C section and breastfeeding

Cassandra - posted on 12/08/2009

i had a c section and i breastfeed. it was difficult at first and i had to use the nipple guard cuz she wouldnt latch on but the last day i was in the hospital the breastfeeding lady got her to. My baby is 2 months now and is still breastfeeding

Shelly - posted on 12/08/2009

I have found it very difficult to breastfeed my new baby after my c-section. I am still trying but it has not been a easy road to travel. Between the pain of the operation and him not wanting to latch on due to not being able to breastfeed right away its been very difficult.

Kelli - posted on 12/08/2009

I had no real problems feeding my son, after my c-section only discomfort which I relieved with the help of the Boppy we recieved. The Boppy helped take the pressure directly off and if you don't have one you just need someone to be with you and help to make sure your comfortable( i.e. propping pillows behind your back, sitting in a chair, etc.) Even though you may be in pain, try to walk as much as you can because it really helps with your healing.

Kayleigh - posted on 12/08/2009

I breastfeed and I had a c-section. He took to it right away and we found ways to make it work while I was recovering. The boppy helped a lot and so did the fact that they had me on heavy duty pain killers for like 2 weeks afterwards.

Sophia - posted on 12/08/2009

i had my c section back in august '09. i didnt have a problem with it until she was like a month old, i got so full i coudnt express my milk so, i got really nervice cause i couldnt feed her you no. after i had that issue i find it hard at times 2 feed her cause i dont no if she is eating enough. i think thats the only issue i have had. when i had my 1st i had him vaginal n i never had a problem feeding i think its different between both experiances that i have had but i hope u find the right answer that u are looking for k much luck to you

Kelly - posted on 12/08/2009

Yes, I found it hard to breastfeed after a c-section. I had a 3 day failed induction and had to have a c-section. They could not numb me enough, so I have to be put under. I was out for 3 hours. That was 3 hours lost that I could have started the breastfeeding. I kept at it and we were able to keep it up for 12.5 months. It was not easy, but I knew it was best for him. You just have to keep at it if breastfeeding is what you want to do. People will encourage you to quit, but I never gave up. We tried supplementing with formula, but my son would projectile spit up anytime he had it. So I invested in a great pump so I could keep up while I was at work.



I am due in March with #2 and have to have c-section again. Don't know about being awake for this one, but maybe it will make the breastfeeding easier. Wish us luck!

Karina - posted on 12/08/2009

Hi Yvette - I've had four children - all by C-Section and haven't had any trouble. I didn't find it uncomfortable at all. I reckon I'd rather a c-section than an episiotomy!

Shelbra - posted on 12/08/2009

I just experienced my first c-section with my fourth kid. I have not experienced the breastfeeding yet, due to my baby being in the NICU for the next few months until her due date. But since her delivery on Nov. 20, I have been pumping several times a day. In the hospital, pumping was a little uncomfortable because I had to sort of bend over while pumping. Once I got home it was fine, it's been a few weeks and I'm still going strong with the pumping.

Katie - posted on 12/07/2009

I am with some of the other ladies just stick with it, it maybe rough for a few weeks. my stomach would be so tender it was harder. have you tried feeding lying on your side? i did that and the boppy helped or the "football hold" puts less pressure on your belly! hope this helps keep pushing through it is all worth it i promise!!!

Irion - posted on 12/07/2009

I had a c-section back in july, and I didn't have any problems breastfeeding. I guess it just depends on the person.

Holly - posted on 12/07/2009

I would recommend using a boppy to help you hold your baby. I had a c-section with both of my children and did not have any difficulties breast feeding. the difficult part was getting to the baby quickly. I would have my husband get me the baby so that I could nurse him. It was difficult to nurse in bed unless if I had a lot of pillows behind me to support my body. I found it easier to nurse in a chair or on the couch.

Good luck! I know I have found it very rewarding to nurse my boys. I made it 12 months with my first child and am still nursing my 7 month old.

