BREASTFEEDING AFTER A C-SECTION

Breastfeeding after a cesarean is absolutely possible, although it can come with a few unique challenges. But I will be honest, breastfeeding can be challenging after a vaginal birth too! The good news is that with the right support, preparation, most mothers successfully breastfeed after a C-section. Your body still produces colostrum and your baby is still born ready to latch.

How to Prepare Before the Birth

Preparing for breastfeeding before your cesarean birth can make a surprising difference in how smooth things feel afterward. Learning the basics of latch, newborn feeding cues, and positions helps build confidence. If possible, talk with your care team or a lactation consultant during pregnancy about your feeding goals so they can support you right from the birth room. Packing items like a breastfeeding pillow, comfortable clothing, can also help you feel more settled in the days after surgery. If your c-section is planned, you may be able to express or ‘harvest’ your colostrum. This is the first milk your breasts produce in the days around birth; thick, rich, and extremely nutritious. Your baby will only need a small amount, about a teaspoonful, at each feed. 

The First Hour After a cesarean

As soon as you and your baby are stable and together, ask for skin-to-skin and have your baby on your chest. This helps regulate your baby’s temperature and breathing, stimulates your hormones, and encourages early feeding cues like rooting and licking. Many babies are ready to latch within this first hour. Even if you’re still in the operating room or recovery area, your doula, or a nurse can help position your baby safely on you. If your baby is resting or not hungry, that’s okay. Simply being skin-to-skin starts the hormonal processes that support milk production and bonding.

What If I’m Not With My Baby Right After Birth?

Sometimes, after a cesarean, it’s not possible to have immediate skin-to-skin or start feeding right away. But separation does not mean breastfeeding is lost or will fail. There are simple, powerful steps you can take to protect your milk supply and help your baby transition smoothly.

As soon as you are able, try to start hand-expressing colostrum. Even a few drops send a signal to your body to stimulate milk production. If your baby is in the nursery or NICU, ask your partner or a nurse to bring your expressed colostrum to them. When you’re reunited, spend as much time as possible skin-to-skin and feed when your baby shows feeding cues. Skin-to-skin as often as possible helps boost oxytocin and prolactin (the hormones that drive milk production ).

Positions for Breastfeeding

Finding the right position can make breastfeeding feel much more comfortable, especially while you’re recovering from a cesarean. It is possible that you will have a hard time moving, so enlist the help of your partner, a nurse, your doula or a lactation consultant to help get you propped up and in position, ready for baby to be handed to you.

You will have a wound from your caesarean birth but you should still be able to find a position hold your baby that helps them attach well to your breast. You can: 

• Football hold (underarm hold): Baby’s body tucked along your side with their feet pointing toward your back.

• Using a pillow on your lap: This supports your baby and protects your incision.

• Side-lying position: You and your baby lying on your sides facing each other

• Laid-back feeding: Lie in a laid-back position with your baby off to one side. 

Self-Care for Breastfeeding After a Cesarean

Taking care of yourself is an essential part of establishing breastfeeding. You body has done something extraordinary and needs time, nourishment, and rest to heal. Staying hydrated throughout the day helps keep your milk production steady, while small, nourishing snacks provide the energy you need for frequent feeds. Managing your pain is also incredibly important. When you’re more comfortable, your body is better able to relax and release the hormones that support milk flow. Rest when you can, and accept help when it’s offered. Caring for yourself is part of caring for your baby.