Cesarean birth is the surgical removal
of the baby through an incision or opening made in the mother's abdomen.
Nearly 20-30% of all births are cesarean births. Cesarean births are
seldom planned, as a result, parents may experience many feeling
including anger, relief, frustration, joy and sadness. Discuss your
feeling openly with your doctor, family or friends. It may help to talk
with other parents who have had an unplanned cesarean birth. While
cesarean birth will not affect your ability to produce milk, pain and
weakness may make it necessary to depend upon others for help. If mother
or baby need special care, the start of breastfeeding my be delayed.
In the hospital:
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Breastfeed as soon as possible after
birth. If the start of breastfeeding is delayed for more than 24-48
hours, begin expressing your milk.
Hand express or pump every 2-4 hours during the day and every 4-6
hours at night. Express each breast for 10-15 minutes, switching
breasts every 5 minutes. An electric breast pump with a double
collection setup that lets you pump both breasts at the same time
works best.
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Choose a
comfortable position. Use extra pillows to protect the incision
and provide support.
-
Positions the baby correctly on the
breast. You may need help with positioning, turning and burping
(babies born by cesarean birth often have more mucus). (see
Proper Latch-On)
-
Breastfeed on demand whenever the baby
seems fussy or hungry. Expect to breastfeed every 1 1/2-3 hours
during the day and every 2-3 hours at night. Breastfeed as long as
the baby wishes on the first breast before offering the second
breast.
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Pain medication may be necessary for
several days. Your doctor will order medication that is safe for
nursing mothers and babies. To provide pain relief yet limit the
effect of the medication on the baby, take the medication 15 minutes
before you breastfeed.
At Home:
-
Breastfeed on demand or request
whenever the baby seems fussy or hungry. Expect to breastfeed every
1 1/2-3 hours during the day and every 2-3 hours at night. While
demand or request feeding is recommended, some babies will not
demand or ask to eat often enough or feed long enough to support
rapid growth. Therefore, during the first 2-4 weeks, if your baby
does not actively wake or cry, you may need to watch him for signs
of lighter sleep such as sucking movements, sucking sounds or
restlessness and offer the breast at those times.
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Keep the baby in the room with you to
save time and energy.
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Get plenty of rest. Nap when the baby
naps.
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Limit your activity. Avoid heavy
lifting, household chores and brisk exercise for 4-6 weeks.
To promote healing
and speed recovery:
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Increase the amount of protein (meat,
fish, milk, eggs) and fiber (whole grains, raw vegetables) in your
diet.
-
Drink to satisfy your thirst
(approximately 8-10 glasses a day), warm liquids increase bowel and
bladder activity.
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Take short, frequent walks, mild
exercise increases bowel activity and helps mothers regain their
strength.
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Get plenty of rest, limit phone calls
and visitors.
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