Rebecca - posted on 12/07/2009

I had a c-section with my first son. I breastfeed without problems, in the beginning breastfeeding can be hard for anyone. It is a learning process for both mom and baby. I sat in my rocking chair with a pillow behind me and a pillow on my lap that covered my incision. My son nursed very well that way. I am not sure how far past delivary you are but it is okay to take the pain medicine. That helps too. Did the hospital where you delivered have a lactation nurses? Give them a call, most will have you come back in for help if needed. Good Luck!

Cecillia - posted on 12/07/2009

Hi. My son was 16 days late and as a result was born by emergency C section, I am breastfeeding him. We has a few issues the frist few days with latching him on but we went and saw a laction consultant at our local hospital and know we're all good. I found having a good pillow to rest the baby on is a big help as it takes the weight off you. Also to find yourself a nice comfy position to sit in. I find putting my feet up helps as well. I hope this helps a bit.

Tabitha - posted on 12/07/2009

I had a heck of a time breastfeeding my daughter after a csection, but we had other things against us too. She was born with low blood sugar so they gave her formula immediately. Then I got sick and was in the hospital for longer she had a blocked left colon and was in NICU and they measured everyhting she ate. Pumping was far from adequate. But I did pump and tried hard. We almost made it to were I was feeding her everytime with the breast when I had to go back to work. So for work I pumped and fedd her when I got home.Mind you I only pumped a few ounces at a time. So she was breast and formula from day one. I have almost weaned her totally because of work scheduling needs. I nurse her once in the morning and if I can't I pump, but otherwise I don't pump except for once if I don't feed her. No engorgement or pain. I hope this gives us a little more time for breastfeeding. I used the reclyner and a breastfriend pillow to help support her it helped a lot. Especially when she tried to refuse the boob. Good luck! My mom did fine and breastfeed both me and my brother and we were both c sections. It can go anyway. Good LUCK!

Pnina - posted on 12/07/2009

I have had three c-sections and successfully breastfed all three children. The first was difficult. I think we were both out of sorts as I had been in pretty heavy labor for about 42 hours before we went to the hospital and eventually had the cesarean. I was pretty engorged and his mouth was small, so he was having a hard time with the latch. It didn't help that they kept him in NICU for 5 days with alarms going off every five minutes and the lights shining in his face. That along with the IV that kept him satisfied made for a troublesome beginning. When I finally got it together and got us both home, we sat quietly in a dark room, skin to skin and he finally began to nurse. He nursed brilliantly for just over three years. The second, (also a c-section) latched on perfectly right away and weened himself one week before his second birthday. My third was a "required c-section" and she also latched on with no problem. She is 17 months old and still nursing happily. I hope that this helps. If this is important to you, don't give up. It is possible, and it will get better.

Tessa - posted on 12/07/2009

I had an emergency c-section in April and my baby girl was placed into NICU for 4 days. She was born in the middle of the night and I began pumping in the morning. I pumped every 3 hours and took the milk to her. On day 3, I was allowed to breastfeed her in the NICU and we have been going strong for 7 1/2 months. My husband and mother stayed with me after the surgery to help take care of the baby. They would bring her to me and help me get positioned properly. It was such a huge help! I would also recommend getting a boppy pillow. It helps protect your incision and placed the baby high enough to get a good latch. I wish you all the best!

Robyn - posted on 12/06/2009

i am still breast feeding after a c section and my son is now 7 mnths old.. it was a bit difficult in the beginging but pushed tho ...
good luck

Brandy - posted on 12/06/2009

Yes, I had a c-section and an extremely difficult time breastfeeding. It took us 3 months to get the hang of it, during which time I pumped the entire time and fed my daughter breast milk by bottle. Finally, we got it! My advice - be persistent, don't give up, trust your body! Good luck.

