Breast Feeding after a C Section

[LaineyG]

Hello Girls!

I went for my 38 week appointment today and I was told that I'd need an elective C Section because of my Asthma. I'm to go on Monday to get a date booked and have a few tests, but it looks like I'll be taken in the week beginning the 15th Oct, when I'm 39 weeks.

My main question is, did any of you have problems with your milk coming in after a section? I'd really like to breastfeed, but I'm worried that my milk won't come in as it would after a vaginal delivery!

Also, any hints or tips from those of you who have been sectioned as to what helps aid recovery?

Thanks!

xx

 

[Mice_Elf]

Hello Lainey!

I had to have an emergency C-Section after 37 hours of labour and not progressing beyond 9cm. A C-Section was definitely NOT in my birth plan!

I had absolutely no problems whatsoever with my milk coming through after Section and loved feeding my little one. I fed her exclusively until she was 6 months old and for a few feeds a day until she was over a year old, so no issues at all.

With regards to healing....uhm...I didn't do anything specific as far as I can remember. After 2 or 3 weeks I started going for very short walks with the baby in the pram and they really were short! The first one was only about 10 minutes before I had to turn around and come back and I was exhausted once I returned home! But every day I tried to go that little bit further, without stressing myself too much.

Just take things easy and concentrate on you and your new baby. If you can cook & freeze meals now, it's a huge help in the initial weeks. If nothing else it means your OH can just lump something nutritious in the microwave!

 

[weenik]

HI Lainey - I had emergency section due to pre-eclampsia and I didn't have Dylan with me for the first 5 days. I had to hand express at first and managed to get milk out as soon as I tried. I think because your body is preparing to make milk for 9 months it's just a case of getting it to start coming out if you know what I mean! Good luck with it, I love breast feeding. As for recovery, take it as easy as you can and sleep when baby sleeps (also important to get rest for bf) and accept help too! xx

 

[nikkif]

Hi

I also had an emergency C-section due to funny postion of baby among other reasons. There was no problem at all with the milk coming in or me feeding staraight away, although i have had to switch now, for other problems with having a very hungry baby!

As for the recovery, i dont know if i was really lucky but i wasnt too bad at all afterwards and was home in 2 days. You do need to take it easy though, which i have to remind myself of!!

Good luck x

 

[trixipaws]

sorry i cant help but is ur asthma really bad or something? coz iv got asthma and i wasnt told id need a section coz of it! if theyd said that 2 me id be like ! if its only mild like mine id check with them that its really necessary (unless youd prefer one anyway!)

my boyfs SIL had a section and i dont think she had any probs with BFing (she did stop after a day or so but thats coz she had twins)

 

[LaineyG]

Trixipaws,
Yeah, my asthma is really bad, and it's got worse during pregnancy. I always knew i'd be the freak that got worse instead of better!

My specialists at the hospital have decided that because I'm so bad and have so many allergies (some anaphalactic) that a section is best.

They don't want me to go full term as the loss of lung capacity is a major problem, and they can't induce me with the prostaglanden gel as it can cause a reaction in allergic people (imagine swelling up in there! ) So the best option is an elective section.

I'm not bothered though! I just want a healthy baby and for me to be well enough afterwards to enjoy the healthy baby!

 

[jue]

I think the worst thing for me after my c section was the wind......no one told me what to expect, and I was too embaressed to let it out after.

I mentioned it to the midwife, and she had a little giggle and asked if I had not heard the other ladies "letting go"

I reckon I could have lifted a mountain with the force

No problems with bfing.

Try to take off the dressing in the shower when its due to come off, as its much easier to get off when its wet through.

Good luck

 

[Ali K]

My milk came in after only 2 days which I thought was pretty early and that was after a C-section. You might find a bit of pain trying to find a position to feed baby as the scar is really sensitive but the nurses should help you find a good one.

I soon found an alternative position though once I started recovering.

I started walking a block or so about one week after Will was born and after 3 weeks managed a 3 mile flat walk (probably not encouraged but I felt good!).

You'll be fine, it's amazing how your body recovers, especially when you want to be well for your baby!