Breastfeeding? Canceling C-section? I Just Want the Best for the Both of Us...

http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/fenugreek.html
I took Fenugreek and breastfeed for 13 months. I almost starved my 2nd child I had no idea I was not making enough breastmilk so I did lots of research before my 3rd was born and found out about this stuff and he did fantastic this stuff really works I had tons of milk! I will be using it with my next one too! I buy mine at GNC. I loved it!

i cant help you on the vbac but i had mine c section also and she was kept in the nicu for a few days and i didnt really get to bond with her until about 2 days after. that was when i bf'd her the first time. my hubby actually was the first one to feed her in the nicu with a bottle. when they brought her to me i was all freaked out that she would have nipple confusion with being on a bottle and looking back i should have just relaxed as she did just fine. they had a lactation nurse in the hospital that came every time she was hungry to help me learn how to latch her and let me tell you it isnt easy, especially when you hurt like hell. you really do have to eat a lot when you nurse. they told me that over and over and to drink a lot of water also. within a few days we had it down. i feel like i ate more after i had her then i did when i was preggers. every time after i nursed i would eat something. you have to do what is right for you. even if the lactation nurse isnt available this time, get to your pediatrician and ask for one. ours has 2 on staff. good luck!

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The very most important issue in both your questions is....

You need to do whatever it is that feels most comfortable to you.

That is the RIGHT thing.

What will make you relax? Which will make you worry less? What is the best/easiest way for YOU to bond with YOUR baby?

I nursed all my babies, including a 25 week preemie, for ME it was easy, it was RELAXING, it FELT right.

For YOU it may be different. The best mom goes with her gut right from the start.

So my answer is, give yourself a freakin' break already and ENJOY that baby!

I understand how you feel. I had an emergency c/s with my first, and when pregnant with my 2nd, it was hard to decide what to do. Part of me wanted a natural birth, but I was scared I would end up with another c/s after going through all the labor, and that complications may arise. I ended up going in for a planned repeat c/s. I'm happy with my decision, and have *no* regrets. That being said, even though we won't TTC for about another year, I'm already thinking about really trying for a natural birth with our next one. So I guess I'm not much help with this decision.

I never had a problem BFing after either of my c/s's. I was able to BF as soon as I got back to the recovery room. The hospital I was at had LC's come visit me each day til I was released. So even though I don't have much advice on what you can do, I do have some great links for you. These are some great online BFing resources that I have learned so much from! I'm going to link their Facebook pages, b/c that's what I check, though they do each have their own website. So no matter what you decide about the c/s, check out these resources.

The Leaky B@@b has become my favorite BFing resource (they also have a website with forums to discuss BFing topics, but you can also find lots of help on their FB page): http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1357613045#!/pages...

Best For Babes: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1357613045#!/BestF...

KellyMom: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1357613045#!/kelly...

Of course, there's also http://www.llli.org/ (La Leche League)

Fenugreek is an herb you can take (I found some at Sprout's) to help with milk production. Also Lacation Cookies (The Leaky B@@b has a recipe I'm about to try). Eating oatmeal helps, too. I don't know about any actual medications you can take to increase supply, but I know they are out there. The mama's on the sites I listed can help you more than I can.

I've had 2 c-sections and one of those was to a preemie and both of my kids breastfed fine. Of course my preemie had to learn how to nurse once he got home from the NICU but that's a whole other book lol! My second was a semi-scheduled c-section and she nursed like a champ. Biggest thing is to get baby to you as soon as they can. Most hospitals will bring baby to you in recovery if you have a section. And my second was in the room with me the entire stay. She never stayed in the nursery shy of a couple hours after birth.

I'm wondering if your first was not nursing right more than you weren't making milk. If baby is latched on right you really shouldn't have bleeding like you are describing. But if baby isn't on right and not nursing effectively, you will have all kinds of nipple problems.

I would encourage you to learn as much as you can as quickly as you can about breastfeeding. I think it makes a world of difference. Make an appointment with a lactation consultant asap. Don't wait until you are having problems to seek out advice. Talk to them now so that you get started on the right foot! Take the breastfeeding class at your hospital. I really like Martha Sears breastfeeding book. Very no-nonsense with lots of good info.

I have had two c-sections and haven't had an issue breastfeeding either time. I don't think it has anything to do with the surgery, so you should make your choice based on whatever you feel is best for you and the baby for the delivery, not the feeding. Since you had troubles the first time, you may want to contact the lactation consultant *before* delivery to get help and support before you're tired and stressed and trying to feed a hungry baby. Just remember, the most important thing is to have a healthy, happy, thriving baby, breastmilk or formula! Good luck and congratulations on your soon-to-be new family member!

