Let’s Chat…Labor Interventions—Part 5

According to the CDC, The National average of cesarean births was 32.1% in 2022. Whether or not you plan to have a C-section, it is important to consider how surgical intervention may affect your breastfeeding journey. Studies show that with proper preparation and assistance you can be successful. So, let’s chat C-sections and breastfeeding.

Hormone disruption

During natural labor your body increases the production of Oxytocin, which promotes bonding and breastfeeding. Surgical interventions can prevent these natural surges. Immediate and frequent skin-to skin contact after delivery can help increase this hormone in both you and your baby.

Separation

Where skin-to-skin is the norm after a vaginal delivery, often babies are taken for a brief assessment (and sometimes medical intervention) after cesarean births. This spearation can be mere minutes or longer if your baby experiences medical complications. You should perform skin-to-skin as soon as you and your baby are medically stable. If possible, prior to your surgery ask the hospital if the Lactation staff or other staff will be present in the operating room to help you hold your baby. Also ask about their policy on allowing support people into the O.R. If you are unable to hold your infant skin-to-skin, maybe your support person can. If your baby has to be admitted to the NICU or if you are physically unable to put them to breast get hand expressing or pumping as soon as possible after delivery.

Emotions

Giving birth naturally stirs up many emotions. If you have undergone an emergency C-section due to medical complications or other birth trauma you may be at a higher risk for baby blues or Postpartum Depression. You are not alone. It is important to talk to someone and share your experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your Doctor or Midwife if your negative feelings intensify.

Medications

The medications that are administered during surgery can cause you and your baby to be drowsy, making breastfeeding difficult. Know that as long as you are alert and awake enough to safely hold your baby on your own, you can and should breastfeed! Typically, small amounts of medication are passed through your breastmilk to your baby and most of the pain medications given in the postpartum period are safe for breastfeeding. Make sure your Doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding and reach out to your Lactation Consultant if you have any concerns about medications.

Delayed Production

In the first few days after delivery your body produces colostrum. Though it is small in quantity it is big in nutrition. Somewhere between days 2-5 milk production increases and mature milk is made in greater quantities. Your body will be focused on healing after surgery and sometimes that focus can pull from milk production. Studies show that C-section mothers tend to have a delay of that mature milk coming in. Be patient, your body is healing. To help move things along do lots of skin-to-skin, on demand feedings and hand expression.

Pain

Pain is to be expected after a major abdominal surgery such as a C-section. Report your pain honeslty to your caregivers and take pain medication as prescribed. Post surgical pain can make positioning for breastfeeding uncomfortable. If holding you baby in the cross-cradle position puts too much pressure on your incision area, try the sidelying or football position. Learn more about these positions in our post Positioning and Latch.

Although having a C-section may impact your breastfeeding journey, it does not mean it is impossible. With proper preparation and assistance you can meet your feeding goals. Keep in mind the key rules for successful breastfeeding.

Advocate for yourself and your baby by speaking to your providers about your breastfeeding goals. Seek out a Baby Friendly Hospital in your area. These hospitals make breastfeeding support a priority. Let your partner know how they can support you, so that you can heal as well as care for your baby. No matter your method of delivery breastfeeding is important and we are here to help you on this journey. For more support follow us on social media.