Csection and breastfeeding

Sandy - posted on 06/27/2010

Just one advice, LOTS and LOTS of probiotics. C-sction means you'll have to get some antibiotics (likely intravenously), and that will kill some of the good bacteria which means you could develop thrush (no one told me this until after 1 week of VERY painful breastfeeding). Anyhow, probiotics help to keep the balance of the good bacteria and helps in having a good immune system, so take LOTS of probiotics.

Sarah - posted on 06/27/2010

There are many safe pain meds to take while you're breastfeeding (and you're going to want them after the c-section and take them before the pain gets bad). I was given a mix of motrin and norco once the anesthesia wore off (my epidural failed before going into surgery and had to have a spinal). I was able to breastfeed my Miss Clara about 30 or so minutes after she was delivered via c-section (labor was too slow). My husband was with her for the entire time baby and I were apart. I did have supply issues at first because of the surgery (it is major body trauma after all!), and once at home, had to supplement with pumped breast milk for a while. I had transitional milk for quite a while. Be adamant that you are going to bf from the start and tell everyone that walks into that room multiple times. Skin to skin is such a special experience even if it has to be delayed a bit. Good luck!!

Ella - posted on 06/27/2010

1)getting the baby skin to skin as early as possible is healthy for you and baby! It is good for your hormones and GREAT for the baby!
2) tell them to NOT give any formula.
3) tell them to refrain from doing the silver in the eyes (if you ave choosing to do it) until AFTER he has latched (at least once).
4) Purchase fenugreek and blessed thistle
5)hire a doula. its totally worth it. and IMO a necessity.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q...

(My BFF just had twins C-sect- they are 3 months and BOTH over 13 pounds- She BFed the first hour, and her milk came in w/in 24 hrs. She took fenugreek.)

Jessica - posted on 06/27/2010

I had a csection at 33 1/2 weeks with tiwins. They were unable to even try to latch on for a few days. When we did try they knew the concept but because they were small they were not strong enough to latch on. We really worked on it after they came home, but after being in the NICU for 3 weeks they were so used to a bottle and how quick it went they got aggrevated with latching. Now they are almost 6 months old and they do get a bottle most of the time but still latch here and there. I pump and give them breastmilk though.

Sarah - posted on 06/27/2010

I'll try to keep it short here... lol.

My oldest was born naturally, no meds, 7lbs 14oz, skin to skin AS SOON AS SHE CAME OUT, we tried and tried and tried to breastfeed, I had a lactation consultant come help us... everything, she couldn't figure out the latch... and I gave up after 10 days of trying without success... very painful.

My second, my son, was born 10 days early, I didn't feel him moving like he should have bee, so we went in for a non-stress test, braxton hicks contractions were making his heart rate drop. C-section... unplanned, very unexpected... as my first birth was sooo easy... ANYWAY, after finally getting out of the OR and into recovery, I got to hold him for like 10 minutes, his blood sugar was REALLY LOW, so the nursed wouldn't even let me try to breastfeed... formula, bottle right away, I was pissed to say the least! He was in the NICU for 3 1/2 days, and they wouldn't let me try to BF... but I pumped pumped pumped... when they finally let me try... he latched on like a pro... no problem! He's 18 days old now... everything is going great! He was only 5lbs 11oz...

Sorry so long, but it is very possible to bf after c-section!!

Mara - posted on 06/23/2010

I had a c-section after being stuck at 5cm for 26hrs. I was awake, and my husband was able to hold our daughetr close to me in the OR while they stitched me up. I was not able to nurse her for over an hour, but when I did, the nurses were great. I also would suggest trying the "football hold", as it is easier on your abdomen when nursing. I stuck with that and nursed my sweet babygirl for 14 months. I wish you the best of luck! Be your own advocate.

Leila - posted on 06/21/2010

I had my twin girls almost 7 weeks preemie and I had them via C section. They were in the NICU with wires, etc. I was still able to start working on breastfeeding within 24 hours even though I was on pain meds. They give you meds that don't effect the breast milk. Like the others said, not nursing or doing skin to skin immediately does not necessarily mean you'll have problems. My girls have no developmental delays of any kind and they both nursed for 13 months despite being preemie and in the NICU for 16 days. The fact that you're looking into these things ahead of time and planning to the best you can for your little one is all you'll both need. A caring and devoted mom can do a world of good!! :) It's good to learn as much as you can before hand but try to remember that you'll need to be flexible too bc as you know - not much goes according to the exact plan!! Remember to enjoy this experience!!!

