Breastfeeding After a Cesarean Birth

Depending on what required you to have a cesarean will determine if you baby can breastfeed right away or if there are other complications that can lead to them being placed in special care. If this is the case it is important to pump and give your baby your breast milk as soon as they can eat by mouth if they are unable to breastfeed. Pumping and Storing Breast Milk can offer help on pumping your breast milk and Breastfeeding Premature Baby can offer information on nursing a premature infant.

Although having a cesarean birth means that you are in for some discomfort and pain it doesn't mean that breastfeeding has to add to the pain. By positioning your baby so you are comfortable and so they are comfortable you will minimize in discomfort that you will feel while breastfeeding your baby after a c-section. Laying on your side is ideal for breastfeeding after a c-section, however have someone, like a nurse if you are at the hospital or your partner when you are at home, roll you on to your side. Why not do it yourself? While it is completely possible to roll over after you have had a cesarean it can be discomforting and even severely painful if you do it yourself. Place a pillow between you legs for added comfort and have a small pillow, towel or blanket in front of your abdomen.

You are not limited to nursing while laying down after you have a c-section. You can place a pillow on your lap to protect your abdomen and rest your arm while holding the baby on it. The football hold or clutch position works well for positions to use while sitting up when you are breastfeeding after a cesarean. Breastfeeding Positions can offer descriptions of the different nursing positions that there are.

You will likely notice that your baby id lethargic from the anesthesia used in the c-section as well as from the pain medications that you are taking. While at the hospital you will likely receive you medication through an IV, and your doctor will proscribe you a pain medication to take home, and in addition possibly iron supplements, something that is common with major surgeries, and stool softeners to counteract the constipation that arrives not only from birthing a baby but from iron pills. Keep in mind that although these pills are considered to be safe for a baby they will affect your baby. Hospitals will often keep c-section babies and mommies for 48 hours before they can go home, you may not even need any medication after you have left the hospital. Although your abdomen will be tender it is not in constant pain and unless you strain that area you may be able to have an easy couple of weeks healing without medication.

Discussing medication options with your doctor will help you determine which medicines are not only safe to take while breastfeeding but also how the medications will effect your baby. Medications That are Safe for Breastfeeding can offer more information about taking medicine while you are breastfeeding, something that you will want to do carefully.