Will I still be able to breastfeed after I have a cesarean section?
In short, yes. How your baby is born does not affect your ability to breastfeed. However, there are steps you can take to make sure your C-section does not affect your breastfeeding journey.
Be Prepared
Any medications given during labor, whether cesarean or vaginal, can cause your newborn to be drowsy. Be sure your doctor is aware you plan to breastfeed so they can choose medications and pain relief that are safe for breastfeeding. If your baby is very drowsy, they may get off to a slow start with nursing.
It's possible there will be a delay in the milk "coming in". The placenta being delivered (either vaginally or with a cesarean) triggers a hormonal shift that signals the change between colostrum and mature milk. Any stressful birth can cause a bit of a delay in this process. Because having a C-section may put extra stress on your body, mature milk may take a day or two longer to come in, but colostrum is perfect for newborns.
You will have some pain near your incision. The traditional cradle hold is not ideal after a cesarean. The side-lying or football hold positions will be much more comfortable!
It’s normal for babies to lose weight after delivery. Because of the fluids you receive with a C-section, the baby's birth weight might be higher than usual, making it seem like the weight loss is greater than 10%. Ask your nurse for baby’s 24-hour weight, as this is more accurate in determining weight loss and may lessen the pressure to supplement with formula if all other signs that the baby is getting enough are present.
Make a breastfeeding plan. Share your plan with hospital staff and your support person.
Breastfeed Early and Often
To get breastfeeding off to a good start, hold baby skin-to-skin and breastfeed as soon as you are able after surgery. If you are feeling groggy, your support person or nurse can help support your baby on your chest and assist with the first breastfeeding in the operating room. Breastfeeding early (within the first hour) and often (8-12 times in 24 hours) will ensure a good milk supply.
Keep your baby close by rooming in and continued skin-to-skin contact. Offer your breast when you notice your baby has early feeding cues.
More Tips for Success
Massage your breasts before and during feedings. This will help your baby get plenty of your amazing colostrum.
Add hand expression sessions between regular feedings at the breast. This stimulates milk production and may bring the mature milk in faster.
Ask for help! A lactation consultant or trained nurse should check baby's latch and your peer counselor can offer additional support.
While breastfeeding after a C-section may present some challenges, being prepared, breastfeeding early and often, and maintaining open communication with hospital staff and support people will set you on the course for success!
SOURCE: https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/breastfeeding-cesarean-birth/