C sections and breastfeeding

[bella1426]

Can anyone share their experience of this? I had a c section 7 years ago and after 3 days of blood sweat and tears I threw in the towel on BFing...the pain of trying to lift him and get him in the right position post operation being a big factor. Having another c section in 10 days and in two minds as to whether give BF another try or to spare myself the heartache and enjoy the first few days more if formula feeding is going to be a pretty likely outcome anyway. Anyone any thoughts? Thanks :)

I found bf after my 2nd section much easier than after my first. I wasn’t as sore (ELCS v EMCS) and has much better pain management. I was also more confident with different holds (eg underarm/rugby hold vs across body). Was also more accepting of the endless feeding/milk coming in after a few days and baby losing weight - all completely normal but things I wasn’t prepared for 1st time round! Was actually quite a good experience! Go for it - good luck!!

I managed to bf after my second section. I would recommend watching lots of videos showing how to get the latch right and different positions. My milk came in properly by day 5.

Nothing to loose by giving it another go this time round.

I had two c sections. My second (ELCS) I healed much faster, wasn't totally exhausted and hadnt lost as much blood. 2nd baby still didn't latch well and fell asleep after a couple of suckles but i found I had more energy and patience with breastfeeding him compared to my first experience of a c section being an emergency.

I had an ELCS 8 weeks ago as baby was breech. I'm EBF. Honestly the first 3 weeks were really tough, I found BF painful, we had a tongue tie snip and I just found the whole thing exhausting and overwhelming. In terms of the ELCS I felt very sore in the week after but I soon improved. Don't know if my experience is helpful but basically it was hard work at the start, but is now great :-) Good luck whatever you decide

Milk also slow to come in. Day 5 or 6 for me.

Both of my babies born by C-Section at 39 weeks and both fed whilst in the operating theatre. Like most women, my milk 'came in' at c.4 days. I genuinely didn't feel that the C-Sections affected breastfeeding.

I had a crash section and bf my DD. I did stop in hospital for almost a week though so had help with her being passed to me but after 2 days I was ok picking her up and getting comfy myself after that. The only thing I found difficult was milk didn't come in for almost 5 days and when it did there was serious oversupply so DD struggled to latch but hand expressed a bit to soften up and she was fine. And the only other issue was just not being able to get as comfy to feed and just feeling on edge cos I just wanted to get home.

So to answer ur question, I'd be open minded to try bf again. But if it's not working FF 😁 whatever works for you and your baby

I breastfed after my section, it was an emergency and I had a general anesthetic and didn’t see ds until he was 15 hours old but we gave it a go and it was slow starting, but it worked.
The lactation consultant in the hospital was amazing. She got me to use the pump to express and that really got things moving. It did take a few days and some formula top ups, but when it worked it was the best feeling ever.
Give it a try op, it’s always worth trying and if it doesn’t work it’s no big deal. I was really starting to lose hope and totally frustrated but we got there. Good luck

Same as a PP, I had EMCS under GA for my second baby and we are still BF now at 18m. I didn't have another little one to be running around after (eldest is 10) so spent alot of time just sitting holding DS so didn't have to lift up & put down. My first was a VB and I didn't see any difference in terms of difficulty with BF

I had EMCS and I was so doped up and exhausted, baby was about 12hrs old before I pulled myself together enough to attempt to feed. I was completely unable to lie on my side but managed sitting in a chair with a pillow on my lap. However I had virtually no guidance, no idea how often to feed, I had no milk on day 1 and baby lost weight. Thankfully by day 3 I produced about 50ml of colostrum per feed and got some good advice from a bf consultant. I’m still feeding at 9 months, baby has never had formula.

I’d reconmend a feeding pillow. I didn’t have a c-section, but mine was my most favourite bit of kit! My friend who did have a c-section said hers was great as it took the baby’s weight off of her scar when feeding.