Can I breastfeed after Cesarean?

Nursing their babies as soon as possible after the delivery is a dream and advantage of the mothers. The increasing chances for an operational birth hamper this dream in many ways. In India nearly one in four births is a cesarean birth. At this situation it is better for the expectant mothers to be informed about the chances of cesarean and its impact on breast-feeding.

There are some common fears about breastfeeding that the mothers, who undergo cesarean, suffer. They are often concerned about the delayed period to initiate the breastfeeding and fear that they may not be able to breastfeed their infants. Many mothers are worried that the medications prescribed for them will adversely affect their babies. They often find it difficult to find a comfortable position to nurse without putting pressure on their incision. Moreover the drowsy and lethargic situation of the babies, as a result of the mother's prolonged exposition to anesthetics during labor, is a cause of worry for many mothers.

Initiation for breast-feeding is often delayed for mothers who undergo cesarean. This is because the mothers need some extra time to recover before they physically feel like holding or nursing their baby. The baby can be latched at the side of the mother for breastfeeding or the mother can try the comfortable football hold or clutch hold to breast-feed their babies. These positions will also stimulate the lethargic or drowsy babies from their sleep. On the other hand the baby may need some extra encouragement and stimulation in order to stay alert during breast feedings and this period of lethargy generally only lasts a short time. It is true that some medications do pass into the milk in very small amounts. However the volume of colostrum or milk produced during the first few days of nursing is small and the amount ingested by the baby is minimal.

Women whose babies are born by cesarean surgery are just as successful at breastfeeding as mothers who deliver vaginally, as long as their commitment to breastfeeding remains high. There is no need for these mothers to hesitate while taking pain medications, as it would make the breastfeeding comfortable for both the mother and the baby. The decisions and details surrounding a cesarean birth may seem overwhelming at times. However don't let this distract you from your precious time with your new baby. As much as possible, keep your baby with you in your room after a cesarean and plan to breastfeed early and often.