C-section & Milk Coming In

jenna1008

Breastfeeding was an epic failure for me after my last emergency c-section.  My delivery was urban-legend-style, so the stress/horror of it was, I'm sure a contributing factor.  Anyhow, I am now scheduled for a repeat c/s on Thursday.  My concern is that I know it takes longer for milk to come in after c/s than vag delivery.  My son was also very jaundiced, and I DESPERATELY need to know what to do to both prevent (cure/whatever) jaundice with this baby AND get my supply to come in ASAP.  Should I bring my pump and just start pumping in the hospital immediately? Should I start "power-pumping" tomorrow?  Please don't flame me.  I really want to do it right this time and be as prepared as possible.  Any suggestions are much appreciated.

anchalmasako

I had a C Section, and they had me trying to breastfeed the baby a few hours after the surgery. When the baby wouldn't latch, I would still pump each and every feeding time (every 3 hours) and feed her the tiny amount of colostrum through a syringe. My milk came in about three days after she was born, but it was a steady buildup of more and more colostrum. Just keep nursing/pumping, and it should happen, even if it's not for a week or so!

maramarrie

First, I suggest talking to your LC about it at the hospital.

Your milk will likely come in sooner this time than it did before. That should help. I haven't ever had issues with my milk coming in. After my first delivery, vaginal birth (at 27+ weeks), my milk came in around 48 hours. After my second delivery (full-term unplanned c/s), my milk was in at 36 hours. With my next c/s (full-term planned c/s), my milk was in around 36 hours again.

Latching the baby soon and often after birth will have the biggest impact on how soon your milk comes in. 

I hope things go better for you this time around!

MouseInLux

I just had my first via C-section. I had her latched on in the recovery room. My milk came in on day three, now it wont stop!!

Kellina

2 planned c/s and my milk was in by 36 hr both times! Don't pump ahead of time... not a good idea! It won't do anything anyways. Placenta needs to be out to trigger milk production!

gymnst1013

I had a c/s and my milk came in within 48 hours.  I don't think it's a guarantee that it will come in later.  Good luck!

littlegoalie

I had an unplanned (wasn't an emergency though) c-section and my milk came in on day 3.  I had her skin to skin immediately after they moved me off the operating table so that she could travel with me to the recovery room and then got her latched on right when we got to the recovery room.  She was jaundice, but it wasn't bad and the pediatrician wasn't concerned.

I think as a previous poster said as long as you get the baby latched on as soon as possible after birth and nurse often, there shouldn't be a problem.  Good luck!

klvd

A c-section doesn't mean that you won't be able to bf - even if it takes a long time for your milk to come in, and even if you hae to supplement.  I had an emergency c-section and my milk didn't come in for 6 days.  We decided to supplement because DD had lost more than 10% of her birth weight and frankly, we couldn't bear her continuous crying because she was so hungry.  Even with all of that, after we got home from the hospital, my milk finally did come in and DD has been EBF since she was 6 days old and we're still going strong!!!!  Stick with it - it's definitely worth it, even though it can be very difficult in the beginning.  Good luck - and congratulations on your new LO!!!

FLchicken

I had a planned C. Milk came in on day 3. They had DD nursing on my within 50 mins or so of her delivery. She had a good latch and was a good eater. In my case, having a csec had no ill affects on BFing.  Each experience is different.  Try and stay positive. I am sure it will all work out.