I have had 2 c-sections. The first was an emergency.
The 2nd was planned. My choice.
I exclusively breastfed with both my kids.... and I had NO problem whatsoever with milk production nor with my kids nursing.
The hospital Nurse, brought my baby to me, as SOON as I was out of recovery after surgery.... and they put my baby to breast. I told them as well, that I will be breastfeeding. No problem.
My milk came in right away. My kids suckled just fine and they had ginormous appetites. The Nurses brought my kids to me for nursing, on-demand.

C-section Moms... CAN and do breastfeed. Just the same as natural birthing Moms.

all the best,
Susan

My last child was a c-section, but because he was my third attempt at breastfeeding we did great. A really great lactation specialist told me not to fret so much over the c-section. She said, "Your body knows you gave birth. The baby is not inside and needs to be fed." I did all she told me and pumped like crazy until my milk came in really well. My son nursed for six wonderful months. Good luck! I'm sure you will figure out what is best for you both.

I hope your wish of breastfeeding comes true, but honestly you need to realize there is alot more to being a great mom than the single act of feeding. How/What you feed your child does not determine your success or failure as a mother. The hardest thing about being a mom is making tough decisions that are right for you and your family. I had a normal vaginal birth and I did not breastfeed. Just because you do a VBAC does not mean you will breastfeed this time around either. Try to relax and just go with what happens. There is no need to torture yourself if you use formula! I can't advise whether or not you should try for a VBAC, nor can anyone else on this board--that is an informed decision you and your partner should make after talking with your doctor ans considering the best option for your specific case. If a C-section is going to be safer medically for you than I would say that trumps breastfeeding any day---you being alive to feed the baby from a bottle, breast, whatever is the priority! Best of luck coming to terms with whatever outcome.

I have had all c-sections (4 of them) and they all breastfed. -some better then others :) Stress can decrease your milk supply. Make sure you drink PLENTY of water! Also there is a tea called Mother's Milk that can help. You can get it at a health food store, like Wild Oats.
If you doctor is supportive about the VBAC and you really want to do it, I say go for it!!!

I have had breast milk supply issues and I have never had a c-section. Breast feeding can be intimidating and HARD at first. It's easy to get upset and overwhelmed... because you hate seeing your baby frustrated and you're panicking that you can't do it. You stress out and your milk supply suffers.

Take a deep breath and assure yourself that you can do this. Talk to the lactation specialist and don't be afriad to go back up to the hospital after having the baby if you need more help. Get some lanolin to rub on your nipples to help avoid them being too sore. If you get cracking or bleeding it USUALLY means the latch isn't right -- the lactation specialist can help you with that. Ask them about a nipple shield and see if they think you're a candidate for that. Once you figure out how to negotiate the baby into the right position nursing shouldn't hurt, once it doesn't hurt you will be able to relax and your milk should come in.

To increase supply -- eat a healthy, balanced meals/snacks and keep your fluid intake up. Make sure you're giving your body all the nuitrients it needs to give to baby. Keep taking your pre-natals as well. When you breastfeed you burn and extra 600 calories a day. You could consider purchasing some "Mothers Milk" hot tea. But really, I am pretty confident that once you get your latching correct and just get through the first few weeks you will be on easy street. :)

I can't help on the vaginal verses VBAC. I am pregnant with number four and I *really* don't want this last guy to be a c-sec... he's not head down or butt down yet and I am 39 weeks tomorrow. UGH. But neither should change your ability to breastfeed your baby.

Good luck!

Natural is better if you can swing it but either way, you should be able to breastfeed just fine. I had 1 natural and 4 c sections and I breastfed all 5 just fine. Good luck and congrats!

