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• How to Breastfeed Newborn Babies After C-Section

• Tips given by experts

• If you are worried then definitely read this article

Breastfeeding: Many mothers are worried about how to breastfeed their baby after C-section even before the actual start. The first few days of recovery time, pain, and limitations in movement all make something that should come naturally seem difficult. But the fact is, it is absolutely possible to breastfeed after a caesarean section.

With proper support and proper latching of the baby, most mothers can successfully initiate breastfeeding. Given the benefits it brings to both mother and baby, the effort is definitely worth it. Dr. Pritha Joshi, Consultant, Neonatal, Pediatric and Cardiac Intensivist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai has given more information about this.

What the WHO says

As recommended by the World Health Organization, breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth, wherever medically possible. If both mother and baby are stable, many hospitals now encourage 'direct physical contact between mother and baby' in the operating theater or recovery room itself; And rightly so.

This early touch helps regulate baby's body temperature, heart rate and blood sugar, as well as giving the baby a natural urge to feed. This causes the mother's body to produce the hormone 'oxytocin', which helps increase milk production and also helps the uterus to contract.

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Pain may occur at the site of the stitches

During the first few days after surgery, there may be a lot of pain at the site of the stitches. So many people don't realize how important it is to find a comfortable position for breastfeeding. The 'football hold' method works very well in this, as it does not put the baby's weight on the mother's stomach at all.

Lying on the pillow allows both mother and baby to be more comfortable during feeding, which can provide great relief during the initial recovery period. Another option is 'laid-back'; In this, the mother lies on her back and the baby rests on her chest, which does not stress the tanks. A mother can be very comfortable if she supports herself with pillows in the right place while breastfeeding.

Doctor's guidance is important

of breastfeeding As important as treating pain is thought to be in the entire process, it plays a much bigger role. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, effective pain control after a cesarean makes it easier for mothers to move and breastfeed more successfully. Most pain medications prescribed by doctors after a C-section are safe for breastfeeding when taken in prescribed doses; However, following the doctor's instructions exactly is always the best course of action.

How often does the baby drink milk?

A newborn baby usually feeds 7 to 10 times in a day and this frequency increases the production of milk in the mother's body in the early days. If mother and baby are separated for some time after delivery, expressing milk by hand or with a pump as soon as possible helps to continue milk production until actual breastfeeding begins.

Proper nutrition, proper hydration, and as much rest as possible are essential for recovery from a C-section. Eating a good diet, drinking enough fluids, and accepting help with household chores all help the body heal faster and conserve energy for breastfeeding. Although it can be difficult to actually do it on your own while your baby sleeps, it really helps with recovery in the first few weeks.

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Make it a habit from the beginning

After a caesarean delivery, it is common to experience problems such as delayed milk production, breast engorgement or latching difficulties; But if you get the right help in the beginning, these problems can be completely solved. Nurses, lactation specialists and breastfeeding support groups have all shown positive results; This increases the confidence of mothers and helps the baby to breastfeed exclusively for a long time.

Breastfeeding after a C-section takes a little more patience and some compromises, but with the right help and advice, it's totally doable. Early 'direct physical contact between mother and baby', proper holding of the baby, pain control, frequent and appropriate feedings and good maternal support all combine to make this process easier. It has many great benefits for both mother and baby.