Hayley - posted on 06/21/2010

My sisters baby waz 10wkz prem, by c section. she is now almost 9months and stil breast feeding awesomly. so dnt wory. u and baby wil b just fine

Karmyn - posted on 06/21/2010

My little guy was able to breastfeed no problem. He absolutely refused to drink formula despite getting dehydrated (my milk came gushing in soon after, thank goodness).

He was born at term, though.

I hope this helps!

Best wishes,

Karmyn

Ali - posted on 06/20/2010

You can request that you are awake for your c-section that way you can have skin to skin straight away with your baby. I had an emergency c-section they had to check her first but I had her after a few minutes for a cuddle but no feeding then she was taken out while I was stitched back up then I fed her in recovery. The only problem I had was that my milk didnt come in till about day 5 which apparently is normal with a c-section so with only colostrum attachment is a little harder but I am still breastfeeding (Grace was 1 on Friday) never had mastitis never had sore cracked nipples so even when you're not prepared for it breastfeesing and csection can definately work together! - I must add that if I had to have a c-section again I would actually choose to not be awake, I really hated the experience and when I was given Grace while in surgery I didnt even want to hold her and while it does not hurt you can feel them and smell it all its really not nice, it also takes a while for you to be able to move so I couldnt have her in the room with me for the first night as you cant get up to feed them etc they brought her in to me for feeds so I think missing that first moment as they pull them out to be able to wake up with full movement and be able to spend the first night with your baby would be better I hope I havent confued you with this reply!

Corinne - posted on 06/20/2010

My daughter was born c-section 11 weeks ago and she is breastfeeding very well. Just make sure you tell them before you go in, not to feed your baby formula because you are planning to breastfeed. This way your baby will be hungry when you do go to feed her and will make it a little easier for her to latch.

Helen - posted on 06/20/2010

I was not able to have skin to skin contact for 18hrs due to complications with the anesthetic, my husband did the skin to skin contact after she was born. She was supplementary fed formula in the hospital nursery for the first 18 hours of her life.... it took 3 weeks for my milk to come in properly.. I supplemented feeds with formula., But Lily is now 34 months old and is still breast feeding. We plan to wean her when she turns 3. When I was in hospital before I had Lily the midwives showed me how to start stimulating my breasts to get the milk flowing, I had to manually pump the colostrum into a syringe. Trust the midwives, they know what is best for you and your baby.

Marwa - posted on 06/19/2010

I had a c-section delivery for my son, 13 months. I was actually going through normal labour with epidural, but as the babies heart beats were lowered during the process, i was rushed into the operation room. I got full anaesthesia and had a c-section operation and doctors got him out in 30min.

I fully encourage the skin-to-skin it is a wonderful, rewarding feeling that i can't explain, until you experience it yourself!!! Do it!!

As for nursing an early born, i would encourage you to constantly and immediately put the newly born on to your breast. It is totally innate, they just need to practice it. By time and as often as you do it, the baby will latch and get to suck on his own. At first you might need to squeeze or suck yourself the yellow liquid which is very very nutritious although very very little in quantity. You might do that via a small spoon that they offer at the hospital .. Do it!! Do everything you can to encourage your little one to take your breast and naturally nurse him.. It is a natural bonding that would last forever. The more often you practice it the easier it would be. You might feel that he is not getting enough, don't worry he will eventually. The midwives might offer you some top-ups, that is fine. But don't stop breastfeeding and nursing, he will do it successfully at the end!! It is really worth the effort.

Good luck!!

Naomi - posted on 06/19/2010

I had an emergency C-section and didn't get to see or hold my son until he was an hour old. He latched on just fine and we haven't had any problems. He turned one 2 weeks ago and I am still breastfeeding once a day- we both enjoy the special time together. :-) No worries!

Kimberly - posted on 06/19/2010

I didn't read what others have written to answer you, so I apologize if this is repeat info. But I've had 2 c-sections (wanted natural birth with both, but both boys were huge and got stuck so I was rushed in for emergency surgery both times...grrrr...luckily had enough time, though, to be given an epidural rather than being knocked out...)

Anyway, because I was conscious and only numb from the epidural, for both of my surgeries, my ob/gyn asked if I wanted to have my baby stay with me (my husband holding him) while I was stitched up. But it's SOOOOOO cold in the surgery room I had my hubby take the baby into the recovery room where I'd eventually be and sit with him until I got there. Then as soon as they wheeled me in they moved my bed a *little* higher so I could kinda sit up a bit and I breastfed both my guys within 45 minutes or so of them being born. And both were champs at breastfeeding from that moment on. My 2 year old just weaned this week and my 6 month old is still a ravenous milk-baby. :) I know that having a c-section is difficult, as I've had 2 that I didn't want. But be rest assured that you can and SHOULD still be able to be skin to skin with your baby VERY QUICKLY and that breastfeeding will be fine. You should talk to your doctor about this before your delivery and also the nurse(s) who will be attending you. Tell them you want the baby to nurse AS SOON AS IS POSSIBLE (my hospital was so totally on board with this...but some places you may have to assert yourself a bit) and then make sure they do it. You're a bit helpless after a c-section, so make them do what you want. Also, I totally recommend just ripping that stupid hospital gown all the way down and getting that baby right up next to you. For me that was a very healing time since my babies didn't come out the way I wanted. I put their naked ('cept for diapers) bodies right up against mine and then draped a recieving blanket or two over the both of us and then nursed them. It's a very special and lovely moment.

