always, each journey is personal, and mothers should feel empowered to pursue the feeding method that works best for them and their baby.

What is the success rate of breastfeeding after a C-section?

59% of the participants had already breastfed within the first hour and 84% had succeeded in breastfeeding within the first 4 h. 114 of the participants successfully breastfed their babies for more than 6 months after their cesarean section (6 months or more = 20%, more than a year = 27.3%, more than 2 years = 28.7%).

Does breast milk take longer to come in with C-section?

When you have had a C-Section, your milk maybe delayed coming in by 12 -24 hours. Due to the operation, it can be more difficult for you to move around afterwards. One mother suggested moving the bedside locker nearer so that you can reach the nappies more easily.

Is C-section friendly breastfeeding?

What are the best breastfeeding positions after a c-section? Your midwife or health visitor can help you find a comfortable position to feed your baby. Two positions that avoid putting pressure on your wound are the under-arm (rugby) hold and the side-lying hold.

Is it harder to breastfeed if you have a C-section?

A caesarean birth can affect breastfeeding at first so here are some helpful tips on how to get breastfeeding off to the best start. Some evidence suggests that mums who give birth by caesarean can find it more difficult to establish breastfeeding and are more likely to stop breastfeeding earlier.

Do C-section babies sleep more?

“Babies born by emergency caesarean section slept for an hour less per day than babies born vaginally,” said Matenchuk. “We really didn’t expect to find this. Previous studies haven’t reported on the sleep duration of infants born by emergency versus scheduled caesarean section past the first few days following birth.”

Can you still breastfeed after a cesarean?

In most cases you will be able to start breastfeeding your baby as soon as you feel ready to. Sometimes establishing breastfeeding after giving birth by caesarean can be delayed because you may have been separated from your baby, or because you may lack mobility or be in pain (Beake et al, 2022; Sheedy et al 2022).

Is milk supply affected by C-section?

This increase in milk production usually occurs in a few days. However, it is often delayed following a cesarean birth. Causes of this delay may include: strong medications received during labour, such as those given via an epidural.

Do C-section babies lose more weight?

Overall, included studies suggest that babies born by CS lose more weight during the early days of life compared with those born vaginally, although it is unclear if this weight loss is detrimental to the infant as authors did not report rates of hospital readmissions or other adverse outcomes.

What should you avoid after C-section?

What things do I need to avoid after a C-section?

• Avoid sexual intercourse.
• Avoid douching.
• Avoid using tampons.
• Avoid lifting anything heavier than your body.
• Avoid carbonated drinks, citrus juices, coffee, tea, and spicy food.

Why is it harder to give birth after C-section?

If you’ve had one C-section, a trial of labour is usually safe. The more C-sections you’ve had, the higher your risk (although it’s still low) of the scar from your previous C-section tearing open during labour (uterine rupture) and problems with the placenta that may cause trouble during delivery.