Jessica - posted on 12/06/2009

I breastfeed after my c-section and it takes a little more work than a normal delivery. When you have a c-section your body does not go through the normal process of giving birth which releases hormones that cause your milk to come in. It tends to take a few days longer for your milk to come in because of this. This is why it is so important to nurse nurse nurse. Also, you should pump after you nurse as well to speed up your milk coming in. We had a scare when my son was born. While in the hospital he lost 10% of his body weight. The doctor wanted us to give him formula but I was concerned that this would ruin any chance I had of ever breastfeeding. So what I did was I would nurse him, then after I nursed him I would pump for 10-15 minutes. The baby would be brought to the nursery and given a bottle. This way I was in no way associated with a bottle, it didn’t smell, taste or feel like me. This worked perfectly. My son was born at midnight on a Saturday morning and my milk finally came in on Tuesday morning. It’s hard after a C-section, but don’t let anyone discourage you. Sometimes hospital staff is quick to just have you start using a bottle, since it can be easier on them, but stick to your guns and you will soon have a happy breastfeeding baby.

Jessica - posted on 12/06/2009

I breastfeed after my c-section and it takes a little more work than a normal delivery. When you have a c-section your body does not go through the normal process of giving birth which releases hormones that cause your milk to come in. It tends to take a few days longer for your milk to come in because of this. This is why it is so important to nurse nurse nurse. Also, you should pump after you nurse as well to speed up your milk coming in. We had a scare when my son was born. While in the hospital he lost 10% of his body weight. The doctor wanted us to give him formula but I was concerned that this would ruin any chance I had of ever breastfeeding. So what I did was I would nurse him, then after I nursed him I would pump for 10-15 minutes. The baby would be brought to the nursery and given a bottle. This way I was in no way associated with a bottle, it didn’t smell, taste or feel like me. This worked perfectly. My son was born at midnight on a Saturday morning and my milk finally came in on Tuesday morning. It’s hard after a C-section, but don’t let anyone discourage you. Sometimes hospital staff is quick to just have you start using a bottle, since it can be easier on them, but stick to your guns and you will soon have a happy breastfeeding baby.

Kathy - posted on 12/06/2009

I had difficulty breastfeeding after my c-section but, only because the nurses gave my baby formula while I was asleep without my permission. We had nipple confusion and a frustrating time getting her to latch. But, we did overcome this battle and we're still breastfeeding at 23 months now :) It can be done.

Lashonda - posted on 12/06/2009

The only difficulties I have had breastfeeding after a C-section were the pulling of the stiches when my uterus contracts. After a while, it does get better and eventually, I didn't feel any pain in belly or breast when he fed.

Cheryl - posted on 12/06/2009

Hey Jessica, as long as the little one's gaining weight, then I'm told were doing things right and not to worry about the actual volumes! Though I must admit, I find myself from time to time supplementing my feeding (just in case)

Jessica - posted on 12/06/2009

I had a c-section and I am breastfeeding just fine (other then my low supply 8 weeks after birth). The thing that bothers me as well is that I never know how much she is getting... and I hate that the nanny can say, "She ate two 6 ounce bottles and a 4 oz bottle today"... I could not lay on my side for a week or so after my surgery, but I have a boppy pillow that i would lay her on and she took right to it. Good Luck to everyone out there...

Cheryl - posted on 12/06/2009

Hi Yvette. I'm breastfeeding following a c-section, it's been a huge 26 days so far and all seems to be going well. What problems are you having?

Belinda - posted on 12/06/2009

hi yvette i have two boys both by csection and i have had no problem breastfeeding i feed my oldest until he was nine months and i am currently breastfeeding with my second who is five months

Jennifer - posted on 12/06/2009

I breastfed after both c-sections. There was only a very slight discomfort, but I also healed incredibly fast. Definitely use your Boppy pillow...that's what I did. Good luck!

Sam - posted on 12/06/2009

I had an emergency section under general anaesthetic and my daughter went to SCBU after she was born. I didn't get to feed her myself until she was almost 10 hours old, but she had received breast milk from the hospital milk bank so I was extremely grateful for that. Feeding her was very hard, she wouldn't latch and I found it very painful. The midwives weren't much help either! Nevertheless, through sheer determination and trial and error we got through the hard bit and went on to breastfeed until her 3rd birthday. It can be done so please don't worry too much. Do as much research as you can before baby arrives, it will pay in abundance. Good luck :)

Anneke - posted on 12/06/2009

I had a c section I was over due though but had no problem breastfeeding.

