Planned C-Section and Breastfeeding

[Firsttimebabymama]

Hello, I'm meeting the consultant this week (I'm 37 weeks) about a planned C-Section. I've been told by friends that this can negatively affect breast-feeding, is this right? Has anyone on here found this and is there anything I can do to help the process if I decide C-Section?

This is my first pregnancy and I had originally planned vaginal birth.
Thank you :)

No issues actually breastfeeding or with milk production when comparing a section to a vaginal birth (although I'm sure there are a small % of outliers). It's the placenta coming away that tells your body it's time to get it all started. Issues like supply, latch, nipple soreness etc are common regardless of birthing choice so I'd try and be as prepared as possible with information and ask the midwives for help if you need it too.

My two friends both had a csection and successfully breastfed. They were both full term (41weeks) but both emcs due to failed inductions. One baby had formula as their first feed because the mum had her via GA but still went on to successfully breastfeed from a few hours old. The other was LA and latched straight away.

No issues at all after either section

I'd highly recommend getting this book, and reading it prior to giving birth. It really helped me with breastfeeding - it's full of practical advice and keeps you motivated (despite the awful title). Also good to go back to when in the middle of the night you're worrying about supply and so on. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Womanly-Breastfeeding-Leche-League-International/dp/1905177402

I've had 2 planned C-section and breasted for 2.5 years each, and tandem fed for 12 months. Obviously it can be sore to hold the baby so I'd recommend a cushion and sofa to lounge on.

My milk came in the same way as everyone else would and did not negatively impact at all.

I had an elective and found baby very sleepy and would sleep at the boob.

I wasn't told I needed to wake them so I didn't and they lost weight.

They soon gained it all back.

Latch and supply was fine but confidence was knocked a bit (lots of bad advice in hospital) went to amazing breastfeeding classes at our local sure start centre (know there's very few left now.) got great advice there and online groups.

It's worth noting that a lot of medical professionals breastfeeding training is an hour or so long if that, don't assume because someone works in health or maternity they know what they're talking about. Health visitors, GPs Midwives - there's a minefield of misinformation.
Peer breastfeeding groups La Leche League etc are much better IME.

My friend didn't know her kid had tongue tie and got only got it diagnosed and dealt with on the second attempt. I figured it was likely just from phone chats - it sounds mad looking back that she went a second time but it made all the difference.

Also find a lactation cookie recipe with brewers yeast and whatknot in it, they're amazing for boosting supply.

I've had two sections with horrendous recoveries but neither affected my ability to breastfeed.

I had an elective section for DS2. Milk came in 48 hours later. Loads of supply. Don't worry x

I had a planned c section at 36 weeks, and had no issues. DS had his own issues, he was premature with low blood sugars and a tongue tie, we had to do top up formula feeds for the first two weeks while he was in SCBU, but he was breastfeeding from day 1 (and enjoying it, just didn’t have a very strong suck so was taking hours).

I expressed, which definitely helped with supply, and we got the tongue tie fixed which sorted the “taking 3 hours to finish a feed” issue. Breastfeeding exclusively by start of week 3, and carried on until he was 2 years old.

I had a long labour ending in emcs. My milk didn't come in for ages. The baby started losing too much weight and I was pretty much forced into giving him a formula bottle. Bit it wasn't the end of the world and I successfully combi fed until my milk ran dry at 5 months.

Absolutely, a planned C-section can indeed impact breastfeeding
this is interesting, I wonder what the reasons and the science behind this are? For me:

Dc1, vaginal delivery, milk took a couple of days to come
Dc2, planned section, baby born mid afternoon, milk came on like a tsunami the morning after

I have had 2 sections. Both babies breast fed. First time there were healrh issues and it was trickier to establish. Second time, dc was feeding while I was being sewn up.

I have delivered four babies via planned c section, including a set of twins.

I have breastfed each of them until natural wearing between 2 and 4.5 years old.

Skin on skin, baby to nipple virtually all the time in the first three weeks, and it will all work out!

My first for an emergency C-section after a very long (breech) labour.
I breastfed without issues, apart that it pulled a bit on the stitches for a few days- but I was determined. Breastfeeding does have an effect on tightening muscles around the womb, so I did 'feel' it- but it only lasted a few days and it was all fine.

Absolutely! While a planned C-section can pose some challenges for breastfeeding, many women successfully breastfeed afterward. Early initiation, latching support, and patience are key. If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out to lactation consultants. Wishing you all the best with your upcoming consultation and breastfeeding journey!

Thank you everyone so much! I am verg grateful for your replies.
I am super nervous but have decided to go for an elective c-section and have my date booked in. I'm meeting with my midwife soon so will ask about expressing and have joined a local breastfeeding group for after the birth To hopefully make friends as well as get support. :)

I've been told I need to start having a daily injection for thinning blood from now until the section, and then for 6 weeks after too. Did anyone else have this?
Xx

I had to have them for 10 days after. They assess your 'risk' - lots of factors including age, family history, weight etc. Some people don't need at all, some 10 days, some 6 weeks. It was fine. They showed my DH how to administer and I had him do it.

Emergency c section with first and it took about a month for milk to come in properly. From then I stopped bottles and just did breast.

I had elective. BF no issues until she was 2.5 years old. Think milk was delayed a bit, came in properly day 6 but that was only thing!

I had an ELCS and no issues breastfeeding other than it hurting like a beeeeetch for the first 12 weeks. LO latched on in recovery and now is nearly 2 and she still has "boobie" - never took a bottle.

Also recommend this. I’ve had two sections and breastfed three children with no issues. It really helps to have to bit of knowledge going into it though.

I've had 3 sections, one emergency and 2 elective. Really wanted a VBAC for the last one but gestational diabetes/massive baby put paid to that plan!

I've breastfed all 3 with varying degrees of success. In all three cases. the babies and I took to breastfeeding very easily in the beginning, right from birth. The midwives will get baby on to the breast very quickly, all being well. My first I fed for 3 months, second lost interest at about 4/5 months and baby number 3 is literally feeding as I type at almost 8 months, showing no signs of stopping. ☺️

I was determined to feed for longer this time so I did go to breastfeeding support groups, which were really helpful. Definitely get a feeding pillow and ensure you have supportive circle around you to basically wait on you hand and foot - when you have had major surgery and choosing to breastfeed, your job is basically to recover and get your boobs out!