Pumping before C-section

juepnunes

This may sound stupid, but I was wondering if I was to start pumping a couple of days before my scheduled c/s if the milk would come earlier. I know that usually takes between 3-7 days after c/s for the milk to come.

Aloe0l

I wouldn't.  You won't need to.  3-7 days is normal, and a c/s doesn't always determine how quickly it will come in (mine came in within 48 hours).  Plus, your baby will need the colostrum those first few days anyway, so you don't want him/her to get milk any earlier than they need it.  Just nurse nurse nurse nurse nurse as soon as you are in recovery w/ your LO. 

g00dg0llymsm0lly

Nope. Your milk will come in the same amount of time after a section as with vaginal birth. It's the detachment of the placenta that triggers it. Just nurse often! GL

JPandJW

I am considering doing the same thing. I do have concerns about the colostrum though, and might only pump one day before. I had a c-section the first time around (and will again), and it took a long time for my milk to come in. The LC that I talked to said it can take longer for c/s mothers' milk to come in because it takes a bit before the body realizes that the placenta is gone. I had a really difficult time with BFing altogether (not in any way saying you will)- and I want to do everything I can this time around.

That being said, I am going to ask my Dr. about it, and you should probably do the same. Good luck!

RumbleLina

Why not just pump after your c/s? I pumped after mine and we syringe fed the colostrum to my DS. Whether or not the pumping had any impact on when my milk came in I have no idea but my milk came in 4 days afterward.

pepomntpat

There is no need. The pumping won't  help your milk come in any faster. Your body's hormones need to do that.  My milk came in on the fourth day and DD has been fine. 

ILoveRunning

pepomntpat:

There is no need. The pumping won't  help your milk come in any faster. Your body's hormones need to do that.  My milk came in on the fourth day and DD has been fine. 

 This!  The first phase of breastfeeding is a hormonally regulated one which is kick-started by the detachment of your placenta.  Check out kellymom to read more about endocrine (hormonal) vs. autocrine (local) control (https://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/milkproduction.html).  

Also, pumping prior to c/s could cause you to go into labor since nipple stimulation causes your body to release oxytocin, which is the hormone needed to produce uterine contractions.

https://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/concerns/c-section.html

Scroll to the bottom of the above link to read more about delayed milk arrival (althought the entire link is very useful).

gananoque

I had a c-section and never had a single problem nursing my baby. Honestly, I had an easier time than most of my friends who gave birth vaginally -- even the ones who went all natural.

I think there are a lot of myths out there about how c-sections negatively affect the nursing process. For me, this was not the case at all. So you shouldn't stress about it!