Emily - posted on 12/06/2009

hey.. my son is 11 months n ive only ever breastfed, n i had a c section.

Christine - posted on 12/06/2009

That is realy sad. With my son 6 years ago I had a c-section, I was determand to breastfead even if noone wanted to help me at the hospital. I came home and I asked a nurse at our local hospital to help me after my son was on the bottle for 1 week. he started to breastfeed and I breastfed him till he was 14 months. My daughter was born the 24 November 2008 with a c-section and I breastfed her too, with God's grace I'm still breastfeeding her till today. If you want to you can!

Stacey - posted on 12/06/2009

Hello! i had 3 c-section and breastfeed my 1st untill he was 2 1/2 the 2nd for 10 weeks and the 3rd till he was 2 1/2, it dos hurt at first until ur better but sat in a chair thats nice and soft and put a pillow under the bub just have fun, and after a c-section ur milk might coming in later just feed bub when he/ she wants it and u will have more milk. hope this works for u its a bit friky at the start .. good luck

Tiffany - posted on 12/05/2009

I personally had a rough time. It typically takes longer for your milk to come in. And then when mine did, I fed off the breast, and pumped. And I couldn't pump enough for my hungry boy. Ended up stopping after like 10 weeks or so b/c I had to go back to work.
I tried Fenugreek to help stimulate my supply, but didn't really see any difference.

Good Luck to you!

Valerie - posted on 12/05/2009

I just had my baby 3 weeks ago via c-section. I had a REALLY hard time at first. My son doesn't bring his tongue forward properly, and has a slight receding chin, between this and me having to use a nipple shield, and him having jaundice, he was hardly eating at all the first week. For the last 2 weeks I've been nursing, pumping and supplementing with the pumped milk. Just in the last 2 days he's finally started nursing MUCH better. Whatever problems you're having or are worried about, don't give up on the breast feeding. There's really a lot of help out there if you look for it. Good luck!

Tarah - posted on 12/05/2009

I have had two c-sections and breastfeed with both. I have no complaints, and had no problems.

Ann - posted on 12/05/2009

Hello, my name is Ann and I have breastfed all 3 after c-sections (all 3 times). I was perhaps fortunate, but I was able to nurse with no difficulty due to the sections. I will say that it was a matter of getting help with the Le Leche League http://www.lllc.ca/ and some creative positions and pillows to support baby while nursing. Just remember that you need to relax and let yourself rest. Surgery and a new baby are a LOT. Be patient with yourself and it will happen. Best of Luck.

Ginny - posted on 12/05/2009

I was induced at 41 weeks which resulted in an emergency C-section after 58 hours of labor. It did end up taking about a week for my milk to come in, which may or may not have been related to the delivery process (hard to say since it's my first child)



Because of having to supplement, my little one never really did take to breastfeeding. We tried and tried....lots of different positions. Several trips to the Lactation Consultant. Sometimes she would latch on and sometimes not. Add to the mix that I have one inverted nipple and we never did successfully latch her onto that side, even with the shield. So now I'm exclusively pumping and have been pretty much since birth. She's 16 weeks now and I have an oversupply with tons of milk in both the fridge and freezer. Yes, it's more difficult to pump and it takes a lot of dedication, but I am proud to be able to provide breastmilk for her.



I do hope that next time my milk will come in faster so I won't have such difficulty in breastfeeding. However, I'll still have the inverted nipple issue, so I will probably need to pump then as well.

Amber - posted on 12/05/2009

I didn't have any problems breast feeding after my c-section. My son latch on with no problem. The only problem i had was the discomfort of my incision and when you breast feed you lose weight fast and your uterus shrinks faster with out exercising. thats where all my pain came from. but i wouldnt trade it for the world because it such a bonding with your child

Yolannda - posted on 12/05/2009

i had a c section and it was hard at first my milk came in late but i managed to stick with it even though it was hard,, i had to do alot of pumping for the first month but after it was much easier,, the nurses helped alot,, i didn't hesitate to phone them .... i had to use alot of lanseno cream and i found that using a very hot rag and putting the brest under hot to warm water for a minute before nursing helped draw the milk down,, then my little guy would get the milk and start sucking harder wich made me produce more,, and make sure you drink a tunnn of water

Molli - posted on 12/05/2009

i had 2 c sections and breast fed both of my boys. i had no problem. Matter of fact i breast fed my 2nd one for a yr .the only reason i stoped was because i was sick.

