Bf'ing after c section

PhillyGal34 · February 2015

I am pregnant with DS2 and have a scheduled csection on 3/6 unless he flips. (Didn't with a version so I'm doubtful). It is very important to me that I bf as soon as possible after he is born. DS1 was a preemie and I didn't get to bf for weeks (pumped) so this is something I really want.

Anyway they told me I would be getting a spinal instead of an epidural. I've read that that can mess with bf'ing. Is that accurate? What was your experience?

I plan to ask at my visit on Thursday. I was overwhelmed at the version so I don't remember everything.

kbrands7 · February 2015

I had a spinal with my c-section (breech also) and was able to breastfeed in the recovery room about 30 minutes after he was born-- maybe sooner. I did have some difficulties at first, but DS is now 10 1/2 months and still BF. Honestly, I doubt our initial difficulty was due to the spinal; I'm pretty sure that it was a combination of FTM bewilderment and some baby c-section stuffiness. I pumped and BF for a few weeks until he got the hang of it.
When you go back in, try to talk to the anesthesiologist and a lactation consultant. Good luck, mama!

harmonicbabe26 · February 2015

I had 2 csections because of 2 breech babies. Had a spinal with each and had no problem bf-ing in the recovery room right away. My milk came in on day 2 pp in both cases. I bf-ed DD1 for 7 months and currently bf-ing DD2. With DD1 i had some issues but they were due to lack of info not spinal. I also have several other friends who had csections, spinals and bf-ed just fine.

PhillyGal34 · February 2015

Thanks guys. I feel like everything online is so negative about c sections. Like you can't win no matter what you do!

OSULisa · February 2015

You might want to look in to "family friendly" or "natural" c-sections. A big part of that is allowing more skin-to-skin immediately after delivery while they are closing you up and not separating you from the baby during recovery which allows for more skin-to-skin and earlier initiation of BF. Then talk to you OB about what the hospital will accommodate. It took longer for my milk to come in but I had other complications that likely contributed to that.

jnnfrrose6 · February 2015

I also had a c-section for DS because he was breech and then a RCS for DD because of low fluids. Both times I began nursing in recovery within 30 min of delivery (my hospital doesn't offer the "family friendly" c-sections). The nurses were helpful with DS when I was a FTM figuring out what to do while in recovery and I did see 2 different LCs over my stay.

SLGILL1978 · February 2015

I was able to start nursing with my daughter about 45 mins after my c section while I was in recovery.
I had an epidural with mine, since I had it within a couple hours of being induced. I have no complaints or horror stories at all. I had a smooth c section birth.

PugsandKisses · February 2015

I have had both types and I started breastfeeding both in the recovery room.

ccegla1 · February 2015

I had an emergency c-section due to LO coming out face first (face presentation). I had a spinal. I had a birth plan as I was trying to have a natural birth with a mid-wife. In my birth plan I stated I wanted skin to skin immediately after birth and wanted to breastfeed. I am not sure if it was due to my mid-wife, the nurses, or my birth plan; but the nurse brought LO to me while I was on the operating table getting closed up and had LO latch on. I think that had a lot to do with our success with breastfeeding and her latching well.

ammc07 · March 2015

I had a csection with my first because she was breech as well. As pp said, I nursed as soon as I was in recovery about 30 mins later

Charmedseed · March 2015

I had a spinal and no problem with pumping at all! My sister was right there 3 hours post op helping me, so I had a great support system. Get in touch with your hospital's or OB's lactation specialist to help you before and after!

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