If you're preparing for a C-section or recovering from one, you might be wondering: Will my body still make enough milk? Will the surgery affect my baby’s ability to latch? How can I breastfeed if I’m in pain?
First things first—yes, you absolutely can breastfeed after a C-section. Your body is designed to provide for your baby, no matter how they enter the world. While a C-section may come with some extra challenges, with the right approach and support, you and your baby can have a successful breastfeeding journey.
How Does a C-Section Affect Breastfeeding?
A C-section won’t stop your body from producing milk, but it can influence:
🔹 Milk Supply Timing – Sometimes, the milk transition from colostrum to mature milk may be slightly delayed (by 12-24 hours) due to IV fluids, medications, or stress from surgery. Frequent nursing and skin-to-skin help kickstart supply.
🔹 Positioning Challenges – Abdominal pain, incisions, and limited mobility can make it tricky to find comfortable nursing positions at first.
🔹 Baby’s Sleepiness – Some C-section babies may be extra drowsy from pain medication used during surgery, leading to shorter or less frequent feeds in the first 24-48 hours.
🔹 Delayed Skin-to-Skin – If you’re recovering in the OR or recovery room, you may not get immediate skin-to-skin time, but it’s never too late to start once you and baby are stable.
💡 Did you know? Babies delivered by C-section may retain more fluid, which can make them seem fuller and less eager to nurse in the first 24 hours. This is temporary! Keep offering the breast to encourage regular feeding.
Tips for Breastfeeding After a C-Section
1. Prioritize Skin-to-Skin Contact
Even if immediate skin-to-skin wasn’t possible, do it as soon as you can. This helps regulate your baby’s temperature, encourages latching, and signals your body to produce milk.
✔️ If you're unable to hold baby right away, ask your partner to do skin-to-skin until you’re ready.
2. Nurse Early & Often
The more your baby nurses, the more signals your body gets to produce milk. Aim for at least 8-12 feeds in 24 hours.
✔️ Signs your baby is ready to nurse: Wiggling, rooting, sucking on hands (crying is a late hunger cue!)
3. Try C-Section-Friendly Nursing Positions
Since lying baby across your abdomen may be uncomfortable, these positions are gentler on your incision:
Football Hold – Baby’s body is tucked beside you, rather than across your belly. (Great for reducing pressure on your incision!)
Side-Lying Position – Nurse while lying on your side with baby facing you. Perfect for resting while feeding!
Laid-Back Nursing – Recline with baby lying on your chest. This uses gravity to help baby latch comfortably.
💡 Tip: Use a rolled-up blanket or pillow under baby to support them, and place a pillow over your incision for extra comfort.
4. Manage Pain Proactively
Pain and discomfort can make it harder to focus on breastfeeding.
✔️ Take pain medication as prescribed – Safe options like ibuprofen won’t harm your your baby.
✔️ Use pillows for support – A nursing pillow or rolled towel can help protect your incision.
✔️ Move gently but regularly – Short walks help with circulation and healing.
5. Stay Hydrated & Nourished
C-section recovery takes energy! Drink plenty of water and eat nourishing, high-protein meals to support healing and milk production.
✔️ Easy snacks: Greek yogurt, nuts, oatmeal, smoothies
6. Hand Express if Needed
If baby is sleepy or struggling to latch, hand express colostrum and offer it by spoon or syringe to keep your supply up while baby gets the hang of nursing.
💡 Did you know? Your colostrum is packed with immune-boosting antibodies and nutrients—it’s the perfect first food for your baby!
7. Get Support & Be Patient with Yourself
Recovering from major surgery while learning to breastfeed is a lot. Ask for help, lean on support, and take it one feed at a time.
✔️ Lactation consultants can help with latching & positioning
✔️ Partners can assist with burping, diaper changes, and bringing baby to you for feeds
✔️ Rest whenever you can—your healing matters too!
When to Seek Extra Help
While many C-section moms successfully breastfeed, sometimes extra support is needed. Reach out to a lactation consultant if:
🚩 Baby is having trouble latching or staying latched
🚩 Your nipples are painful, cracked, or bleeding
🚩 Baby isn’t having enough wet/dirty diapers
🚩 You’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your milk supply
Flowerbud Lactation is here to help—whether you’re recovering from a C-section, struggling with latch, or just need reassurance.
Breastfeeding after a C-section may come with some extra challenges, but it’s absolutely possible. With the right support, good positioning, and patience, you and your baby can have a successful and fulfilling breastfeeding journey.
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