Tips for preparing to breastfeed after elective c/section?

[Tori74]

Hi all,

I'd like to be able to breastfeed more "successfully" this time around.

Last time (long story), I lasted 10 weeks "part-time" - I was always comp feeding (ie from day 1 in hospy on advice from the midwives) due to poor supply - even on the maximum dose of domperidone/motillium, and doing heaps of expressing (pretty much whenever I wasn't feeding for those first few months). I never had a feeling of my milk "coming in" and my breasts never felt full or empty - basically they just never changed!

I had an emerg c/section, with large PPH and infections, and was back in hospy for surgery at 7 weeks post partum. I'm sure some of this physical stuff contributed to the issues I had with milk production.

This time I'm having an elective c/section, so I won't be so exhausted to start off with, and of course I'm hoping to avoid the PPH and infections I had last time.

I also had PND, and am taking steps to prevent that recurring. I know breastfeeding can be hard at first, but I almost feel though like it's a choice between breastfeeding and retaining my mental health, with the time it all took me last time. I know if it's too hard, I'll give Obi bottles, and I'll be fine with that - Josh after all is fit and well after being 90% (or more!) bottle fed. But I'd be particularly keen to hear from anyone who's successfully breastfed and had PND, IYKWIM.

I'd like to give myself the best possible chance of this, so I guess I'm asking if there's anything I can do over the next 3 months to prepare my breasts and body to feed more effectively?? Will attempting to express pre-natally help? Is there anything I can take (medical or herbal or whatever)? Anything else?

TIA,
Tori

[Japh]

I didn't have bf issues but did have pnd and bf successfully for over a year. I have weaned for health reasons but there is a lot a naturopath can do to help you with stimulation of supply. My sis successfully bf after battling low supply issues for a few weeks after her bub was born thanks to her naturopath (after trying motillium etc).

Good luck

[mac&kt]

i really hope you get there this time!!

things i recommend, make sure bub comes into recovery and as soon as the spinal wears off get bubs on the boob. i have rarely heard of milk coming in on the first day so i really don't know why a m/w would advise you to comp feed from the first day. in other words, if it doesnt sound right, ask to see the hospital LC or even better, ask around with people in your area who recommend a private LC and seek help from there. theres some good books available from the ABA website (one you get free with your subscription), there is also the ABA forum, ABA meetings, ABA breastfeeding workshop.

i had a emergency c/s, my milk didn't come in until about day 5 and successfully BF DD for 17 months, perseverance, seeking the help of LC's, advice from my pro bf CHN and online forums and never using formula, bottles, dummies was the secrets of my success
GL!!

[twistedsista]

The biggest advice I can give you is DO NOT letthem feedthe baby formula while waiting for you!!! They end up feeding the baby 30 mls or even more and whilst the baby might be settled for a few hours it actually stretches its stomach quicker hence the baby wanting more hence breatfedding unsuccessful.

Express if you have to or make sure they ONLY feed the baby 5to 10 mls via a cup or syringe to ensure the baby doesnt get use to a teat.


All the best

[Tori74]

Originally Posted by twistedsista

The biggest advice I can give you is DO NOT letthem feedthe baby formula while waiting for you!!! They end up feeding the baby 30 mls or even more and whilst the baby might be settled for a few hours it actually stretches its stomach quicker hence the baby wanting more hence breatfedding unsuccessful.

Thanks ladies.

Meegan, this is EXACTLY what they did last time! They would give him the little 30mL bottles of formula, with the little teat. Grrrr, not this time!

[SalSam]

Why on earth would they say you had a low supply and comp feed day 1???? Hooley dooley that is just setting you up for disaster. I wish you the best of luck. You can do it.

[twistedsista]

Originally Posted by SalSam

Why on earth would they say you had a low supply and comp feed day 1???? Hooley dooley that is just setting you up for disaster. I wish you the best of luck. You can do it.

I know how stupid.

Make sure your partner or someone knows your wishes so they dont feed the baby, its the biggest thing that goes wrong with cs births.

[Kylie]

You don't have to wait for the spinal to wear off before you start breastfeeding

As soon as you can, put bub on the breast after birth - let the staff know that you want to breastfeed asap, and you want bub with you in recovery.

When you start, let bub feed frequently, this will help you with increasing your supply. Do not comp feed at all - ignore anyone who tries to tell you that you should at birth. This should only be an option when it is absolutely necessary for the health of your bub, or you are medically unable to do so.

I agree with PP stating that you should have a look at the ABA site, and maybe speak to a lactation consultant

Good luck

[littlelight]

start expressing colostrum into 3ml syringes and freezing it now, so you can take it with you and Obi has that to start with if it's needed and it helps bring your milk in quicker.
Otherwise seek hekp from a good LC.
Goodluck

[twistedsista]

Originally Posted by littlelight

start expressing colostrum into 3ml syringes and freezing it now, so you can take it with you and Obi has that to start with if it's needed and it helps bring your milk in quicker.
Otherwise seek hekp from a good LC.
Goodluck

nope dont do this, wait until you are 36 weeks, it can stimulate your uterus and you could find your self in early labour