I go in for my first c-section on Monday and I more than anything want breastfeeding to work. With DD1 I wanted the same thing and it turned out horribly..so bad that I developed post-partdum anxiety. The nurses in the hospital were so concerned about her weight that they were in my room forcing her on the breast every 2 hours..even if she didn't look hungry. They made me do the syringe technique because she wasnt at their ideal weight. I was young and a first time mother so I did whatever they said. We came home and she immediately had latch issues from the syringe thing..and was scared of my breast because they forced her on it. I remember crying myself to sleep because I thought my breasts should comfort her..not scare her. I pumped for a month and eventually gave up...
Now this time I am prepared in not letting the nurses tell me what to do. I am saying NO to the syringe technique and I plan to do sking to skin immediately after we get to recovery and not put her on my breast until she starts rooting or making sucking noises.
So my questions are: How will my c-section affect my breastfeeding ability. Does anyone out there have any advice for me?? I would love any advice on starting out breastfeeding right..especially after a c-section.
What about phoning the hospital to see if they have an Lactation consultant on staff and if she can come see you in recovery - I know the hospital where my DD1 was born offered this.
Maybe call La Lache (is that what it's called?) and see if they can recommend someone in your area so you're not relying on the hospital staff (same hospital?).
I found the most difficult thing was trying to get comfortable and get sitting upright enough to be able to feed comfortable was my biggest problem for the first 24hrs. once i was able to get out of bed i sat up and fed as much as possible. i also had a breastfeeding pillow which helped comfort wise as it meant i didnt have ds2 weight on my tummy.
I was too drowsy to breastfeed. In recovery, I even forgot for a little while what I was there for! Then back in my room, my mum & Aunt took over & reminded me I actually had to feed Jack. *blush* The first feed was really dodgy as I have flat nipples, and I was still numb from the armpits down. But it got better, even though I had grazed my nipples in the first attempt. I used 2-3 pillows to prop us all up. It's a no-no anyway, but I can imagine the mistake of trying to lean down to your baby (instead of bringing baby up to the breast) would be a bit painful after a c-section!
I did one, maybe two, syringe feeds for Jack but it didn't impact him. It was just to get some fluid in to him & I would have scratched someone's face off if they suggested formula.
I have heard C-sections can (but not always) be associated with delayed arrival of milk. Mine came in late on day 4.
And stay on top of your pain management over the coming days. trying to brave the pain instead of taking a couple of panadol might cause a supply drop from the physical stress. But I think you'll do well. You're asking the right questions & sound determined!
I've BF after 2 sections and am going for my third in a few weeks.
My DD I put on when the MWs told me to. I was clueless. I was stressed about it not working and milk took ages to come in. She was stressed and it was yuck for both of us. But we managed....on our own in the end.
DS I was ready for. No routine feeding for him. As soon as he squawked or got unsettled, I offered him a feed. We're talking every 40 minutes if that's what I thought he needed. Usually he took it. If he didn't want to - no biggie. Yes I copped heaps of "are you feeding him again?!?!" questions, but he's my baby, and with him I shall do as I see fit! Milk came in in under 48 hours. Once your milk comes in, they're fuller for longer and it gets easier.
I made a positive effort to be relaxed. I know, easier said than done and I was as stressed as all geddup that it would be hard again, but I tried really hard to chill out about it. And for me, it worked.
The football hold was easier for him and me post section.
My best advice with Breastfeeding after a c-section (just had my third) is to perservere. Try to be relaxed every time you feed, smile at your baby and drop your shoulders. The other advice is hard to give over a computer - ie latching and holding positions.
I found that my milk didn't come in til day 5 each time, and I never got engorged. Even now my breasts dont get hard between feeds. I also go on the theory in the first 3-4 weeks is that every time my baby makes a noise, I would pop my bb in their mouth. Even if it is comfort sucking it is increasing your supply. If your nipples start hurting (which is possible) get the lanolin equivalent that is available. Oh and I also found these gel breast pads that kept my nipples moist and saved a lot of pain during the time they were getting used to feeding.
Um, I am sure there is other stuff that would be useful, I'll come back if I remember
Get out of bed to BF as soon as possible. I found the awkwardness of trying to get propped up in bed after a c/s too much to be relaxed when breastfeeding. Also if you are in a higher chair and feeling like you need to lean forward to have your feet touch the ground, get something ASAP to put your feet up on so you can lean back a bit. Footstool, phone books, whatever!!
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Would LOVE some advice :)
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