Mom’s Daily

This is for MMB’s forum member. All the best, Vivian!

From the American Academy of Family Physician

Effect of Cesarean Delivery

if the infant is put to the breast within the first two hours following delivery, the long-term success rate of lactation is unaffected.21 We recommend that an attempt be made to initiate lactation before the end of the first hour (but no longer than two hours) of birth following cesarean delivery. Positioning may be more difficult because of postoperative pain; using the lateral decubitus position for breastfeeding might be preferable. Pillows may also be used to provide support for the area of incision.

To note : Talk to your baby’s paediatrician first and insist on putting baby to the breast after he/she has done the necessary examination. During c-sec delivery, the paediatrician will be summoned to the OT, waiting to receive the baby the moment the ob-gyn took your baby out. Try to get this instruction in writing, as in a birth plan.

Another site – Childbirth Org

Can I still breastfeed if I had a cesarean?

Certainly you can. It may take some more effort on your part, but do not hesitate to ask for help. Your hospital should have a lactation consultant on hand to help you get started. Start breastfeeding as soon as possible, for some this will be in the recovery room, for others you may have to pump for a sickly baby or to encourage your milk supply. There are different positions that will be helpful to you in breastfeeding after a cesarean, like the football hold, or any other position that keeps the baby off of your incision.

The husband or relative will come in handy during the intial stages. Usually to get the necessary pillows and help to place the baby in place.

From c-caesarean.com

Babies born via c-section may be somewhat drowsy and lethargic, especially if the mother was exposed to anesthetics for a prolonged period of time during labor. This doesn’t mean that breastfeeding won’t be successful, but it can mean that the milk may take a little longer to come in than it would after a vaginal birth. The baby may need some extra encouragement and stimulation in order to stay alert during feedings

Note : With the spinal block, there is less drugs that affects baby. So, just ignore this older theory because in a spinal block, the moment you are given the numbing effect, they will start to take out the baby. Previously, the type of anesthesia was stronger but nowadays, modern this no longer applies. And yes, baby is very, very alert and fresh! No need to struggle through birth canal, right? This is what my godma, a matron in the OT told me. All babies delivered by spinal block (epidural) come out looking very fresh.

Good luck!