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 sure your doctor is aware you plan to breastfeed so they can choose medications and pain relief that are safe for breastfeeding. Any medications given during labor, whether cesarean or vaginal, can cause your newborn to be drowsy. If your baby is very drowsy, they may get off to a slow start with nursing.
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. 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. Breastfeeding early and often can ensure a good milk supply and colostrum is perfect for newborns.
You will have some pain near your incision, so the usual cradle hold is not ideal after a cesarean. The side-lying or football hold positions will be much more comfortable! Ask for help from a lactation consultant to check baby's latch and reach out to your peer counselor for additional support.
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 and aim for 8-12 feedings in 24 hours. Massage your breasts before and during feedings. This will help your baby get plenty of your amazing colostrum.
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 when determining weight loss.
For more information about breastfeeding during your hospital stay, click here.
SOURCE: https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/breastfeeding-cesarean-birth/