Breastfeeding After C-Section
Can I still breastfeed if I have had a cesarean section?
Definitely! Some mom's have more challenges when they are getting breastfeeding established. If you know you want to breastfeed, make sure you tell everyone near you in the hospital. Tell the nurses. Tell your doctor. Request a lactation consultant as soon as you can. Since you are going to be in the hospital for a few more days than the average mom, take advantage of the resources available to you.
See more frequently asked questions.
Information and Tips
Breastfeeding Basics: Breastfeeding After a Cesarean: A thorough article with lots of tips and details about how to maximize your chances for success in breastfeeding after a cesarean. Includes illustrations to help you understand positioning tips. Written by Anne Smith, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with over twenty years of experience in lactation counseling.
Find a Lactation Consultant: A lactation consultant is trained to help you breastfeed your child. Hospitals often have them on staff - but you can also hire one to come to your home. This site provides a quick and easy way to find an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Includes resources for both those in the USA as well as many other countries around the world.
La Leche League: Breastfeeding After Cesarean Birth: Thoughtful tips on special issues facing cesarean moms who want to breastfeed.
Breast Pumps
Spectra - S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump: Breastpumps are very useful in a number of situations. Are you planning on working and continuing to breastfeed? Is your child in the NICU? Are you having problems with cracked nipples, bleeding, or other breast pain? This model has a rechargeable battery that will let you use it anywhere for three hours away from a plug.
Medela Pump in Style Advanced with On the Go Tote, Double Electric Breast Pump: This is a very “traditional” pump (I had one like this one 20 years ago and it was great). Expensive, but durable and very trustworthy.
Nursing Bras
One of the most essential tools for successful breastfeeding is a great nursing bra. You may be thinking to yourself that you can't possibly buy that online - but trust me when I tell you that the Bravado Nursing Bras are amazing. I loved them 20 years ago, and they are still on the market (good sign, right?). Just use their measuring tips.
Another brand I love is Harper Wilde. They are my go-to bra for daily wear and they just came out with a Nursing Bra!
Nursing Clothes
Shirts and dresses designed to be worn while nursing will give you greater confidence to nurse your child wherever you are because they don't make you contort into weird positions to get your child to your milk. Take a look at the clothing available on websites like Motherhood Nursing, Latched Mama, or Nursing Tops available on Amazon.com. They don't have to be ugly or expensive - but they can make all the difference.
Books on Breastfeeding
Spilled Milk: Breastfeeding Adventures and Advice from Less-Than Perfect Moms:
In the introduction, the author says she wanted to write a book that would read like a middle of the night support group from mom's who have been there - for mom's in the midst of breastfeeding. A great read - and very supportive of whatever choices you need to make. Includes stories from other cesarean moms.
Nursing Mother's Companion 8th Edition: The Breastfeeding Book Mothers Trust, from Pregnancy Through Weaning:
A great book with all the basics - as well as an extensive troubleshooting section. Good to have on hand for reference - even if this isn't your first time breastfeeding.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Completely Revised and Updated 8th Edition:
The La Leche League classic handbook. Includes some information specifically for mom's recovering from cesareans. Also has good diagrams and lots of supporting information explaining all the ways that breastfeeding is good for you and your baby.
There are lots of other Breastfeeding books - browse for more here.