8 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding After a Cesarean Section

As a Registered Nurse and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS), I understand that breastfeeding after a cesarean section (C-section) can present unique challenges. Whether you’ve planned a C-section or had an unplanned one, it’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare for a smooth breastfeeding journey. Below, I share eight tips to help you successfully breastfeed after a cesarean birth, along with some issues specific to cesarean recovery.

What to Expect After a Cesarean Section

After a cesarean, you may face physical limitations, such as pain at the incision site, delayed mobility, or exhaustion from surgery and anesthesia. These can impact how you position your baby and start breastfeeding. Additionally, some mothers experience a delay in their milk coming in (lactogenesis), which may be influenced by stress, surgery, or medications. However, with the right support and techniques, breastfeeding can still be highly successful after a C-section.

8 Tips for Breastfeeding Success After a Cesarean

1. Start Skin-to-Skin Contact Early

As soon as you’re able, practice skin-to-skin contact. This helps regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing, and heart rate while encouraging breastfeeding instincts. Even after a C-section, many hospitals support immediate or early skin-to-skin contact, so ask your healthcare team for assistance in facilitating this bonding time.

2. Choose Comfortable Breastfeeding Positions

Because of the incision, traditional breastfeeding positions may be uncomfortable. Try alternative positions that reduce pressure on your abdomen:

• Football Hold: Position your baby at your side, under your arm, with their body along your forearm.

• Side-Lying Position: Lie on your side with your baby next to you, allowing you both to rest while feeding.

• Laid-Back Position: Recline slightly, with your baby on your chest in a prone position. This keeps weight off your incision and encourages a natural latch.

  
  

3. Manage Post-Surgical Pain

Proper pain management is key to successful breastfeeding. Ask your healthcare provider about breastfeeding-safe pain relief options. A well-controlled pain level will make it easier to hold your baby and position them for nursing. You can also use pillows to cushion your abdomen while feeding.

4. Don’t Delay Your First Breastfeeding Session

Breastfeeding as soon as possible, within the first hour if feasible, can help establish a strong start. If you’re separated from your baby for any reason, try pumping to stimulate milk production. Early breastfeeding or pumping helps trigger your body to start producing colostrum and milk.

5. Get Help with Latching

Sometimes, it’s harder to latch after a C-section because both you and your baby may be tired or less mobile. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from a lactation consultant, nurse, or your partner. Proper latch techniques are crucial to avoiding pain and ensuring effective milk transfer.

6. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

After surgery, it’s vital to stay well-hydrated and nourished. Drink plenty of water and focus on eating balanced, nutrient-rich foods that will support your healing and milk supply. Protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods can be especially helpful in supporting your recovery and breastfeeding.

7. Be Patient with Your Milk Supply

A cesarean birth may cause a slight delay in your milk coming in, but this doesn’t mean you won’t have enough milk for your baby. Continue to nurse frequently, as frequent breastfeeding is the most effective way to stimulate milk production. If needed, hand expression or pumping can help stimulate your supply.

8. Use Breastfeeding Support Products

Consider using breastfeeding pillows, nipple shields, or a breast pump to make feeding more comfortable. Pillows can help support your baby without pressing on your incision, while nipple shields can be helpful if your baby has trouble latching in the beginning. A pump can also be useful for stimulating your supply if you face any delays in milk production.

Common Challenges After a C-Section

In addition to the typical breastfeeding challenges, cesarean births introduce specific hurdles that new moms should be aware of. Understanding these challenges can help you prepare mentally and physically, ensuring a smoother breastfeeding experience.

1. Post-Surgery Fatigue

Recovering from a cesarean section is not the same as recovering from a vaginal birth, as it’s considered major abdominal surgery. After the surgery, your body will need time to heal, and this can lead to extreme fatigue. The combination of surgery, anesthesia, and adjusting to life with a newborn can make it challenging to maintain the energy required for breastfeeding sessions, which often happen every 2 to 3 hours in the early days.

This fatigue may make it hard to stay awake or maintain a proper breastfeeding position. It’s crucial to listen to your body and rest whenever possible. Try to set up a comfortable breastfeeding station close to your bed or couch with supportive pillows to make feedings less physically demanding. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner or support person to bring the baby to you for nursing sessions, especially in the first few days.

