Everything You Need to Be Successful Breastfeeding After a C-Section
“Is there anything you need?” my labor and delivery nurse asked as she pushed me into recovery.
I’d done this before and I knew the one item I needed right away. “A breast pump,” I blurted out.
She lowered her brows in confusion. “I don’t think we have those.”
I started to panic (just a little). My first baby was born early, via C-section. It took 5 days for my milk to come in. When he was 5 days old, he had to be hospitalized because he had developed jaundice and was dehydrated.
For almost two years I’d gone over what I could have done differently and it started with a breast pump.
Having a C-section can create some small obstacles around breastfeeding. But those obstacles can easily be navigated. As long as you know what you’re doing.
Everything You Need to Be Successful Breastfeeding After a C-Section
What’s Different & What’s Not
First off, let’s address some common misconceptions about breastfeeding after a C-section.
Myth 1: You can’t breastfeed if you have a C-section
False. Don’t let anyone tell you this. You absolutely can breastfeed after a c-section. And things really aren’t that much different.
Myth 2: Your milk doesn’t come in after a C-section
Again, false. Your body is preparing to breastfeed throughout pregnancy and gets ready in the third trimester. So whether you have a C-section or vaginal delivery, your body is prepared to feed your baby.
However, milk can take longer to come in after a C-section.
Your baby triggers your body to make milk. Babies who are born early, have jaundice, are premature or underweight, and/or babies who are born via C-section, tend to be tired. Tired babies don’t like to eat.
Early-term or premature babies also haven’t developed the skills to breastfeed yet (since that happens in the last few weeks).
All of this causes less stimulation and delays milk production.
The Good News
Even if this happens, you can still breastfeed. I have a few tricks for success that I’ll share with you.
Myth 3: Breastfeeding after a C-section is too painful
Holding a baby across your incision for a full breastfeeding session can be painful. Use a good nursing pillow and try the football hold (breastfeeding position) to keep the pressure off.
Related: C-section Recovery Essentials
The Truth About Breastfeeding After a C-section
Breastfeeding after a C-section comes with a few minor challenges. But having a C-section doesn’t mean you have to give up on breastfeeding.
A few problems you may face and ways to overcome them:
- Problem: Pain in your incision while holding your baby in a breastfeeding position.
- Solution: Get a good nursing pillow* to help support your baby and keep pressure off your incision. Try different breastfeeding holds–football and side-lying–that will take pressure off your incision.
- Problem: Your milk supply is delayed.
- Solution: After delivery, begin pumping after each feeding to encourage your milk to come in. Pack this nursing & pumping bra in your hospital bag so you’re prepared to breastfeed and pump immediately after surgery.
- Problem: Your baby is born early and has to spend time in the NICU (common with C-sections).
- Solution: Pump every 2-3 hours to stimulate your milk supply and feed your baby. Bring your breast pump to the hospital or ask if they’ll have one available for you.
- Problem: Your baby doesn’t latch. (A common problem with early-term or premature babies.)
- Solution: Get as much help as possible from lactation consultants at the hospital. Use a nipple shield to help your baby latch. And/or pump to feed your baby in the meantime.
- Continue to try to latch your baby as the weeks go by. Breastfeeding skills should strengthen around your baby’s due date. (I couldn’t latch my premature baby until he was a month old.) Schedule appointments with a lactation consultant if you continue to struggle.
As you can see you may face additional challenges with breastfeeding after your C-section. With a few tricks, you can make breastfeeding a success.
7 Items that Make Breastfeeding Easier After a C-Section
Here are a few essentials you should pick up before your C-section so you’re prepared for these challenges.
1. The Best Nursing Pillow for C-section Moms
The My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow attaches to you and doesn’t slip away while you’re breastfeeding. It’s sturdy and helps keep your arms and baby up and away from your incision. Plus, it has back support and keeps your posture correct while feeding, which takes the pressure off your incision. It’s the best nursing pillow to use after a C-section.
2. A Breast Pump
As I mentioned, C-section babies are often early babies. Early babies can struggle to latch correctly. Even if they don’t, they may be too sleepy to eat often and stimulate your milk supply.
My best tip for C-section mamas who want to breastfeed is to start pumping right away. The pump will stimulate your milk supply.
My second baby was born at 36 weeks, as soon as I got into recovery, I asked for a breast pump and started pumping. I pumped every chance I got and a day later, my milk was in (quite different from the 5 days it took with my first).
I used the Spectra pump with both of my babies starting in the first week and liked it better than the hospital-grade Medela. This one comes with a bag and cooler, which is perfect if you want to bring it to the hospital.
Related: Breast Pumping Tips for New Moms
3. The Right Nursing Bra
After a C-section, you may need to pump and nurse. When you’re juggling a newborn, it’s important that pumping is hands-free. Switching between nursing and pumping bras is an extra step that no mom needs.
This Nursing and Pumping Bra from Kindred Bravely is the best invention for moms who need to switch between the two. (Or if you pump from one side while feeding from the other.) It’s also comfortable and supportive.
Use Acacia15 to get 15% off any order from Kindred Bravely. They have tons of great items that I love. See more of my specific recommendations in What to Wear After a C-Section.
4. A Nipple Shield
If your baby is early and struggles to latch, you can help them by temporarily using a nipple shield. Once they reach their due date, they should have the skills they need to breastfeed and you can ditch the nipple shield.
5. Postnatal Vitamins
Switch out your prenatal vitamins for these postnatal vitamins. They support your postpartum body and lactation.
6. HAAKA
If you pump a lot in the beginning, it can stimulate an overproduction of milk. I found the HAAKA to be the easiest way to collect extra milk.
You attach the HAAKA to the breast your baby isn’t feeding from and it draws out milk while your baby eats.
7. Milk Storage
Pick up some milk storage bags and a way to store them because before you know it, your freezer is going to be overflowing with breastmilk.
Related: First-time Mom Breastfeeding Essentials
After finding a postpartum nurse and a breast pump, I got to pumping.
I’d try latching my baby (sometimes successfully, sometimes not), then pump and feed him.
The next day, my milk was in and my baby was never dehydrated or in an emergency state.
So if you have a C-section, you may have to work a little harder to breastfeed (or you might not), but don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Get pumping right away and keep working at getting your baby to latch. You’ll be so proud of yourself when you’re successful.
Want More Help Navigating Your C-section?
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