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Infant feeding

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

BF after a c-sec. Will it be hard?

28 replies

StormInaCCup · 10/03/2011 10:22

I am not due for another 12 weeks but already looking forward to giving BF a good go. I am having an elective c-sec though and presumably might find it difficult?

Can you give me any advice on how to establish feeding and continue with it in the first few difficult weeks when I will be recovering from the op.

Thanks.

OP posts:
hophophippidtyhop · 10/03/2011 10:59

I breast fed both of my dd's after a c section, one under GA and 1 under local. Persevere in offering the breast frequently. Get someone to show you how to hand express, my dd's were a bit slow to catch on, and I had to hand express and give some in a syringe, just 20 mls or so, but it fed them whilst they were learning. I found a v shape pillow invaluable for comfort too. It took about a week for dd1 to start feeding well, 4 days for dd2. I was determined not to give up, which helped with dd1 when I was sat there early hours of the morning crying my eyes out because I had to use a syringe. If you have large breasts, it really helps if you hold the one you are using, like holding a bread roll before you go to take a bite? Ie; squashing it a bit oval in shape. I'm sure there will be others with more advice!

lexxity · 10/03/2011 11:08

I've had 2 sections and successfully bf both of them. Make the most of having help on hand whilst you're in hospital. Your hospital might have a counsellor on call. It took about 2 weeks with DS1 and three days with DS2.

ladybirdlittle · 10/03/2011 11:35

I found it was good to have lots of cushions behind me on the sofa, as if you lean back it is hard to sit up again!

gloyw · 10/03/2011 12:04

A V shaped cushion (John Lewis do a perfect one) is very helpful for propping you up afterwards. A small soft cushion to protect your scar is a good idea - I just used a long one from IKEA, which turned out to be ideal for plonking DS on.

Another must have is a large water bottle with a flip top, or sports cap type top (that goes for all BF-ers, C section or not). Basically one you can leave on its side on a bed without leaking. You get so thirsty BF-ing, and if you find it hard to get out of bed or lean and reach etc, then it's so helpful to have one large bottle to hand next to you. Really important for hospital, where (a) the cups are the size of thimbles, and (b) you don't want to have to flag down a busy MW everytime you want a drink.

I BF-ed fine after my elective CS. Remember that generalising about how hard it is to BF after a Csection doesn't take into account the difference between emergency C sections, where there is often a poorly baby, or a baby in distress, and electives, where the baby is well at birth. A baby that is born with difficulties will have a harder start BF-ing, especially if they spend time in a SCBU, not on top of their mum to start with. There's no reason that should be the case for you, if your baby is expected to be well.

And with an elective C section, you won't be exhausted after a long labour when your baby arrives and needs feeding. I felt I had a huge advantage there over friends who'd had emergency CS's AND long labours and instrumental deliveries.

Get skin to skin contact as soon as you can after the op. Some women get that in the operating theatre - I had it in the recovery room, so about 15 mins after DS was born. I just stuffed him down the front of my gown and kept him there as much as possible. It's where your DC will want to be, and keeping them right next to your boobs is the best thing you can do.

I made sure I squeezed my nipple to get a little colostrum out, plonked DS on my boob (I was semi reclining in the hospital bed), and rubbed it on his lips. This seemed to perk him up, he started rooting and head bobbing, so I waited til his mouth opened, got a good mouthful of nipple and aureole in, and he got on with it.

I think keeping him with me a lot really helped, with hindsight. It sounds obvious, but MWs kept offering to put him in his cot, and I said no because I couldn't, in the first 24 hours, get him out myself. He spent so much time on me, feeding whenever I waved a boob under his nose, he got the hang of it better than if he'd been on and off me, IYSWIM. I think the more a baby is away from you, the more it sets up the expectation of distinct 'feeds' - people offer to bring you the baby for a feed, and then take them away when they are done. And most newborns want to feed so little but so frequently, I don't think that helps. They'd be on and off you like a yo-yo if you truly worked round 'feeds' in the first few days!

