Breastfeeding After Having a Cesarean Birth

Cesarean birth is the surgical removal of the baby through an incision or opening made in the mother's abdomen. Nearly 20-30% of all births are cesarean births. Cesarean births are seldom planned, as a result, parents may experience many feeling including anger, relief, frustration, joy and sadness. Discuss your feeling openly with your doctor, family or friends. It may help to talk with other parents who have had an unplanned cesarean birth. While cesarean birth will not affect your ability to produce milk, pain and weakness may make it necessary to depend upon others for help. If mother or baby need special care, the start of breastfeeding my be delayed.





In the hospital:

• Breastfeed as soon as possible after birth. If the start of breastfeeding is delayed for more than 24-48 hours, begin expressing your milk. Hand express or pump every 2-4 hours during the day and every 4-6 hours at night. Express each breast for 10-15 minutes, switching breasts every 5 minutes. An electric breast pump with a double collection setup that lets you pump both breasts at the same time works best.
• Choose a comfortable position. Use extra pillows to protect the incision and provide support.
• Positions the baby correctly on the breast. You may need help with positioning, turning and burping (babies born by cesarean birth often have more mucus). (see Proper Latch-On)
• Breastfeed on demand whenever the baby seems fussy or hungry. Expect to breastfeed every 1 1/2-3 hours during the day and every 2-3 hours at night. Breastfeed as long as the baby wishes on the first breast before offering the second breast.
• Pain medication may be necessary for several days. Your doctor will order medication that is safe for nursing mothers and babies. To provide pain relief yet limit the effect of the medication on the baby, take the medication 15 minutes before you breastfeed.

At Home:

• Breastfeed on demand or request whenever the baby seems fussy or hungry. Expect to breastfeed every 1 1/2-3 hours during the day and every 2-3 hours at night. While demand or request feeding is recommended, some babies will not demand or ask to eat often enough or feed long enough to support rapid growth. Therefore, during the first 2-4 weeks, if your baby does not actively wake or cry, you may need to watch him for signs of lighter sleep such as sucking movements, sucking sounds or restlessness and offer the breast at those times.
• Keep the baby in the room with you to save time and energy.
• Get plenty of rest. Nap when the baby naps.
• Limit your activity. Avoid heavy lifting, household chores and brisk exercise for 4-6 weeks.

To promote healing and speed recovery:

• Increase the amount of protein (meat, fish, milk, eggs) and fiber (whole grains, raw vegetables) in your diet.
• Drink to satisfy your thirst (approximately 8-10 glasses a day), warm liquids increase bowel and bladder activity.
• Take short, frequent walks, mild exercise increases bowel activity and helps mothers regain their strength.
• Get plenty of rest, limit phone calls and visitors.