possible to BF sitting up following ELCS?

[smk84]

I am currently weighing up whether to go for CS or natural birth with DS2 (due to third degree tear with DS and risk of incontinence). One of my main worries about CS is not being able to get in the right position for BF. With DS, I always had to feed sitting up, as nothing else felt comfy, and was just wondering if the pain of a CS scar would stop me doing this? Thanks :)

I managed sitting up with no issue after an EMCS while in hospital (narrow beds - good drugs) and once home sitting up but in rugby hold on a pillow - mainly due to boob size rather than because he was painful on my lap though.

I managed ok too, fed lying down at night too, or just when I wanted to have a lie down! A pillow on the lap can be quite helpful though.

The pain of the scar shouldnt be an issue, as you can put a pillow over the scar or prevent it coming into contact with the baby.

Sitting up can be done, though when I was in hospital I found it easier to get into a sitting position by gripping onto the metal headboard and using my arms to pull myself up (as my arms didnt hurt).

I managed with all 3 of my CS's, my third I used the pull rope in the post delivery to haul my numb --fat- arse into sitting for our first feed.

I know everyone is different but I really did have a chat with myself over having surgery and made sure I rested when I could.
I also found feeding DD3 with her lying fat on the bed and me leaning over her, propped up on my elbow quite easy.

Found the act of getting to a sitting up position not hugely comfy but not painful, but managed to feed just fine.

I sat up to breastfeed - used the clever adjustable bed to get me sat up but with bent knees supported.

I'd quite like one of those beds at home! Was certainly the most comfortable I'd been since about 6 mOnths pregnant! Maybe they should hire them out to enormous pregnant women ....

Yes, it's fairly straightforward to sit and bf after an elcs. I never got the hang of lying down feeding so always sat up.

Bearing in mind the baby will be tiny and quite light you should be able to hold your dc close to you without bumping your scar. You will probably need help to get propped up and some pillows wedged behind you, I'm sure the midwives helped get me propped up each time. I had to get myself into sitting position though and that can be a bit tricky and a test of upper body strength in the first couple of days.

Thank you everyone, very encouraging. Did any of you by any chance have a 3 year old to look after at the same time as trying to BF and recover from CS?

I bf dd following an emcs without issue.

I then bf ds following an emcs without issue. All with a 4yo to care for. And the 4yo started school 4 days after the emcs. It was fine. I was a little bit silly picking dd up and swinging her round on her second day and managed to make the scar reopen. So no swinging the 3yo around in a mad circle 5 days post op. Listen to your body, accept offers of help. And good luck.

Thank you show that's really helpful. :)

Yes, after my last CS I had a 4yo and a 2.5 year old. Not easy, but possible. Dont do anything that you dont have to do and ignore housework for as long as possible!

Like you, I had 3rd degree tear with my ds1. I was so scared of labour again, but luckily was pg with twins so I had an ELCS as one was breach. I would definitely go for the ELCS if you have been offered. I bf'd twins no problems and it really was SUCH an easy birth, just being hungry for a long time and feeling a bit woozy after. The scar was a lot less painful than my 3rd degree tear, and healed a lot LOT quicker. I was walking quite far to the Special Care unit less than 24hours later. I was in hospital for a week because of ds2 so I didn't have to do a lot, which maybe helped me get better more quickly, so do take it easy at home. Hope all goes very well for you too.

Thanks cats and merry, have another few weeks before I have to let the consultant know what I want to do. It feels like such a tough decision ! But either way the outcome will be good if all goes to plan :)