Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

At 39 weeks with no effacement or dilation and a large baby, it looks like I'll be having a c-section on 9/4.

I'd really like to hear any tips for successful breastfeeding after a c-section. I'm very disappointed that I have to have a c-section but do not want it to stop me from breastfeeding.

Also any tips at all to help speed my recovery, what supplies to have at home, what to bring to the hospital (for post c-section rather than vaginal).

I do not know anyone (family/friends) that had c-sections so I think what has me most upset about it is the unknown and not having anyone to ask.

Message edited 8/21/2007 2:52:42 PM.

Re: Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

I didn't need anything special after my c-section. Just couldn't do stairs or lift heavy objects. I BFd for 5 weeks, using the "football" hold. They will show you this in the hospital.

Also the boppy was great for BFing.

If you have the baby stay in your room, when youw ant to feed just call and say you want someone to hand you your baby. If you ask for a nurse it can take forever, and baby gets more upset. Anyone at the desk can hand you your baby.

The c-section was not bad, really, and I was all about a natural childbirth!

Re: Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

I had to have an emergency c-section after 30 hours of labor and 2 hours of pushing so I had a double recovery (swollen +incision etc) My only recommendation would be to bring loose fitting pajama/sweatpants if you don't like wearing nightgowns. I was in the hospital gown for the first day and a half until I could take a shower etc but my pajama pants were loose in the waist which helped so I could avoid the incision. I also have been breastfeeding exclusively since giving birth. I did not get to hold my baby right after birth but she was brought to me a few hours after giving birth and latched on like a champion-she has never had formula or anything-you can definitely still be very successful with breastfeeding if you have a c-section. Feel free to FM me with any ?'s. If I remember correctly you are giving birth at St. Charles which is where I delivered so don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Re: Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

I had a c-section on 8/1. The things that helped me were large grannie stye underwear. I developed tape blisters and needed the cotton underwear. The low rise style hits me just at my c-section scar and it hurts. I also have these abdominal pads from cvs. They are less bluky than the peri pads the hospital has. They are nicer to wear. I used them for about 2 weeks after the c-section. The other thing that helped me the most was having a 24 hour baby nurse at my house for the 2 weeks after we came home from the hospital. She left this past Sunday and I am starting to have my c-section pain again. I wrote a reply to some one else - do a search for my name under pregnancy and parenting.

ETA: I have also been breast feeding. Some times I will give DS formula if he wants more than I can give him. My milk supply did not come in right away, but it did come in. I give him 13 to 15 minutes on each side every 2 and a half hours. Every so often (about once a week) he will want more than that at night - so I have given him formula then. Please feel free to FM me. I did not have anyone to ask these things in real life either. The girls on LIF are so helpful and answered every question I had.

Message edited 8/21/2007 3:16:08 PM.

Re: Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

I had a c-section (great experience) and breastfed and supplemeted. I found that the football hold was a PITA to breastfeed, I held the baby accross my stomach and it did not hurt too bad

My advice? Take your pain meds every 4 hours, even if you pain is bearable, have some help at home for 2 weeks, if you can, and TRY to relax the first few weeks

You will be fine, my experience was great, no regrets and I will be scheduling a c-section with #2

Re: Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

I had a scheduled c-section and baby was latched onto me within the hour. He has been EBF from day 1. The boppy wasn't supportive enough in the beginning, I just rolled up pillows.

I had no pain at all.

Re: Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

I had a C-section 2 weeks ago and while I am in alot of pain when walking, breastfeeding was not painful at all once I was sitting down.

Re: Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

After my c-section I told my nurses that I was EBF, so I got a BF pump for my room, so I was able to pump and give it to the nurses, in the beginning you wont be pumping a lot of milk out, but what ever you get out they will save in a syringe and give it to the baby through a bottle nipple. Julia was in NICU for a few days that's why I had to do it that way, but if your baby is in your room with you, you can just feed her when ever she is hungry and that will build up your supply. Bring a boppy pillow with you that will help with the feedings and make you feel comfortable!

I would see how the pumping goes in the hospital first and ask a LC which pump would be better for you!

Good luck!

Message edited 8/21/2007 6:55:28 PM.

Re: Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

I had a c-section and have been successfuly BF'ing for 9 weeks now. The football hold and the crossover hold both worked perfectly for me, and the boppy pillow is a lifesaver. The biggest problem I had was not being able to move around so every time they brought me my baby trying to sit up straight was excruciating. Just take it easy after the c-section and everything should be fine.

Re: Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

I had a c-section and had no problem BFing. They brought DD to me the next morning (about 8 or so hours after she was born) and I began BFing then w/ no problems. I did the football hold and cradle and always used the Boppy.
Good luck!

Re: Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

There's really no reason that a c-section should prevent you from BFing. As a PP stated, definitely bring your boppy to the hospital. Also get some lansinol and breast pads. Take your pain medication! (It's OK to nurse on it.) As soon as you get your baby, try to BF.

If you run into trouble, work with the LC and nurses on staff. If they are not helpful, come back on here and someone should be able to recommend an LC that helped them out. The problems that I encountered BFing had nothing to do with the section and I could not have worked through them without professional assistance. (I'm not saying that I didn't encounter pain and discomfort from the section. It just didn't impact my BFing.) And I am proud to say that I have now been BFing for almost 4 months and going strong.

Re: Questons for C-Section Moms that Breastfeed

I didnt have any problems with BF and a c-section. The incision was along my pubic line and I held the baby tummy to tummy for BF in the hospital. A boppy helps a lot - definitely bring one. It was a little tough to sit up in bed those first few days, but BF wasnt affected by my having had a c-section.

re: underwear - the hospital gave me some disposable ones that were great. I wore granny panties when I came home and I SLATHERED my incision with ointment. I healed quickly and felt fine leaving the hospital.