Breast feeding after a c section?

[Jolly81]

Hi ladies,

After a bit of reassurance really.

My son was born via cat1 c section after he stopped responding. He had hypothermia when born and had poo'd so was in Nicu for a week. I tried breast feeding and was so desperate to do so, but it wasn't working, he had a funny lopsided neck (sorted out by chiropractor) so could only feed one side and my nipple became so sore and chapped. Also, I have really big boobs!

Because of the problems with feeding my son (who was fine by the time we left hosp and no lasting side effects at all!) we soon switched to formula.

I'm due to have a planned section at 39 weeks to avoid going overdue again and encountering the same problems. But I really want to try breast feeding again. Can anyone offer me any advice with regards to breast feeding after a c section (planned or emergency) and with big boobs too!!! I really want it to work this time but already feel anxious and am setting myself up to fail again.

I don't feel any prejudice against formula and it absolutely suited my son, and will go down that route again if necessary, but this is something I want to try again.

Thanks x

 

[mummy2b1985]

Not sure if I can help but I'll tell you my experience. I had to have a section as baby was distressed due to poop in womb. Before I went in I told midwife I really wanted skin to skin adap after he was out, they took him and did all the tests after about 5 mins they brought him to me and cut my gown so he could be on my chest. This started us bonding straight away. He stayed skin to skin for at least the next 12 hours. A midwife showed me how to express and gave him first feed by syringe. When up on ward I tried deeded myself but he was unhappy so expressed some more for him. About 20 hours after he was born I managed to feed him myself and he went from strength to strength after that. All I would say is try to keep them close and get lots of help, I stayed in 3 nights to ensure feeding was really established and I'm glad I did. Good luck with it x