Breastfeeding After a C-Section

Having a C-Section can throw many women for a loop when it comes to breastfeeding. Some say that having this major abdominal surgery can delay a mother's milk from coming in. Moms who went under general anesthesia are often groggy in the immediate post-op period and are not well enough to hold their babies just yet.  These mamas also have a painful abdominal incision which limits them from some of their favored nursing positions. Despite the nursing hurdles that may come alongside having a C-section, it is important to know that you can definitely still do it! I've gathered all of my best tips to help get you through this little road bump.

Best Breastfeeding Positions After a C-Section

The goal here is to keep as much weight and pressure off of your incision as possible. Give these holds a try and see what you find is most comfortable for you.

1. Football hold- This was my favorite position for the first week post-op. It takes support and getting used to, but your baby is nowhere near your incision which is glorious. Instead, your baby is positioned alongside the breast that you are feeding on, preferably using a supportive pillow. Your baby will be under your arm and your hand will be supporting their head.                                                                                                                                                                          
2. Side-lying- As the title suggests, you and your baby will both be laying down on your sides. You should be close and turned towards one another, with baby's mouth level to your nipple. Many moms love this as they're recovering and laying in bed.                                                                                                                          
3. Cradle hold- This tends to be the most "natural" hold for moms, where baby's head is simply cradled in mom's elbow while facing the breast. When freshly post-op, I would recommend having a pillow for abdominal support and protection. Although this ended up being my favorite nursing position, I did not utilize it until further on in the healing process.

Attached are some images to help differentiate these key holds:

All that being said, there are still plenty of other nursing holds to choose from and you are not confined to these.

Side Note: One big recommendation I have is to consider trialing an abdominal binder. If I am being honest, I hated it. But every other C-section mom that I know swears by them. As in, they would not go about their day without them! There are several types to purchase for yourself, and some hospitals will even give you one. See if it works for you! It is intended to help support your abdomen and aid in healing. And many women find it to be a life-saver while breastfeeding as well.

Tips for Breastfeeding Success After Your C-Section

1. Skin-to-skin: Do skin-to-skin with your baby AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and as much as possible! Cuddle cuddle cuddle!  If you are at all able to do it in the operating room, do it!!!! There is a direct link between milk production and skin-to-skin time with your baby.
2. Speak up to your care team: Tell the team prior that you would like to do skin-to-skin with your baby as soon as possible, and tell them about your desire to breastfeed. If you and baby are both stable enough, this should be no problem. Your care team can help position your baby on you and get you both comfortable.
3. Initiate lactation: By this, I mean latch your baby as soon as possible! The sooner you tell your body you need milk, the better. If you are away from your baby (ex. your baby is in the NICU), initiate lactation with a breast pump. Demand it from your body so that you can start supplying it.
4. Frequent nursing: Even though you are exhausted and trying to heal, it is so important to get your milk going. Nurse at least every 2-3 hours at the start, but let your baby snack and get tastes as often as he or she wants.

Happy healing, happy nursing!