Most c sections or cesareans are unexpected. But it is advisable for all expectant mothers to be aware of the changes the body undergoes after a surgery to deliver a new born and should also know the difference of actions after a normal delivery and a cesarean. Well informed and educated parents always raise up smart and healthy babies and hence for this, you should have the required knowledge and sufficient information. Even breastfeeding after a cesarean differs from breastfeeding after a normal delivery.
The following are some of the most useful tips, facts and suggestions for breastfeeding after an operative birth or a c section:
- If you are a mother who has just given a birth through a surgery , then you may not be able to immediately start breastfeeding as a few days of rest is needed to recover physically before you hold your baby. But as soon as you are alert and fully conscious, you can start nursing and this is permitted by the doctors as well.
- Starting nursing soon after recovery promotes bonding between the mother and the baby and also releases the hormone oxytocin. This will also provide the stimulation which can improve production of the milk.
- Infact there is one added or extra advantage for cesarean mothers as far as breastfeeding is concerned. Breastfeeding during the period when the anesthetic tends to wear off gives you a painless experience and is definitely much more comforting than the experience which vaginal mothers have.
- In the case of c section women, the babies tend to be more lethargic and drowsy than normal delivery babies and this is mainly the result of strong anesthetics that are given to the mother. Due to this, they may take longer to suck in the breastmilk and feeding may require extra stimulation than in vaginal births. Remember that this period of lethargy lasts only for a few days and is nothing to be concerned about.
- If you are a female who has gone through c section then you may be worried about the effect of the antibiotics on the breastmilk. It is true that medications and antibiotics which are given for pain relief to the mother may pass onto the milk but only in very little amount. But it is a fact that due to these medications, the milk produced during the first few days is very little. Thus many c section women are recommended not to take medications in large quantities
- Mothers who have given a surgical birth need to be careful about the position of breastfeeding as not all positions might be comfortable for them. The side lying position is thus considered very good as it can be achieved with the help of some support from towels and cushions etc.
- Remember that after you have given birth through C Section, you must avoid breastfeeding your baby in the cradle or the cross cradle positions as these may be a little difficult to attain.
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