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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. |
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