There was much talk of rugby ball holds and feeding lying down as well, and I never managed either of them. I'd love to feed lying down, but found it knackered my back and I was much better off sitting up. So just do whatever is comfortable for you and works. I really worried about the rugby ball hold for days - no need.

jandmmum · 10/03/2011 13:28

both my dcs were emergency c sections (dc2 should have been planned but went into labour early). don't know if this makes a difference due to hormones. Physically for me the first 24-48 hours were the hardest being barely able to move initially. Therefore you'll need lots of help with having the baby passed to you and then put down so you can rest. My biggest problem in those first couple of days was that dd was so sleepy and the mws so busy that although I kept asking they kept telling me to let her sleep so she hardly fed until the following evening (she was born at midnight) at a point when I was knackered having been awake over 36 hours. so my advice would be to insist on trying to feed more frequently (wished I'd been more assertive), keep the call button in easy reach and don't be afraid to use it. Also good idea above about water and pillows. Good luck.

agirlcalledvicky · 10/03/2011 14:43

I had an emergency c section and am still BF at 7 months. The midwives were brill at the hospital and as soon as DS was born popped him into my hospital gown for skin-to-skin contact and he was on the boob as soon as I was back in the ward. I found propping myself up with loads of pillows and holding my boob and sqeezing a bit of colostrum out he got the hang this pretty quickly. We did have a set back as he spent a few days in Special Care Unit tube fed but I pumped for England and I think that also helped set up a good milk supply. You absolutely HAVE to ask for lots of help lifting baby out and getting you pillows and drinks etc. The best advice I got was to take to bed naked with your baby for the first week and feed lots. Enjoy!

StormInaCCup · 10/03/2011 16:28

You lot are brilliant. Thanks for all the great advice:

Large waterbottle with sports cap - stay hydrated!
V shaped pillow
Don't worry about using the call button in hospital
Bfeeding councillor if available
As much skin to skin as possible from birth
'Tempt' baby using a bit of colostrum
As much feeding as possible early on

And persevere!

Hope i've remembered everything. Am going to save that list on my phone to refer to. As I said, it is a planned c-sec (unless baby puts in an early appearance) so hopefully I won't be too tired or distressed to give it a good go from the off.

Thanks again! I love Mumsnet Grin

OP posts:
agirlcalledvicky · 10/03/2011 16:34

I had an emergency c section and am still BF at 7 months. The midwives were brill at the hospital and as soon as DS was born popped him into my hospital gown for skin-to-skin contact and he was on the boob as soon as I was back in the ward. I found propping myself up with loads of pillows and holding my boob and sqeezing a bit of colostrum out he got the hang this pretty quickly. We did have a set back as he spent a few days in Special Care Unit tube fed but I pumped for England and I think that also helped set up a good milk supply. You absolutely HAVE to ask for lots of help lifting baby out and getting you pillows and drinks etc. The best advice I got was to take to bed naked with your baby for the first week and feed lots. Enjoy!

tiredfeet · 10/03/2011 16:35

I did all my feeds lyingd down for the first few weeks, ds was really heavy and I found it really uncomfortable sitting up. The midwives showed dh how to get ds positioned for me while I was in hospital. I then found the rugby ball hold really helpful till I felt a bit stronger.

And yes, use the call button as much as you need!

Good luck with it all [smile[

attachedmummy · 10/03/2011 16:48

I had a premature baby @34 weeks by emergency section. He is 7mo now and we are still going strong. It's definately possible, although it take a lot of determination.

xxx

BalloonSlayer · 10/03/2011 17:03

Lots of good advice on here.

I have had 3 c-sections and have BF all with no problems, didn't have to lie down or do anything special. Obviously I don't have a VB to compare it to, but I don't think I would have found it any easier.

That is not meant to belittle any problems others have had BF after C-section, just to say that it is possible to have no problems whatsoever. (Or that people who have VBs sometimes have problems too)

  • another thing I would add to your list - ask for one of those cots that clip on the side of the bed. They don't always have one for every new mother, but they normally prioritise them for people who have had c-sections or otherwise can't move about easily.
japhrimel · 10/03/2011 17:16

I'd really consider whether you need extra morphine post-op as it makes a lot of people really sleepy. I refused it as my DD was in scbu amd I wanted to get up there and by day 2, codeine/paracetamol/ibuprofen was enough if I was careful.