2. Pain from the Incision

The incision from your C-section will be tender and painful, even with proper pain management. This can affect how you hold your baby for breastfeeding, as many traditional positions (like the cradle hold) may place pressure on your abdomen, causing discomfort or pain.

To work around this, experiment with positions that reduce strain on your incision. The football hold or side-lying position are great options, as they keep your baby’s weight off your abdomen. Using a breastfeeding pillow or regular pillows to support your baby’s body can also make feeding sessions more comfortable. It's important to stay on top of your prescribed pain medication, as managing your pain can make the breastfeeding process smoother.

3. Delayed Milk Production

After a C-section, it’s common to experience a delay in your milk “coming in” (when mature milk production begins). This delay is often due to the physical stress of surgery, anesthesia, and any additional medical interventions you might have undergone. Typically, milk production starts 3-5 days after birth, but it might take slightly longer if you’ve had a cesarean.

During this time, it’s crucial to focus on frequent breastfeeding or pumping to stimulate your milk supply. Colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk, is still produced in the first few days and is essential for your baby, even if your mature milk hasn't come in yet. Be patient with yourself and trust the process. If you’re concerned about your milk supply, a lactation consultant can offer strategies to help stimulate production, such as hand expression, pumping, and ensuring a proper latch.

4. Separation from Your Baby

In some cases, mothers and babies may be separated after a cesarean birth due to medical needs. You may need additional recovery time in the operating room, or your baby might require monitoring in the NICU. This separation can delay the initiation of breastfeeding, which is essential for establishing milk supply and bonding.

If separation occurs, it’s important to pump or hand-express milk to stimulate your supply until you can breastfeed directly. Breastfeeding experts recommend starting pumping as soon as possible, ideally within the first few hours of birth, to send signals to your body to produce milk. Hospital-grade pumps are often available in hospitals to help with this. Once you and your baby are reunited, initiate skin-to-skin contact and try breastfeeding frequently to reestablish the connection and stimulate milk production.

5. Anesthesia Side Effects

If you had general anesthesia or a spinal block, you may feel groggy or disoriented for a few hours after surgery. This can make it difficult to breastfeed right away, as you may not have full control over your body or feel alert enough to focus on feeding. While the effects wear off, having a support person help position the baby or hold them for you can be a huge help. Once the anesthesia wears off and you feel more comfortable, you can focus on getting into the right position for breastfeeding.

6. Emotional Impact of Cesarean Birth

Sometimes, a cesarean birth—especially if unplanned—can cause feelings of disappointment or frustration for mothers who had hoped for a different birth experience. This emotional strain can add to the physical challenges, making it harder to focus on breastfeeding.

It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support from loved ones, a postpartum counselor, or a lactation consultant. Surrounding yourself with positive encouragement can boost your confidence and help you bond with your baby during the breastfeeding journey, regardless of the type of birth you had.

7. Slower Recovery and Limited Mobility

The recovery period after a cesarean section can be slower than after a vaginal birth. You might experience limited mobility due to the incision, making it difficult to get in and out of bed or move freely. This can affect how and where you breastfeed, especially during the first few days. Arranging for help with lifting your baby and setting up a comfortable nursing station can make a big difference during your recovery.

It’s essential to take care of yourself during this time. Stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, and allow your body time to heal. Remember that healing and breastfeeding are both demanding processes, and balancing both can take time.

8. Overcoming Initial Breastfeeding Hurdles

Like any new mother, C-section moms might face common breastfeeding challenges such as engorgement, nipple pain, or difficulty latching. However, the physical limitations and surgical recovery after a C-section can make these issues feel more overwhelming. Engaging with a lactation consultant early on can help you navigate these challenges and avoid further complications like clogged ducts or mastitis, which can be more uncomfortable when combined with post-surgery recovery.

Breastfeeding after a cesarean section is entirely possible with the right support and mindset. Understanding the unique challenges you may face and how to address them can help ensure a positive breastfeeding experience.

Reach out to your healthcare team, lactation consultants, and loved ones for assistance along the way.

Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Your body is doing an amazing job recovering from surgery and nourishing your baby. Take it one day at a time! If you're looking to get ready for breastfeeding postpartum check out my Breastfeeding EBook right here.