Breastfeeding after an elective c-section prepared me for breastfeeding after an emergency section

My first child, Freddie, was born in July 2020 via elective cesarean section and I naively had done no preparation or research regarding recovery and breastfeeding.

When I said I wanted to try breastfeeding I had comments made about it being harder after a c-section. There were warnings about delayed milk production after a c-section. There was also talk of after pains and pain with feeding after a c-section, which all felt very negative to me. However, I didn’t let other peoples negativity get me down. I was determined to make breastfeeding work and I went on to have a successful breastfeeding journey with Freddie. We ended up breastfeeding for over two years.

I wanted to exclusively breastfeed again

When I found out I was expecting my second child there was no doubt in my mind that I would exclusively breastfeed again. It was the only way I knew how to feed my baby. This time I had knowledge and confidence from the start. I had learnt a lot from my first c-section about the impact of birth and initiating breastfeeding so I knew what worked and what didn’t.

When I found out I was expecting my second child there was no doubt in my mind that I would exclusively breastfeed again. It was the only way I knew how to feed my baby.

One of the things I made sure about second-time around was that my hospital notes contained information on giving formula. This is because Freddie received formula in hospital without real consent from me. I wanted my notes to specify that consent would need to be given by my husband or I if my baby required formula.

Harvesting colostrum before the birth

In preparation for my second birth I harvested colostrum during the latter weeks of my pregnancy. Harvesting colostrum was not something I knew about until after I had my first baby – something I feel sad about. With Walter I wanted the peace of mind of having my breast milk ready and waiting for him – in the event I would be unable to feed him straight-away.

Knowing I had this ‘liquid gold’ for baby should he need it gave me the confidence boost I needed. I worried alot about how I would manage recovery and cluster feeding whilst trying to still love and care for my 3 year old. The harvested colostrum definitely gave me some reassurance.

I was more confident speaking out and asking questions

Thanks to the confidence I had gained from my c-section with Freddie, I felt more comfortable about speaking out and asking questions about my birth with Walter. Despite the nature of an emergency section I was still able to get some skin to skin in that golden hour after birth, once myself and baby were OK. I was able to question if it was time critical that myself and baby were separated or if checks could wait until we’d attempted our first feed.

Despite the nature of an emergency section I was still able to get some skin to skin in that golden hour after birth, once myself and baby were OK.

Once we knew Walter was OK in theatre I asked if his blood tests could wait until I’d feed him first. Ultimately 10 minutes wouldn’t of made much difference but meant we could have some special bonding time. Always check with your healthcare team and make sure your wishes are known.

Comfortable breastfeeding positions after a c-section

I’d learnt from experience what breastfeeding positions were comfortable when recovering from c-section surgery. From the beginning we did lots of side lying feeding while cosleeping. This meant I could rest and Walter could feed as much as he wanted (which in the beginning is a lot). Laid back nursing is also a good one as it takes the weight of baby off your incision site as they can lay across your body instead of tummy.

Something I invested in second time around was a nursing pillow as I used one so much during my first breastfeeding journey. When the cluster feeding hits, it feels like you’re holding baby for hours and your arms and shoulders can ache. Having a nursing pillow meant I could be hands free and be more comfortable when breastfeeding feeding for long periods of time. The pillow also acts as a barrier to your c-section scar so they aren’t lying directly on your tummy. The added benefit of a feeding pillow is I could be hands free for cuddling, reading and playing with my toddler son Fred.

I was more prepared for c-section recovery

Recovering from a c-section was easier second time around, mainly because I knew to prioritise rest and to not push myself too much. I also knew to keep on top of my pain relief and take each day as it comes. I knew not to over do it with lifting and exercise whereas first time I’d pushed myself to ‘bounce back’. Knowing what to expect physically and emotionally after a c-section birth also meant I was able to manage my expectations in terms of how I was feeling.

Recovering from a c-section was easier second time around, mainly because I knew to prioritise rest and to not push myself too much.

We’d planned for my Husband to be off 6 weeks again, using paternity and annual leave. This made me feel less stressed about recovery. It meant I could really focus on breastfeeding working for us too because he could make sure Freddie was cared for. The transition to big brother came naturally to Fred but it definitely helped having that special time together as a family of four.

Trusting my instincts and believing in my body

Breastfeeding after a second c-section definitely made me trust my instincts as a mother and believe that my body is enough. I had faith that my body would produce enough milk for my baby – and it did.

For me one of the most empowering parts of Motherhood is breastfeeding and nourishing my babies from the moment they are born. I’m so glad the negativity and myths around breastfeeding after a c-section didn’t affect our journey. I hope other families will read this and feel optimistic about breastfeeding after a c-section – whether that be an elective or emergency section.

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