Breastfeeding and C-Sections

By Sierra Vickerman 

This article is for mothers (partners and/or supports of mothers) who have had or are going to have a caesarean section, and who plan to breastfeed their babies.

New mothers will sometimes have a difficult time establishing breastfeeding with their babies; add the pain and discomfort of a C-section to this and breastfeeding can become even more challenging. Without the proper support and knowledge there are many mothers who might give up on the idea of nursing their babies.

One of the most immediate factors in successful breastfeeding is early contact between mother and baby. While some mothers are able to hold and bond with their baby immediately after a caesarean, others might be sent to recovery alone where it can be hours before they get to hold their baby. In some cases this is unavoidable (such as if a mother had to be given anaesthesia) but in other situations the mother/father/support person should insist that mom and baby be together. Not only is this important in helping to establish good breastfeeding techniques, but the closeness of mother and baby also plays a vital role in bonding and hormonal changes that can lower the mother's risk of post-partum depression (a risk that rises with C-sections, especially unplanned ones). If the mother and baby are unable to be together immediately following birth, then the father and/or support person should insist that baby not be given any bottles and wait until the mother is able to nurse. If the length of time is going to be longer than a few hours, then the baby can be given an alternative but be fed out of a small medicine cup or dropper (so as to avoid nipple confusion). As soon as mother and baby are able to be together they should have skin to skin contact and should attempt breastfeeding.

The pain after a C-section can present further difficulties for the mother while breastfeeding. Many nurses recommend the "football hold" (where baby is held at the side like a football) so the baby is not putting any pressure onto the incision. Another recommended position is for the mother to lie on her side facing the baby. Unfortunately this position can be very uncomfortable for the mother to get into and can put extra pressure on the incision when everything moves sideways. One of the most natural positions is having the baby lay across the mother's belly. Usually the mother can support most of the baby's weight with her arms and can prop up her elbows with pillows to assist in keeping the baby's weight off the belly.

The pain from C-sections often effects more than just breastfeeding positions. New babies wake up frequently and a mother who has just had a C-section may have difficulty getting out of bed to tend to their baby's needs. If sleeping with a partner it is easier for the mother to roll onto her side, and using her partner's assistance, push out of bed using as few abdominal muscles as possible rather than to try and sit up on her own. If the baby is down low in a crib or bassinet it is a good idea for the partner or another person to lean over and get baby and then hand the baby to the mother. Another way to avoid some of the pain of trying to sit up is by sleeping in a recliner (if available) so that the chair does most of the work to get the mother to a sitting position.

Overall, there are a number of difficulties that mothers may potentially face when establishing breastfeeding after a C-section, but with the right information and support successful breastfeeding can occur.

S Vickerman

Article Source: Breastfeeding and C-Sections