Bunnyleroux · 10/03/2011 17:25

Still bf at 1 year after c sec. It can be done. Good luck!

ShowOfHands · 10/03/2011 17:32

Absolutely no reason why you can't manage to bf after a section. Milk sometimes takes a wee bit longer to come in but you'll have colostrum.

I bfed dd exclusively for 6 months and then until 3.5yrs alongside solids. No problems at all. Rugby hold was easiest at first but I found bfing no more difficult than people who had normal deliveries (I had an emcs after a very long and traumatic labour).

gateacre1 · 10/03/2011 17:42

take some lansiloh too
I had an elcs 9 weeks ago, I fed dd2 as soon as I was back in recovery
her latch was a bit iffy the first day so I ended up with bruised nipples
I just kept the curtains closed and let my boobs get lots of air, which helped
I am lucky that my milk comes in quite quickly
good luck

NurseyManisha · 10/03/2011 18:18

I had an emergency c-section under spinal after two ineffective epidurals. After babies dad held her first she was wrapped up and placed on me whilst I was still in theatre. It was not long I must say until i was in the recovery room whereby she was just in her nappy, she was then placed under my gown for skin on skin contact. I had read before that you should try to feed within an hour but after asking advice the midwife said she would route for the breast herself. Much to my delight and astonishment she did and very quickly. She was close to my nipple very quickly and I then just supported that. I unfortunatly have back and hip problems which means I can get uncomfortable in one position let alone having just had a c-section under spinal thus no use in my legs. My baby is 4 weeks old and I'm still breastfeeding and will continue for ever more. I didn't panic that I must do it in one position or another rather we changed positions depending on how I felt and it really worked as she will still feed now in different positions. I didn't do so well with the rugby position mind more because of my back though. I found that whilst i was in hospital I couldn't pick her up from the cot when she cried so she slept with me (I know not advised but I didn't really sleep as I was watching her in delight constantly and it helped me and I was confident to do so). The hospital were brilliant in supporting breastfeeding. On occassions we had some latching problems but support helped. You have to remember you are both learning together. I was worried she didn't really wake for feeds but again support from the midwife put my mind at ease. They advised that when a baby is born they are not designed to have a bottle or a large quantity of milk. A bottlefed baby is almost forced to take more whereas a breastfed baby only needs a teaspoon full each time as that's all their tummy is really designed to tolerate each time hence the difference in gut motility etc. They also said the collostrum is so highly concentrated that's all they need for the 3 to 4 days that it takes for your hind milk to develop. As my confidence grew I sought advice or reassurement that I was doing it right each time the mw came around. They are there to iron out any concerns. The mw that came to my home were also good in that they watched me feed and helped with minor latching problems. She would feed well but on occassions you could hear different sounds which were explained. My foremilk flows quickly and she would sometimes make sounds which meant it was far too quick and she would bot necessarily stop herself so I put my little finger as advised in the corner of her mouth to stop her and start again. I did the same when I heard a clicking noise which meant she was sucking the nipple only rather than part of the areola too. This helped me to ensure she was getting good feeds by listening to ensure she is doing it right. I was also aware that she was still getting milk regardless but her doing it wrong in terms of the second noise meant my nipples would simply become very sore and that's when I guess some may find it hard to continue and stop. I found that using those simple measures meant she feeds beautifully. I will say it can be done after c-section and good luck. You develop a bond like you wouldn't believe and I love it.

WillYouDoTheDangFanjo · 10/03/2011 19:05

Lots of great advice on here.

I bf both of mine, both elective sections.

I let the baby wriggle onto the nipple both times - a very enlightened midwife showed me this in the recovery room first time round by putting the baby face down on my chest quite close to but not on the nipple. Babies kind of squirm about looking for the nipple. Apparently giving them a bit of time to root like this awakens instincts & helps get the ball rolling. Then a with a bit of a nudge from someone they get the nipple in their mouth, might need a bit of help latching on then. My 1st got it straight away, my 2nd didn't root right away as he was a bit sleepy but I just kept him skin to skin and after about 20 minutes something kicked in and he started rooting urgently! It's amazing to see a newborn working so hard like that. After that of course I just lifted then to the breast each time.

