How to Breastfeed After a Cesarean

Breastfeeding after a cesarean birth can be quite challenging. Unlike a vaginal birth, you will have an incision in your belly that needs to heal and will be very sensitive to pressure. You may not be able to climb in and out of the bed as easily to quickly meet your baby's early demands for food. And, you may still be taking pain medications to ease the discomfort. However, by following these steps, you will be able to successfully breastfeed your baby.

Instructions

1

Make sure that you speak with a lactation consultant after delivery. She will be able to show you alternative holds without putting direct pressure on your belly, which will enable you to breastfeed.

2

If you are going to breastfeed while sitting up in your hospital bed, make sure that you use lots of pillows to support the baby and your abdomen while breastfeeding. You want to make sure that you do not strain those muscles or require them to do anything but heal.

3

Allow your partner to practice with the professionals on how to help you position the baby for breastfeeding. He will feel more confident doing this if he has guided help from a lactation consultant.

4

Make sure that you have someone at the hospital and at home with you the first few weeks after birth to help. You may need help getting the baby and positioning him correctly.

5

If you are in a lot of pain, but you still want to breastfeed, you can. Let your doctor know that you plan to breastfeed and he can prescribe pain medication that is safe to take while breastfeeding.

6

Breastfeed your baby frequently. Frequent feedings will bring your milk supply in quicker.

7

Room-in with your baby if you have assistance. You will not be able to get up and down very quickly, but if you have someone there who can assist you, it is a good idea to start learning baby cues.

8

If you had a cesarean because of a premature baby or some other medical complication presents which requires your baby to take formula, make sure that the nursery staff cup feeds instead of bottle feeds. This will help prevent any nipple confusion in the very beginning of your nursing relationship.