Unable to breastfeed because of csection

[PeppersTheCat]

I'm 36 weeks and have just found out my baby is breach. I've heard a lot of mums say they couldn't breastfeed because they were recovering from a section (couldn't bend over to pick up baby, etc).

I'm so very upset because I breastfed my previous 2 kids for 2 years each (both vaginal births).

I won't have a lot of support after the birth as I've just split with my partner.

I breastfed for 9 months after my unplanned c-section. If you have already breastfed, you are at an advantage from the off. Nothing to stop you whatsoever!

I breastfed both mine post section. I used a breastfeeding pillow to protect the scar, and sat upright for the first few days. Rugby hold worked well. In hospital I swaddled with a blanket under him for me to grab sides and pull him out crib.

Csections don't mean you can't breastfeed. Sometimes milk is delayed (the hormones starting labour can't be affected, affected my milk with DS1, but not DS2) but no reason why a section should prevent you breastfeeding.

Good luck

I had ds by emcs at 35 weeks and bf the same day. .

Went home after a week and managed just fine. .

I breastfed both of mine after c-sections. It wasn't a problem at all.

I had an EMCS under general 22 months ago and am still breastfeeding

I've had 4 sections and breastfed all mine, including twins. It's perfectly possible. In hospital the midwives (or birth partner/visitors) would help at first with picking the baby up but once I was up and walking I was able to pick baby up myself.

Breastfed all mine in recovery after c-sections and for a year each.

I breastfed after an emergency c-section. I didn't realise there was any question of not being able to do it! I didn't have any problems with it at all.

I breastfed all mine without problems after my sections (x4). Given that you've already breastfed successfully I wouldn't have thought there would be any particular problems this time around. I found rugby ball position easiest in the first few weeks & had one of those horseshoe shaped cushions which was great.

People talk a lot of uninformed rubbish about sections, IME. Also BIG difference between emergency CS after hours of exhausting labour and a nice chilled elective with music playing and staff all chatting happily to you.

I had an emcs and had zero physical issues breastfeeding. Sitting up with him across my chest/torso wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all neither was picking him up. Personally I loathed the rugby hold which the midwives/NICU nurses kept pushing so definitely experiment to find a position which works for you in the circumstances.

Of my friends who have had sections, everyone bar one (whose milk never came in at all for other reasons) breastfed for at least 3 months so discomfort/pain from surgery wasn't factored into their reasons for stopping at all.

I had an emcs. Dd is breastfed and nearly 4 months. We did have to mix feed at the start (due to initial weight loss) and I expressed to up my supply. Ebf now though.
Make sure your mw knows and do skin to skin in recovery.

Someone will need to help me 24/7 to pass him to me? I don't have that.

I BFed my DC2 after an emergency C section. You'll soon find ways to move your baby about without straining your CS wounds.

Good luck with the birth, bfeeding and getting to grips with your new situation.

It's fine, I've had 2 sections and BF-ed both times. Milk came in on day 4 and day 2 respectively.

If you bottle feed, you would still have to get up to make feeds and pick him up. If you've previously breastfed, that is by far the easiest option.

You will need help for the first day or two. They won't let you out of hospital til you can manage.

Why would someone need to pass him to you 24/7?

How are you going to pick him up to bottle feed him?

I breast fed until 17mo after a v long labour followers by an EMC. My milk was slow to arrive (which the section may or may not have caused) so we combination fed until approx. 6weeks. After then went exclusive bfed.

I had an elective section with DS2, milk definitely slower to come in. Getting wee bugger to latch on for a day or two was a pain. I even spoonfed a few teaspoons formula to get him to open his mouth enough. We eventually got the hang of it. No real problems with positioning or scar,I used to prop him up on a v pillow on my lap. I bf for about 18 months in the end.

I was up and about after c section within 24 hours and still breastfeeding at 29 months.

I had an emergency c section. Was on my own that night in hospital and picked up baby from cot by my bedside with very little difficulty. It's not so much the weight of the baby that makes it tricky, but the twisting that can put a bit of pressure on the wound (nothing too bad in my case though). Maybe have a look at buying a Snugglbundl? It's like a baby blanket with handles so you can pick up baby one handed. I never had one but reckon it would have helped.

I've had two sections and ebf both babies for 6 months.

One was emcs and the other elective. My milk came in fine.

You will need the midwife to pass baby to you when you are bedridden immediately after (1st night) but after that you'll be fine.

I breastfed after an emergency section at 36 weeks.
No-one suggested I couldn't or shouldn't.

Your wound will be protected by your belly.

They won't let you out of hospital until you can lift him, as you'd have to do that to bottle feed him anyway.