After having said all this, if your baby is going to be several weeks early, she might not be strong enough or ready to nurse. Are you having an early, planned c-section for a health problem that one or both of you has? If that's the case, then don't be terribly frustrated if she does not or cannot latch immediately. But plan to pump. A lot. I have a good friend whose son came 5 weeks premature and she had to pump for him for a month because he could not or would not latch. Eventually she got him off the pumped breastmilk bottles and onto the breast for actual nursing, but it took some time. It's all worth it. :)

Becky - posted on 06/19/2010

my son was delivered via csection... he latched on fine...the first week (at the hospital was a bit rough) but he did great..latched on first try....they gave him to me to nurse him about 1 1/2 hours after birth (he was in the nursery due to fluid in lungs)...he did great!

Aniesha - posted on 06/19/2010

My baby was born by emergency c section 2 wks early. When he was first pulled out, they held him up to show me, then he was taken over to a table to be cleaned up, his Dad followed him over and talked to him & held his tiny hand, cut the cord etc. Then they wrapped him up & brought him over to me. He laid on my chest for about 5 mins or so, just so we could have a cuddle, then he was taken off (Daddy went too!) so that I could be stitched up etc. Apparently while he was waiting in the recovery room with Daddy, he kept on opening looking at him & opening his mouth, lol, poor lil munchkin, but he was very good & patient & didn't cry. After they'd finished fixing me up I was wheeled into recovery too, where they then brought him over to breastfeed (this was about half hr after birth I guess). I was just wearing one of those hospital gowns, and he was wearing a nappy & lil gown thing too, but I could still feel his lil body up against mine, and he had no trouble at all latching on. In fact, he loved it so much, he stayed there for half an hour, and the nurses had to take him off in the end, coz he was just being greedy, and didn't have enough room in his little tummy for any more, hehe.

I was worried about that situation too, before I had him, coz I was hoping for a natural birth. But don't worry too much, that mother-baby connection is still there, no matter how they come into the world! Best of luck:)

Jenn - posted on 06/18/2010

i had my son by csect after 20+ unsuccessful hrs of labor. my husband was still able 2 cut the cord & they put him in a hospital gown so he could do kangaroo care w our son while the dr's put me back 2gether. they never took him from the operating room & i was able 2 hold & nurse him as soon as we got 2 the recovery rm. they can give u pain meds that r safer 4 breastfeeding babies. i had duramorph 4 surgery & percocet after & i never experienced any pain at all. in fact my natural birth w my daughter was worse & i refuse vbac 4 r next delivery! hope all goes well 4 u :)

Michelle - posted on 06/17/2010

I had a c section and although I don't know why you are having to take her early or if there will be a reason for her to be taken away from you; there is no reason why you should not be able to nurse. They gave my son a bath right next to me and then put him on for his first nursing. That was all within 30 mins of me coming out of the OR.
Good luck and keep a list of questions for your OB, they should be able to answer some of these questions for you as well. Also, have a birth plan in order so that they can't argue with you about what you want. Now, if there is a medical reason this is being done then it's up to the Dr.s how they want to handle this.

Lindsey - posted on 06/17/2010

Hi! (keeping in mind that all babies are different as are our experiences, but...) My daughter was born at 29 wks by csection and I wasn't able to nurse her until she was a month old; I couldn't even touch her for the first 2 wks after she was born, but she latched on the very first time (of course we had other issues like keeping her awake, lol.) She is now 7 months old and I'm still nursing. Good luck and hope everything turns out how you hope!

Simone - posted on 06/17/2010

i had a footling breech baby so had to have a c-section. as soon as he came out we still wanted skin on skin so once he was checked over he was half wraped in a towel and put up my partners top and stayed with him untill i was out of theater. my midwife was with them the whole time checking on him. once i was out, after 40min he latched really well and continued to do so untill he self weaned at 15mths. i'm from New Zealand and had a great midwife to back up our decisions. the theater staff didn't like it much but in the end as long as there is nothing wrong with baby they can't take him off you. my friend also had a prem 6wks early and they let her have skin on skin once born before being put into the incubator. hope all goes well for you.

also remember that baby doesn't have to feed straight away, but def within an hour of being born

Marcella - posted on 06/16/2010

I am so appreciative of all the advice you ladies have given me! I have been just stressed and worried about this as soon as I found out I was to have a c-section. Thanks for relieving my worries!

