Successful breastfeeding second time round?

[ToInfinity]

I am going in to hospital for an elective c-section tomorrow!

When I had DS 5 years ago (also an ELCS) I was not able to breastfeed for long. We ended up going back into hospital on day 3 as DS had lost almost 20% of his birth weight. The hospital started us on a regime of frequent and long feeds, expressing, topping up with formula etc, but I never seemed to make enough milk. My breasts never got bigger, or felt full, and when I finally switched to formula after 4 weeks there was no pain at all.

So I was just wondering if anyone had been unable to feel DC1 but had more success with DC2? Or any general post c section breastfeeding tips?

Just to say I am totally not worried if we ended up using formula again, was a lifesaver the first time, but I'd like to know I gave breasted get a good solid go!

[Trulyamnearanear]

I'm currently trying to establish bf with dc2. Can't say it's successful as yet but things I've improved on from dc1 (emcs) are to feed frequently as soon as possible. Dc1 was very sleepy to begin with and I let him sleep, which in hindsight didn't help kickstart my milk. Also I kept him too warm so he was very sleepy feeding. Staying calm was important. Getting help from midwives early on.

[Trulyamnearanear]

Oh and learn to feed lying down ASAP. Although this depends on anatomy.

[FatOldBag]

Dd was a pain in the arse to breastfeed. Not interested, too sleepy, couldn't latch, had to use nipple shields to help her latch on. She finally got the hang of it (or we both did) after a few weeks and it was easy after that. 2nd baby was c-sec. As soon as they got him out he started sucking the blanket! Popped him on the boob and he just went for it, really easy! Tips are just find a position that comfy for you, so loads of cushions to get baby to the right height, cushion across your tummy to protect it or support it if you feel that helps. Try bf lying down if you can. Good luck, hope it goes awesome this time. xx

[Champers4Pampers]

I had a tough birth with DS and he never took to BF, i could never get him to latch, I put it down to him having a sore neck after forceps were used to rotate him. I blamed myself resulting in PND.

I wanted to BF my next baby but I wasn't going to give myself such a hard time about it. If it wasn't going to work I would just move on to FF.

DDs birth wasn't as traumatic. She took to BF instantly, don't get me wrong it was still hard work but a different experience completely. Ended up EBF for 6 months. X

[ToInfinity]

Thanks so much ladies, this gives me hope!!
I'm memorising all these top tips!