Of course you can breastfeed your baby after a c-section
delivery!!
But you will probably start of slower start depending on your
choice of anesthetic. General anesthetic will make you
unconscious for the birth and drowsy afterwards, and your baby may
be sleepy also. A spinal or epidural allows you to be
conscious so you can hold and feed baby very soon after they are
born.
It is really important to breastfeed your baby very soon after
delivery, and have initial skin-to-skin contact. Breastfeeding
helps the uterus to contract and return to normal size more
quickly. Plus the early feeding helps with bonding and
recognition.
It can be difficult to breastfeed your baby while you are in the
recovery room, as your body may still be numb and you may not be
able to move or position yourself. Ask your midwife and specialist
for assistance in positioning, and ensure that baby is well
support. It is very easy to get nipple damage during these first
feeds, so do make sure you are persistent in asking for the correct
latching position.
It will be easier to breastfeed while lying down for the first
day or so, as you may still find it difficult to move your body due
to the anesthetic.
With the bed in flat position, raise the side rails of your bed
and place extra pillows behind your back for support. Carefully
roll to one side while grasping the rail and relax your tummy
muscles!! Place the baby on their side facing you, so that you are
positioned chest to chest. Baby's head may need to rest in your arm
to bring their mouth up to the level of your nipple.
The football hold is an excellent position to feed, especially
while your caesarean wound is still sore. While sitting in an
upright position, tuck a pillow or breastfeeding cushion under your
arm. Place baby's head close to your breast facing toward you, with
his body tucked under your arm. Baby's body should be bent at the
hips, with their bottom against the back of the chair you are
sitting on.
Feeding while sitting up: place the head of your bed upright.
Prop a pillow or breastfeeding
cushion under the arm that will support the baby' s head, and
place baby on a breastfeeding cushion over your wound. This raises
baby to your nipple, and also protects your sore tummy. Hold baby
close to you, with their whole body facing yours.
A c-section delivery can be a very stressful and worrying time,
but it should not prevent you from having a great breastfeeding
experience.