Preparing to Breastfeed After a Caesarean Birth

Initiating breastfeeding after a caesarean birth may come with some extra challenges, but with a little planning and support, it can still be a beautiful and positive experience.

There are simple steps you can take before birth to set yourself up for success. Here’s what to know and how to prepare.

Positioning can be challenging

Limited mobility after surgery can make breastfeeding more challenging. Ask your midwife or lactation consultant for planned breastfeeding support early and call for support at each feed in the first few days in hospital.

Medications may make your baby drowsy

Pain relief and anaesthesia during birth can affect your baby’s alertness for their first feed. Uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding support can help.

Colostrum harvesting can provide a backup

Expressing and storing colostrum before birth can be useful if your baby has trouble latching or requires more volume of feeds. Speak to your care provider about how to do this safely for your unique situation.

Skin-to-skin contact is possible in theatre

Immediate uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with your baby after birth is evidence-based practice. Many hospitals now support skin-to-skin in theatre and in recovery to assist with bonding and early breastfeeding initiation. Discuss this with your care provider before birth.

Nutrition and hydration play an important role

Good nutrition provides the building blocks your body needs to repair tissues, fight off infection and restore energy. Staying hydrated supports your healing, helps regulate body temperature and can help with milk production.

Your support person is part of your birth

If you are unable to breastfeed immediately, your partner or support person can provide skin-to-skin contact to help maintain warmth and bonding.

Breastfeeding after a caesarean can be a positive experience with the right preparation and support.

For support from a certified Lactation Consultant, we recommend reaching out to Harriet Blannin-Ferguson @the.breast.help