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Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Infant feeding

Latching and Feeding Positions post C-section - help

13 replies

Snozwanger · 31/12/2013 12:18

I've been struggling to get my newborn to latch (he's nine days old now) following an emergency c-section. Baby also had jaundice so was very unresponsive.

I struggle holding him in cross cradle as the MWs and support workers suggest and feel I'm just fighting with him/he's getting distressed. Has anyone found their own way to get comfortable and get baby latched?

Cup feeding EBM to him at the moment is killing me as scared I'll choke him. I really want to get him in the breast but feel so hopeless. Just can't see a solution in sight despite everyone's help

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leonardofquirm · 31/12/2013 12:26

Do you have a pillow or something to suppost him a bit so you don't have to hold him so much IYSWIM? I think I had DS1 on a pile of pillows at first, but eventually got a Widgey pillow.

I have not tried it but a lot of people recomment 'biological nurturing' to help babies learn to latch, might be worth a google.

It must be so much work expressing too!

Hope it gets easier soon, and congratulations on new baby :)

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leonardofquirm · 31/12/2013 12:26

*support

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Twinsplusonesurprise · 31/12/2013 12:31

I sat on my bed, supported myself with pillows and laid DS on another pillow on my lap. After a little bit of practise we soon got the hang of it and was fine within few days.
Well done for perseverance, it does get easier - promise.

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Snozwanger · 31/12/2013 15:27

Thanks for the tips. I have a bf pillow to support my arms. I guess I haven't felt quite comfortable with cross cradle which is what everyone teaches you. Cradle hold worked much better this morning and he did seem to suck for a while.

We've been having more skin to skin and bf attempts today.

I had to admit to DH last night that I didn't feel I know what I'm meant to be as a mum. I've been home 5 and a half days and struggled to adjust to having a little person dependent on me. I felt a bit claustrophobic. He doesn't understand how I hadn't slipped automatically into mum mode. Trying to make a better effort today to define the 'new me' and what I should be doing each day.

Being a mum was everything I wanted, I hated my job which I'll never go back to and now motherhood has arrived I feel so confused.

Hadn't realised how much of an adjustment it would be.

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lilacjellybean · 31/12/2013 15:38

It's so overwhelming in those first few weeks especially after a difficult delivery. Do you have any friends or family that could give you some practical support? Especially other women who've been there. I've also heard the rugby ball hold is supposed to be more comfortable if you've had a c-section.
Hang on in there, it does get better

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milkfromthesleepycow · 31/12/2013 15:43

had a csection and the rugby ball position was all we used for weeks. use as many pillows as you need to to get baby high enough to make it comfortable. REST as much as possible for at least 2weeks- dont do anything but babycare. And dont forget to hold your scar when you cough or sneeze!

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Sunflower1985 · 31/12/2013 20:57

Emcs here. I don't think the first weeks are easy for anyone but this certainly doesn't help. I found it a total guilt trip, and the longer stay in hospital stress inducing.

I'd recommend mixing it up position wise. Don't be afraid to try weird angles, just point in between their eyes to nipple, smoosh them in close and allow them to tilt their head back to find the nipple.

You may be only comfortable feeding in a cushion fort or using a complicated sling pulley system for now, but it rapidly changes then you're back to square one

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Ditsy79 · 01/01/2014 10:53

I had an EMCS, and struggled with the cross-cradle and cradle holds. Then a peer supporter helped me get DD latched on in the rugby ball position - it was a godsend. Much less strain on your CS scar and arms. I use a feeding pillow to support her. She is now 5mo, and we still mainly use the rugby ball position (mind you, it makes feeding her anywhere other than at home a bit of a faff).

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Snozwanger · 01/01/2014 12:04

Thanks for the advice ladies. He's not been interested the set few tries but will persevere today. MW is due tomorrow and suspect she'll tell me to stop cup feeding him.

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mumnosbest · 05/01/2014 03:44

Hope things are a little easier now. You sound just like me with dc1. I've had 3 CS now and I found either a pile of cushions arrange around me in a V shape or laying on my side worked best.

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BelleOfTheBorstal · 05/01/2014 04:08

After my c-section, the best position I found was leaning/lying backwards, with dd lying on my torso. She was a large baby though.
Don't be afraid to try things out.

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NickyEds · 05/01/2014 04:29

Try rugby ball with DS in just a vest and you with no top on-saved me when I couldn't get DS to latch on-he's only 14 days so not too much older. Rugby ball meant to be good for small babies, big boobs and sections- probably worth a try.
I've had contradicting advice re cup feeding. DS is tongue tied so BF really hard and DS started to loose a bit of weight- had one MW say to cup feed formula to top up and another said to bottle feed ebm??? In the end BF till he pulls away or falls asleep then top up with a tiny bottle feed- sort of working until Tt is snipped on monday then re assess.