Breastfeeding after csection?

Yep.

The breastmilk production is basically triggered by the removal of the baby - your body knows that this has happened & hormones start changing (it's a lot more complicated than this - but this is the super basic summary).

I had a c-section (semi-planned - we had to pretend we were trying it naturally first so my insurance would pay, but my doc knew it would be a c-section) & my milk came right on time (well - colostrum at first, then milk). Of course my son had no interest in latching on - but the milk was there!!

And there should be a breast-feeding expert available at your hospital to help with any questions & to show you what to do :)

Of course you will be able to breastfeed.

What triggers milk production is the separation of the placenta, not the process of pushing a baby through your vagina.

There are a few issues that may make nursing a bit more challenging though, so you should be aware of them.

1. Baby will probably be taken away to the NICU soon after birth (especially if he's a premie or there are medical issues making the early c-section necessary), so you probably won't be able to breastfeed immediately. You probaby also won't be able to room in.

2. When baby is brought for feeding the incision will make it uncomfortable to hold the baby.

3. A few mothers report that the milk comes in a bit later after a c-section (5-7 days vs. the usual 3-5 days.) Whether this is due to the delay in initial breastfeeding, or less frequent feeding, or something else, I'm not sure.

But none of these problems are insurmountable. Be sure that everyone knows that you WILL be breastfeeding, and you don't want baby to be given any bottles. (If it's necessary to supplement for some reason, the milk can be given without using a bottle.)

Don't let anyone tell you that you should let the nurses give night-time bottles so you can rest. Those night feeds ARE important, and you can rest while you nurse.

Don't be afraid to take any necessary pain meds. They won't harm your baby, but tension and pain can inhibit let-down and make you want to nurse less often.

The hospital LC can help you with positioning the baby to reduce pressure on the incision.

I've had a natural birth and a c-section. And both my boys are or have been breastfed with no problems whatsoever. The method of giving birth does not affect your ability to breastfeed at all.

Don't be worried if it takes you a day or two before the milk comes. It can take as many as two days for your breasts to lactate enough to feed a child. This holds for every mother, c-section or not.

Good luck

Yes you can. Sometimes it does take a little bit longer for the initial colostrum and milk to come but as long as you keep initiating the latch cycle it will come.

Yes. Personally, I found it took a little bit longer to establish breast feeding initially, but it's fine.

best idea ever!! avoid narcotic meds, treat pain with advil or Tylenol, eat a healthy balanced diet, drink lotsa water, wear a bra that fits well, let babe feed on demand, offer a pacifier for extra suckling time, stay in contact with your lactation consultant as needed, order a pump & supplies from your insurance company, and relax so you can enjoy parenthood.