Do C-sections alter your milk production? Some women find that C-sections delay breast milk production, but rest assured that your milk will come in eventually. In the meantime, have lots of skin-to-skin contact with your newborn, and try nursing as frequently as possible.
Delayed milk production
Studies have shown that C-sections may delay the start of mature milk production, which is when your milk comes in. During the first few days after birth, your body produces colostrum — your baby's first milk. Colostrum is low in volume but full of antibodies and other protection for your baby.
Women who delivered by emergency c-section were found to have a higher proportion of breastfeeding difficulties (41%), and used more resources before (67%) and after (58%) leaving the hospital, when compared to vaginal delivery (29%, 40%, and 52%, respectively) or planned c-sections (33%, 49%, and 41%, respectively).
Start Breastfeeding Early After a Cesarean Section
For most, milk transitions from colostrum (early milk) to milk coming in by 72 hours of birth.
In an unadjusted analysis, women who delivered by emergency c-section were more likely to discontinue breastfeeding ≤12 weeks postpartum (OR=1.35; 95 % CI: 1.03, 1.76; p = 0.029), when compared to those who delivered vaginally; there was no significant difference between planned c-sections and vaginal birth.
Less skin-to-skin contact, a delayed start to breastfeeding and added postpartum stress may lower a women's breast milk supply after a cesarean. The good news is that women who are committed to breastfeeding after a c-section can address and account for all three potential stumbling blocks.
Babies born by Caesarean section have dramatically different gut bacteria to those born vaginally, according to the largest study in the field. The UK scientists say these early encounters with microbes may act as a "thermostat" for the immune system.
Infants born by scheduled caesarean section were not found to sleep any shorter than infants born vaginally. Kozyrskyj said earlier research showed an association between a mother's socio-economic status and shorter infant sleep duration, but this is the first study to determine which factors link the two.
Babies born vaginally are thought to have an edge over those born via cesarean section. They pick up bacteria from their mother's birth canal, which scientists believe helps protect them from asthma, obesity, and other health issues as they grow older.
Most people will get their first period after a C-section within 6–8 weeks if they are not nursing. Having a C-section or vaginal delivery does not impact how quickly your period after a C-section will return. What does affect menstruation, however, is whether you choose to breastfeed your baby.
If there's no reason for you not to harvest colostrum, you can start hand expressing from around 37 weeks. If it's likely that your labour will be induced or you're having a planned c-section before your due date, your midwife or doctor may recommend that you start earlier.
This first month is usually the most demanding when it comes to breastfeeding. But just because your baby appears constantly hungry and is feeding really often – perhaps every 45 minutes – don't assume that you don't have enough milk.
Breastfeeding isn't always easy and if you're experiencing difficulties you're not alone. In fact a US study of more than 500 mums found that 92% reported breastfeeding challenges by day three1.
If the baby hasn't nursed by about 6 hours, also ask for an electric breastpump. Pumping soon after birth and every couple of hours thereafter will normalize your milk production, prevent engorgement, and collect valuable colostrum and milk which can be given to your baby when he's able to eat.
#1: Delaying Milk 'Coming In'
A recent study showed a direct link between pain medications (including epidurals) used during labour and a delay in a mother's milk 'coming in'.
Some quick facts about breastfeeding and anesthesia include: Most medications used in general anesthesia do not remain in the mother's system and do not affect her milk. Nearly all pain medications are safe for the nursing mother.
They might also lift your uterus partially out of your body while closing the uterine incision. In most c-sections, the bladder and intestines are moved aside so the ob-gyn can keep them safely out of the way while delivering the baby and repairing the uterine incision.
If size is a factor, a smaller baby and less chances of complications. If size and breech are a major factor, a 38 week cesarean can minimize further complications, higher sugars in a baby, ease pregnancy discomforts in those later stages for you as well, etc.
However, from the current medical evidence, most medical authorities do state that if multiple C-sections are planned, the expert recommendation is to adhere to the maximum number of three.”
The diet chart after C-section recovery should also eliminate anything that takes a longer time to digest. Items like carbonated drinks, citrus juices, coffee, tea, and spicy food should be avoided as they increase bloating and gas. Fermented and fried food can cause heartburn and indigestion.
Nursing tea may contain a single herb or a combination of herbs that work together to support lactation and increase breast milk production. The herbs found in breastfeeding tea include fenugreek, blessed thistle, milk thistle, and fennel.