In the early days at home without the benefit of hospital's electric whizzy lifting bed, I found sitting up in bed quite sore. I would often feed with the baby on a pillow on the dining table while I sat in a dining chair, that way there's no weight at all on your tummy & your back is well supported.

Finally, I want to talk to you about wind and constipation. You will likely have a lot of wind & need to guard against the former. Breastfeeding can lead to even more sitting for ages. As soon as you are able, try to be up & about little & often to keep things moving. Sounds insignificant in the grand scheme I know, but I wish someone had told me before my first - will spare you the details! Take some prunes & apricots

WillYouDoTheDangFanjo · 10/03/2011 19:10

Sorry last bit didn't make sense, hit post instead of preview! Basically, avoid getting constipated with gentle movement & good diet. The wind can be quite alarming, I had pain in my shoulder blades from it! Peppermint water helps, as does moving. You'll be shown some physio in hospital. I found the pelvic tilt exercise great for shifting wind!

Good luck!

gloyw · 10/03/2011 20:51

Trapped wind after a C section - I found peppermint oil capsules amazing. I got them from Holland and Barrett, I guess most health food shops would have them (chemists? never seen them, maybe you have to ask).

I keep them now for general domestic use - they get rid of painful wind very quickly, and give you lovely minty burps!

summerfreckles · 10/03/2011 21:17

I had an emergency C section and had a lot of trouble breastfeeding little one as we had so much drugs in our system.
A friend told me about La Leche League for BF advice- www.llli.org/

You can phone their helpline ( volunteering mums) and speak to someone and get help and advice on breast feeding.
I tell all my friends about LLL now, they were amazing in helping me. Without them I would have given up the BF.

I would phone them now and get lots of advice on preparing to BBF after your Csection.

summerfreckles · 10/03/2011 21:19

PS-
i also used the 'wriggle method' WillYouDoTheDangFanjo is describing- you must try it, it is the loviest way to get your baby latched on if you are having trouble.

Ragwort · 10/03/2011 21:24

I also found it difficult to establish breastfeeding after an EMCS - I was not allowed to go home as my DS wasn't putting on any weight; tried expressing etc and it was all very difficult. The hospital was so pro-breastfeeding that they wouldn't allow us to give DS a bottle - meanwhile he was losing weight - eventually DH had to shout and be very assertive and insist that we could give DS a bottle - once he had gained a little weight we were then 'allowed' home and then I found I relaxed and was able to get on with the breast feeding.

Obviously looking back on the situation we should have been more assertive from the start but you can be rather over-awed by all the 'experts'. DS was also born with a serious health problem and I later read something that explained that an EMCS and stress about the baby's health can lead to difficulties in getting going with breast feeding.

Hope this is not too negative, you have been given plenty of good advice, just wanted to give another point of view. Smile.

tiredfeet · 12/03/2011 19:46

Baby on table idea is inspired! Will remember that one if I have to have a c-section next time

yama · 12/03/2011 19:52

I bf both of mine after elcs.

Best piece of advice I was ever given was to take baby off if it is painful and re-latch.

All I need now is advice as to how to get dc2 to take bottle as he is 7 months old and I wouldn't mind a break.

JudysDreamHorse · 12/03/2011 20:13

I am still breast feeding my DS at 5 months after an ELCS. I was really worried about it but it was ok in the end.
One thing I had read on MN and happened with us was that he was really mucousy after the birth. I had skin to skin as soon as possible and he did feed once within the first hour but we struggled for a day after that. Basically he was keen to latch on and I had plenty of colostrum (something else I had worried about) but due to the mucous he would have trouble breathing and come off crying. After a day I hand expressed for a syringe feed and then used an electric pump for a cup feed. The mucous cleared after about 24 hours and we got on ok after that (it didn't happen to us but apparently they can cough up gunk - it apparently gets squeezed out in the birth canal during a vaginal birth).
We stayed in hospital for 2 days until feeding was established and I actually think it meant I got on better than some friends who were discharged earlier as I had lots of help from the midwives. Definitely don't be afraid to ring the bell to get them to help you to establish the latch and learning how to feed lying down is a good idea too. Hope it goes well for you too.