Heather - posted on 12/05/2009

Yes, I had difficulty with breastfeeding both times after my c-sections. The first time I breastfed for 6 weeks and my second is 20 months and I am still nursing (and weaning). My advice, get them to bring you a pump to your hospital room and start pumping inbetween nursing ... your milk will come in faster. I learnt this from a doctor who got my milk to come in the same night. After a c-section, they don't tell you, it can take upto 4 days for your milk to come in, unlike vaginal birth. I wish you all the best! Good luck with the breastfeeding!

Lindsay - posted on 12/05/2009

I had a section and had a really hard time with breastfeeding as well. It's so mentally draining I found because it's not as easy as it looks and then on top of that you're in so much pain form the section. I couldn't get comfortable to feed either cause of the pressure on my stomach. I pumped for the most part but because of that my milk supply really went down and after two months I didn't really have much left so then I just fed my daughter formula. I'm hoping my next baby I won't have to have a section and that I won't have such a problem.

Valerie - posted on 12/05/2009

I didn't have any problems after my c-section, my son is now 2 months old and is feeding really well and gaining a lot of weight! I have to pump quite often too, which is actually good because then my husband can help with feedings.

Marian - posted on 12/05/2009

yes its difficult at first but just give it 2 weeks and everything will fall into place.recovery was the worst part because of your limited mobility. But just make sure you have the baby suckle even though you have very little milk expressed, with the help of my medela breast pump establishing milk supply just made it easier. good luck! remember that how difficult it is you don't give up it really takes a lot of time and effort but in the end its worth it! :)

Alicia - posted on 12/05/2009

Tough to get past the first couple of weeks, but it gets better, and get easier and easier. 10 weeks in and we love it! Such sweet time that I don't have to share with anyone at all. It's just our time. No giving her to Daddy or her brother trying to play with her or her grandparents, she's allllll mine for that time.

Jessica - posted on 12/05/2009

i had a c-section on november 19th and had absolutely no problem at all breast feeding, not at the hospital and not at home!! i definately reccomend breastfeeding if you are able to, too it is the most rewarding experience!

Alexis - posted on 12/05/2009

oh ya and jungle juice also helped

Alexis - posted on 12/05/2009

Hi Ladies , I have a 3 month old and I have breastfeed from day one . In the hospital I asked the nurses to put her on the breast as soon as she was born and this really helped.

Erica - posted on 12/05/2009

I had my twins via c-section and have breastfed them both exclusively. They're three months now. I had difficulties in the hospital because I was lazy and let my babies latch poorly at first. Trust me, it's worth it to get them to latch right from the beginning even if it means taking them off and relatching several times when starting a feeding. I also always used a boppy when feeding. It was so much easier because I didn't have to hold them up all by myself. I don't think breastfeeding is ever easier with or without a c-section but it's worth it no matter what obstacles you have to overcome. It's the perfect food for your baby, it saves you a ton of money, and you're never going to get a bonding experience like it. When you're in the hospital, ask the lactation consultant tons of questions and you may even get some free products. I got extra parts for my pump because my nipples were too big for the ones that came with my pump. They also gave me a couple sets of soothies (they cost about $12 in the store) which were great for my sore nipples during the first couple of weeks. They also gave me some lansinoh. Just ask if you're having trouble! :)

Rebecca Kjestine - posted on 12/05/2009

I wasn't able to breastfeed my first son after a c section. We both had such trouble that I gave up and used bottles. With my second c section...I was determined to breastfeed successfully so I went weekly to a lactation consultant and she turned me on to using nipple shields until he got used to nursing and then slowly latch him back on to me directly. It took a bit of work but we are going strong and and I now find the experience very relaxing instead of stressful.....