sw2129

Hi all, i have decided to breastfeed my son when he arrives next week

I just have a few last minute questions to ask and would be grateful if anyone could help!!

I am having a c-section and was wondering if anyone else has had one and breastfeed?? Was it difficult to do? Do the MW help you?

Also what about my eating, is there anything i should avoid?

Thanks for reading this

vineyard

I had a C section and have breastfed. My milk came in on day 4. I wasn't told to avoid anything. However, I did have some jalepeno flavored alfredo sauce last night and one of my girls fussed for 2 feeds in a row--cried and cried because she was hungry but refused to latch. So, I think I will try to avoid spicy stuff as she seems to not like it.

MelanieF

Congratulations on your impending birth. And well done, too, for deciding to breastfeed - sometimes it can take a lot of courage to make that decision! It's a wonderful, wonderful beginning for your LO and also very beneficial to you.

There's a great link here on BFing after a C section: http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/brea...ercesarean.htm

Breastfeeding is really beneficial after a C section because BF babies get especially important immunities through the milk, and so your baby will be healthier right from the get-go. It also helps your uterus to contract and return to a healthy state.

Blessings - let us know how it goes!

Melanie

K477uk

I had an emergancy section and although found it hard to latch on because I couldn't move easily, and then had a few issues afterwards (but I don't think this was to do with the section) we are now feeding fine. I found that the MW's helped loads in the hospital, although I was out of bed as soon as the anaethestic wore off. Personally I wouldn't say it was difficult, but I haven't had experience of it without a section!

I found that a V shaped pillow helps loads, as I could put that on my knees and feed off that rather than to hold LO. I also found that in the middle of the night my muscles would be really sore (due to being laid flat for a few hours). To overcome this I took ibuprofen before going to bed (this was the only pain meds I was on) and this made it easier to get out of bed for the first week.

Goodluck!

petal040

I had a C section and had no problems bf.

The MWs were very helpful. I'd advise you to accept the pain relief they offer, and also to try and go to the toilet before your section because your bowels will take a while to get going afterwards and it can be very painful (my trapped wind was more painful than anything else!). Asking about constipation relief before your op might be helpful.

I have avoided caffeine (as I did throughout pregnancy), but nothing else and LO seems to have been fine.

The only thing I did notice was, OH and I had a stir fry made with fresh chilli, garlic and ginger. We both had loose stools () afterwards and LO did a massive poo too hahaha - we all went at the same time haha She wasn't upset though

TigerLady

I had a scheduled c section at 39 weeks as LO was breech.

My milk came in on day 3. LO started BFing right from the start like a pro! I waited until he showed me signs that he was ready to eat. He went to the breast the first time when he was 4 hours old. He started making little sucking motions with his lips so I took that as he was ready to try. I asked a nurse to help us the first time. Waiting 4 hours was a personal choice -- some say to try to feed within 45 minutes. Personally, I was wiped out and grateful to sleep (with LO in my arms) for the first few hours after the surgery. That way I felt more normal by the time he was ready to eat.

I, too, was terrified that having a section would prevent me from BFing. I have had a remarkably easy time of it (with only "normal" challenges and problems). So, having a section definitely does not mean BF will be hard for you.

As for avoiding things to eat -- there are two minds about that. Some say to avoid anything baby shouldn't have for as long as you are BFing (nuts, honey, etc). Some say a BFing mom eating those things will decrease the chance that baby has allergies. Do some research and make up your own mind about it.

Personally, I avoid caffeine (but did anyway while pg), garlic (as I learned it upset his tummy), and onions (as I learned he doesn't like the taste of the milk if I eat onions). So far, everything else has seemed to be fine to eat.

polaris

I had a scheduled C-section as well because baby was breech.

I was really worried that it would affect breast-feeding, I really wanted to breast feed especially because I wasn't getting the natural non-medical birth I had been hoping for.

I had no issues at all and Thomas fed within about an hour and a half of being born. My milk came in on Day 3. I actually found that I probably got more help with feeding because I was in hospital for an extra couple of days so I was able to get advice and hands-on support from the hospital staff. I would say do not be afraid to call for somebody if you need help or advice. On my first night, I didn't want to use the call-bell and my baby was crying and I wasn't able to get out of bed and pick him up, it was horrible. But by the next day, I was calling the nurses/midwives all the time to help me with various aspects of feeding.

The only thing that I would advise is that if your baby is very sleepy, it is best to wake them every 3 hours for feeds. I didn't know that at first and was letting Thomas sleep for 4 or 5 hours, he was a little bit jaundiced as well and as a result he became very drowsy and it was really difficult to waken him for feeds. That was the most stressful bit for me. When I look back there was times that he was showing hunger cues (sticking out his tongue, moving his head from side to side) but he was too sleepy to wake up. I think I would have had an easier time if I had known to wake him when he was showing hunger cues instead of letting him sleep.

Cazzyg

I had an emergency section and managed to breastfeed fine - we're still going strong and my little girl turned 1 recently.

My advice would be to make sure the staff know that you want to breastfeed. That way they can make sure that you get skin to skin with your new baby as soon as possible and it can be taken into account when prescribing pain relief. The first day after a section can be quite difficult so don't be scared to ask for help when you need it to get your baby latched on. Your milk can take a little longer to come in than with a vaginal delivery but that's fine, babies are usually born with enough fat deposits to get them through the first few days. The best way to get your milk going is to let your baby suckle plenty - this is what stimlates your milk supply.

I found a squidgy pillow to be invaluable as it helped take the pressure of my tummy.

A good few of the mums I met at breastfeeding group had a section, so it is definitely possible.

JShaw

I also bf after my emergency c-section. But the first 2 days I pumped loads (so he could get the colostrum) and held him a lot to stimulate my milk production. Like Cazzyg said, do lots of skin-to-skin right away and it'll help you both.

As for things to avoid.. basically the same as when you were pregnant (alcohol, caffeine etc.) I remember my mother telling me to restrict my diet more after the birth until his digestive tract becomes more mature and can handle more "gassy" type foods. Basically, anything which gives you gas, will give LO gas (high fiber foods, dairy, onions, garlic etc)... and in the beginning, it can be painful for them.

sw2129

Hi all thanks so much for replying!! It took me a long time to decide on BF as i didn't BF my first. But i thought i would love to give it a go and give him a good start!! I just hope that it works out!! I have got a soft cushion ready so will defo use that and i will let everyone know how it is going once he is here!! It has been great to hear all the positive stories and makes me more determined to do this.

Thanks again all