Karen - posted on 06/10/2010

I had my son via C-section and he had no problems latching on. we did not do skin to skin contact ..just remember newborns dont need a LOT of momma milk that first day, just a lot of momma.Relax and enjoy!

Amanda - posted on 06/10/2010

I had a c-section and then spent 12 hours in recovery without my daughter due to blood loss. She was still able to latch on and is still breastfeeding wonderfully at 3 months

Marcella - posted on 06/10/2010

Thank you everyone for your advice and words of encouragement! I have really been anxious about this after reading all the other breastfeeding tips. This pregnancy has been hard for me especially since I've been told from the beginning I can't do natural birth. I just really wanted at least this part of my pregnancy/birth to be natural and the way I want it to go. Thanks again everyone!!!!

Cinda - posted on 06/08/2010

My son was born over 2 weeks early by C-section. We were back in our room & he was latched on within the hour while I was still numb from the waist down from the spinal. I just laid him on my upper abdomin (skin-on-skin). He quickly 'crawled' & squirmmed his way up to the breast & found it pretty easily on his own. I just helped to make sure the latch was good.
It IS overwhelming before hand. Just take a deep breath & relax. It will all come & flow when you hold your new little one. Congratulations & good luck!

Lerin - posted on 06/08/2010

Like all the other moms have said, it does help, but it can be done. I had an emergency c-section after going into labor and the dr. discovering she was breech. Some women can hold their babies after they check them out and make sure they're ok, but like someone else pointed out, if she's early, that might not be the case. But every case is different. Just make sure not only your doctor but the nursing staff at the hospital are well aware (it wouldn't hurt to write a birth plan, that you want to hold the baby ASAP to initiate breastfeeding, and that if she must be supplemented, it will be with your milk and with a dropper or cup). My hubby stayed with our baby the entire time she was away from me, which was only about an hour, and she breastfed just fine, (where my VBAC baby had latch problems when we tried to nurse at minutes old).
If you know your baby is going to have be in the NICU, make sure they have a pump waiting for you. Unfortunately some hospitals are alot more in-the-know when it comes to breastfeeding, and some just aren't. Good luck.

Jessi - posted on 06/08/2010

I had an emergency c section 4 wks early and was completely out. As soon as I woke up I asked for my son and began nursing... I had pain meds. and all things worked just fine! You will do fine! If need be pump and suppliment that way (pumping hurts less if you use a safe moisturizing balm (gerber breast therapy) safe to have on without removing prior to nursing... I didn't use it the first time and had cracks and bleeding, this time nothing wrong... going perfectly! Good luck!

Lisa - posted on 06/08/2010

It is more difficult - but it is absolutely possible! Just be determined, make sure everyone around you knows your wishes, and stick with it. Good luck!

Catherine - posted on 06/08/2010

After my c-section (which wasn't early, but rather at 41 weeks), I didn't see my baby for a few hours, but he still latched just fine. My husband stayed with him and held him and stuff for the crucial bonding period, and it didn't impact his ability or desire to breastfeed. I did have some supply problems, however, which I was told could be related to the c-section, but I just pumped a lot in addition to feeding and eventually it all worked out.

Teresa - posted on 06/08/2010

Try not to worry about it. When my twins were born (c-section) I was not able to see one of them for 4 hours. After taking a bit of time to learn how to latch and them being cup fed (no bottle confusion) some formula due to losing too much weight... we successfully breastfed til I chose to wean them at 15 months.



When my son was born (repeat c-section) I also was not allowed to see him for 4 hours and not allowed to try and feed him for several hours after. It took almost 36 hours before I was finally able to get him to latch, but he hasn't stopped since.... and he's 2 now. :)



Good luck!!!

Selia - posted on 06/08/2010

May I ask why she is a planned c-section, and early at that? Otherwise, the contact immediately helps significantly, but not being able to do that doesn't mean you will face difficulties necessarily. Talk to your doctor about maximizing the time together ASAP and why it is important. They need to check out baby after a c-section because she is more likely to have fluid in her lungs from being c-section, and if she is several weeks early she may need to be in the NICU for up to a few weeks depending on her lung development. If you are determined enough though, you can do it. If you cannot nurse right away avoid formula and pump colostrum and have it dropper fed, to avoid nipple confusion. Pump like crazy to establish a milk supply. Most of all, be positive! Good luck!