Breastfeeding After C-Section – A Guide for New Moms

Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it comes natural to everyone.  There can be a bit of a learning curve for new mom and baby alike, and adding a caesarean to the mix sure doesn’t remove any stress.  Increase your chances of having a positive experience with the tips I’ve compiled for successfully breastfeeding after a c-section.

1. Plan Ahead

When I was pregnant with my oldest son, Nikolas, I read a handful of books and attended several classes.  It was in my birthing class that I was introduced to a lactation consultant and she discussed the benefits of planning for the worst in advance. 

While I never once really considered that I would have to undergo a c-section, the consultant convinced me to put my wishes about breastfeeding into writing. Having my wishes to breastfeed on paper ahead of time would help give some direction to hospital staff about my intentions to breastfeed, as well as remind myself and my husband of what to do in the midst of the sheer exhaustion that comes with any labor.

Thankfully, our birth plan included a blurb on what should be done in the event of a surgical intervention. My lactation consultant was “on call” to be there for me after the birth and offer any support I might need. And I needed support! She and my husband became a two-man team, ensuring my son was not given a bottle, or anything else that we had not agreed upon.  My lactation consultant even brought my son to the recovery room so that I could nurse him as soon as possible. In the end, I’m so glad I listened to the advice to make a plan.

2. Have a Support System

I was lucky enough to have a great support system when I had my children. A spouse and a group of like-minded friends were one of the biggest factors in my breastfeeding success. I consulted a lactation consultant during my pregnancies and for any questions throughout my breastfeeding experiences.

My husband provided regular encouragement. Attending weekly meetings through the La Leche League (LLL) provided me with a routine dose of support. LLL meetings aren’t far off from meeting a group of girlfriends for coffee; we shared our stories, asked questions, let the kids socialize and (my personal favorite)…we got to relax! I have even had these ladies pick me up for meetings when I have not been able to drive!

3. Slings Make Things Easier

And don’t think support has to end at words of encouragement; enlist your family and friends for help! If you are recovering from a c-section, you’ll want to rest and recover. Take time off from your chores and heavy lifting so you can save your energy for bonding with your new bundle.

Have someone else hand you the baby, saving you from lifting. Try babywearing to help relieve some of the burden of carrying a growing baby everywhere. I found that wearing a sling or wrap helped to distribute the weight, as well as provide the perfect height (and a touch of privacy) for easy nursing—even while walking around or doing chores! In the photo, you can see me carrying my youngest son in a sling (and hands free, I might add). It’s the perfect position to gain easy access to my breast whenever he’s hungry.

4. Play with Positions

Simply switching positions can make all the difference in the success (not to mention comfort) of your breastfeeding experience. Find a way to relieve pressure on your incision by placing a pillow between you and the baby (there are specialty pillows designed for breastfeeding, though I found a simple, firm pillow worked just fine).

Try using the football hold, and if that doesn’t work for you, try the cradle hold as suggested by fellow c-section and breastfeeding mom, Breanna. She explains holding an infant with “the head at one breast and their feet towards the other. I never felt comfortable with the football hold, even though it would of helped them not sit on my scar.” For some additional hold suggestions and visuals, check out the Breastmilk Counts website. They offer an assortment of photos illustrating multiple positions, giving you a variety to choose from or just switch between.

When all else failed, and I was too tired or sore to manipulate my body into a position named after a sport or piece of furniture, I found success in laziness.  I would lay on my side while my son laid next to me and nursed away.  Having the opportunity to nap or take a small rest was just a side benefit! Check out some of the ways to enjoy Laidback Breastfeeding. Personally, I found these positions to be more comfortable while recovering from surgery.

5. Understand You Are Not Alone

The idea of another life relying on you for nutrition can be daunting enough, but add a major surgery to that and you’ve got a recipe for stress. Before walking away from the challenge, give yourself a chance to accept it. Realizing you are not the only one facing such difficulty may provide the comfort you need to give breastfeeding a try.

In the end, the decision to breastfeed in the midst of recovering from a c-section is a personal decision that only a mother can make. While I do believe that old, cliche saying, “Breast is Best,” I encourage you to do your own research and do the best you can in whatever decision that you make.

Did you breastfeed after a c-section?  Are you planning ahead in case you have one?

{I am not, and do not claim to be a medical professional. I write based on my personal experience and research. Please contact a medical professional before making any decisions that could impact your health. As a reader, you must be responsible for your own research and actions.}

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Krystyna is a city girl gone country and natural living enthusiast passionate about sharing her homesteading experience with others. Marine Corps Veteran and homeschooling mother of two active boys, Krystyna stays busy helping her husband (and best friend!) with the daily demands of life on the farm. Be sure to check out Krystyna’s blog. You can also follow her on facebook and twitter.