Can I breastfeed immediately after Caesarean section?
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Can I breastfeed immediately after Caesarean section?
Yes, you can breastfeed after Caesarean section. When you are fully awake and your baby's condition allows, breastfeeding can be started. You can adopt a comfortable nursing position which helps to minimise wound pain. For example, let your baby lies on your side in bed so that you are facing each other while breastfeeding. Your head, neck and back should be supported by pillows. Your baby's back should be supported by your hand or a small pillow so that the baby is kept close to your body. Alternatively, you can sit on the bed, place a pillow over your laps, then, put your baby on the pillow. This will avoid your wound being pressed by the baby. Along with proper assistance, you can breastfeed successfully.
Ideally, discuss with your obstetrician to see if natural delivery is possible. Yet when Caesarean section cannot be avoided, choose the appropriate method of anaesthesia, such as spinal anaesthesia or epidural. It allows you to remain conscious so that you can start skin-to-skin contact with the baby and breastfeeding within half an hour after delivery. This can increase chance of successful breastfeeding. To learn more, please consult your obstetrician.