Let me start off by saying: Having a cesarean is not a deal breaker for chest/breastfeeding. You can absolutely have a full milk supply after a cesarean birth! Whether your child is born by emergency cesarean or scheduled, there are a few things you can do to minimize this surgery’s impact on your chest/breastfeeding experience. Here are some ways to set you up for success.
Be gentle to your abdomen
Having a cesarean is major abdominal surgery, so move slowly and try to rest as much as possible. Try chest/breastfeeding in the football hold so that your baby is not resting on your abdomen while feeding. Eventually you can move to a standard cradle hold once your abdomen is less tender.
Lot of skin to skin
Who doesn’t love the thought of a yummy, squishy baby snuggling on their chest? Skin to skin calms your baby, regulates their nervous system, regulates their oxygen levels and temperature, and gives them access to your chest/breast (i.e. food). It also increases your oxytocin (your love hormone!) and helps bring in your milk supply. Win-win for everyone involved!
Help your body get rid of swelling
Some parents experience temporary swelling (edema) in their hands, feet, and chest/breasts after a cesarean. This is due to the fluids given during your surgery. Edema can cause a delay in your milk supply ‘coming in,’ as the excess fluid is competing with your milk in your chest/breasts. It can also cause your chest/breasts to feel engorged, making it more difficult for your newborn to latch on. Here are some ways to help your body process/reduce swelling:
Drink lots of water with lemon or cucumber
Keep your legs elevated, preferably above your hips
Drink a cup or two of dandelion tea/day (unless you are on anticoagulants)
Avoid salty foods
Wear compression socks
Hand expression / pumping while in the hospital
Research studies show that hand expression after nursing, a few times a day during the first few days postpartum, brings in your milk supply more quickly, as well as increases future milk production. And if you are separated from your baby or having difficulties latching during those first few days, hand expression after pumping can help remove your colostrum more effectively. Check out this video which shows how to hand express colostrum.
Protect your gut and your nipples
Most likely you will be given antibiotics before or after cord clamping. Antibiotics kill off the bad bacteria AND good bacteria in your gut. So, you will want to start taking a high-quality probiotic to recolonize your gut with good bacteria for a few weeks. This will help your digestive system, as well as prevent a yeast infection or nipple thrush.
And, if you are struggling with latch or milk production, please reach out to a lactation consultant for help!