C-Section/Breastfeeding Hacks?

[lexxibeth]

Our 11.2lbs monster was delivered by planned section 26th April at 15.20.

Post-op has been a hard, hard adjust though I have incredible support from husband and mother (who is living with us for the foreseeable).

Top things I'm struggling with are sleep - my wound stings and feels very raw pretty much no matter what I do. I have found that making a surround of pillows on the sofa helps but this isn't ideal for trying to be in bed with hubby and get quality rest as and when I can get it.

Anything more realistic that you guys found that helped to prop you up? Specific support props that actually did the job I mean. Side lying or on my back just aren't options as getting back out of those positions are the purest forms of agony I have ever known.

Swelling - my feet look like I've been stung and have a horrendous reaction! Elevating them puts intense pressure on my fresh feeling wound but the numbness in starting to experience is making getting around the house that little bit tougher on top of everything else!

Feeding - baby is long as well as being hefty and the only position I can feed him in comfortably is cross cradle it seems. However, though I put a roll of towel or a cushion under to support his weight he still presses on all my squishy organs. My discomfort seems to make him tense and though he latches well initially he tightens up and ends up just on the nipple soon after. Eventually he gets it after a few reattaches but getting there is pain again and quite wearisome for both of us. Any advice on positioning and successful latching together would be amazing!

Big love to you all in advance!

Get a proper, firm breastfeeding pillow (not a super squishy one) would be my advice on the feeding/latching. It makes a huge difference when they are small.

After my CS I got paracetamol for the pain but didn't have the same issues on pain when lying down so may not be so helpful there, sorry.

What a huge baby! Congratulations!

Oh my feet were swollen too, from all the IV fluids apparently. I think just drinking water and time will help unfortunately. It got much better after about a week

Congratulations on your (not so) little one!

Firstly, the basics - are you taking paracetamol and ibuprofen on a schedule? (Ie taking them on the dot of four hours, not waiting to remember/until it hurts).

Support-wise, I used a back support cushion - www.amazon.co.uk/Supportiback%C2%AE-Comfort-Therapy-Reading-Pillow/dp/B071DZ6Z5S/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?ref=plSrch&keywords=back+support+pillow&dpPl=1&dpID=51Ky1NqI2jL&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1525057911&sr=1-9 (sorry for epic link!).

For breast feeding, I found cross cradle best too. I made a nest of cushions and lay back so he was resting against my diaphragm, but it was still uncomfortable for a while. A proper breastfeeding cushion will help, they're much firmer and more supportive than a normal cushion. Have you tried the football hold? A bit tricky to get the hang of, but you can use cushions to support his weight so he doesn't squash you.

You're doing really well - it's still very early days, I was still in hospital at this point! Absolutely take all the help you're offered, recovery is no small thing.

I had a big, firm, twin bf cushion that I used for my Singleton as well (all 3 CS). I sat quite upright (loads of pillows behind me) on the sofa or the bed and put lots of pillows under the cushion as well so it (and the weight of the baby) was resting on my knees rather than my sore tummy.

Congratulations on your baby! Bet he’s a big chunk of squishy goodness!