After women have had cesarean sections, it can be difficult to get breastfeeding started.

C- Sections can still be compatible with breastfeeding and doesn’t preclude the mother from breastfeeding. The causes of this difficulty include initial recovery; the effects of surgery and anesthesia, as with any type of surgery, can cause the mother to feel too exhausted and groggy to even hold the baby right away. If a mother receives general anesthesia, she can breastfeed as soon as she is awake and able to respond.

Some newborns tend to be a bit sleepy following an epidural or general anesthesia and may suckle with less enthusiasm at first. Starting to breastfeed as soon as possible, and focus on positions that don’t hurt the incision (football or side lying can be helpful), additional pillows in front of the incision can also be helpful.

“Milk production normally begins to increase (biochemically) between 30 and 40 hours after delivery of the placenta, but it may take a little while for the changes to become apparent to the mother. Milk “coming in” generally refers to the time when the mother notices increased breast fullness (and other signs) as milk production begins to kick into full gear– this usually occurs 2-3 days after birth, but in as many as 25% of mothers this may take longer than 3 days.” - Kellymom.com website

Cesarean sections many times will delay milk production, it is unclear whether this is due to the stress of surgery, medications, and/or less than optimal breastfeeding management. Some mothers report not seeing any volume of milk until 5 - 7 days after delivery. Because of this delay many c-section babies are more likely to be supplemented at the hospital, which often leads to early weaning. Some hospitals encourage skin to skin immediately after delivery and initiating breastfeeding once in the recovery room. Most providers will try to prescribe safe pain medications when they know the mother wants to breastfeed.

C -section moms might require more assistance once home from the hospital to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Family members can help with positions and lifting the baby until mom heals. Referral to an IBCLC ( International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) for consultations are vital as well.

Cesarean sections should not be a deterrent to breastfeed, rates and duration of breastfeeding among c-section babies are about the same as babies born vaginally. With encouragement and support breastfeeding can be successful.