BF after elective c-section

[Debbiethemum]

This might be a really stupid question but how does your body know that you have had your baby?

I BF DS after being induced, a few hours of labour then emergency c-section, luckily he knew what to do as I didn't and was very groggy. So that was a really successful positive experience that I want to repeat.

This time I will be having an elective c-section in two or three weeks (I am due in four). So will the right hormones be released? Or is there anything I can do to get things started?

Also how long will it take for my milk to come in, I think it took two/three days last time which I understand is normal, but I don't want bump to go hungry and I do not want to use a bottle/formula or have anyone else tell me I have to and not have the knowledge to argue my case.

Any advice welcome
Thanks

Hi there ... I've had 2 elective c-sections and breastfed both times. Just ask the midwives to let you feed the baby asap after the birth - I think the suckling stimulates your hormones to produce milk. Colostrum is there already and will be readily available for the little one although in tiny amounts but that's the way it is wtih colostrum. I worried that my milk wouldn't come in quickly enough due to elective section but both times it was in on day 2 or 3 - maybe I was just lucky there but I think that even if it takes a day or two longer you should be able to keep the baby going on colostrum as nature intended!

Good luck for the section.