Ok S., you have 2 issues going on here and they are actually independent of each other, even though you are trying to make them one in the same. Let's first deal with your VBAC idea. First off, I think you are having some unsure feelings about your c-section just because it is getting closer and all women do. You just have somewher to channel your fear. WOmen who are at this point in pregancy; many get nervous. Women start to get all type of fears of the unknown and just being a mom again. You are just able to challenge yours as "surgery". Know I too had the same uneasy feelings before my second child was born. It is the "fear of the unknown" that makes you feel "maybe I should do this." If you were decide to TOLAC (trial of labor after a c-section) then you will have thoses fears. So if you and your doctor have discussed it and it is what you guys are both comfortable with, I say just know it is a common fear and go forward with the plan. The nice thing is you can plan where those vaginal delivery girls can't. You have a date to set up day care and come in all beautiful to meet your baby. Kind of sweet and gives you a sense of control! I also feel you have some issues with the way your last c-section occurred. Then everything happened really fast, there was no plan and you and baby were seperated after delivery. With scheduled c-sections this seldom occurs. Actually you will notice the staff is going to be so layed back and actually it will appear that the delivery is taking FOREVER! There will be a lot of casual conversation and you will be saying "come on already and get it done.-lol). So very different. You will have a spinal before hand and it will go in without having to deal with contractions at the same time. :) So just know this time it will be different.
Now as far as breastfeeding. You and your son sound as if you got off to a rough start. That does not mean that will happen this time! If you truly had a milk production problem, we do not truly know the reason behind it. If you had cracked bleeding nipples, this tells me for certain that he was not latched on properly. I do not know if it was mommy positioning, baby positioning or technique; but I GUARANTEE you it was on of those issues; unless you have strawberry shortcake red hair. (Not being funny; seriously my red heads have this issue due to pigment). So with that being said, improper breastfeeding was probably the reason for decreased milk production. There are sometimes medical issues too as why women do not produce enough milk, but when paired with feeding problems, it is usually not the case. Now did you guys have issues because you and baby were not together right after delivery, I doubt that too. Yes breastfeeding many times is initiate breastfeeding right away, but it is not NECESSARY! It helps with the delivery of the placenta and the retraction of the uterus more than anything. Now due note after a c-section your milk comes in 12-24 hours later, but that again is not a big deal. Will not cause elong term decreased milk supply. Do not start taking anything to increase your milk supply right now. You do not even know if you fall into the 2.5% of women with natural production problems. Most time women have production problems it has to do with breastfeeding techniques, with baby, timimg, working, and the busy lives we have here. So please discard that from your head. I say go on with your plan and have th nurses and a LC help you after delivery with feedings. You get an extra 1-2 days in the hospital use it. Take your prenatal vitamins after delivery. Get in your 3 meals 2 -3 snacks and your 8-10 8 ounce glasses of water a day and you will see you will have not problems if you and baby learn how to feed properly before going home. It sounds as if you have a great support sysytem, so use it; just realize they are not the ones to help with breastfeeding though. Get professional help. Even though the intentions are good, they can not do the job. Congrats on baby!

no a natural birth will not help you with breastfeeding.
My first was natural , my second was c section. Both breastfeed just fine.
The first 3-6 months are the worst if you can get through them you are good to go. My second was in NICU for a week and was not able to breast feed until day two.
Biting and chewing could indicate teething.

Wow.

Good job mama.

Umm..I took classes as a doula, first term classes as a midwife, was born at a midwifes house, raised the whole natural way.

I'm a good mom. I know it. But I was a c section mom, and high risk pregnancy. I'm physically made less capable of healthy births, just the way it happens.

I had no special pain meds after the first day (Germany has another angle for medicine.) and I had manual stimulation to help with gas and bloating and healing of the very painful cut muscle tissues! whoa it hurt. Also, I had lots of help with breast feeding. Five nurses showed me how. The baby hollered when she was hungry, they let her, and they let me nurse. By the way, baby crying is just what it is, a signal for moms to tell us what to do. Sometimes crying when hungry actually stimulates a mothers milk production...so soothing said infant with pacifying and alternate food source weakens milk production. I produced hardcore about...fifth day in. The nurses would allow about 5-10 minutes 5-7 times a day to see how I was doing before the alternate foodsource was introduced. Some people would say thats just silly, but it worked! and the darleng daughter had no gas, or overt stress from that, in fact she grew exceptionally well and my milk was incredible in production. The germans said I was a strong mother and good mind, not whining like all americans about pain that is human condition, moving with the way we are made helps make us adaptable and function in the now better.

I don't have a clue about how the births here are conducted, I was a doula ten years ago! laws and states change and so do hospital allowences. I'd try if the doctor was willing to honor my attempt. I went three days through labor and the germans let me, she was in no distress. I had no pain meds until last minute and therefore she was in excellent condition health wise and response wise. no pain meds after the first 24 hrs because my body did the rest and the doctors were right (did hurt, no lie, it was rather uncomfy) I adapted fast. She benefited. Happens the world over!

So, my side, I'd attempt.

Hi S.,

I just had a VBAC, and I'm sooo glad I did. I had a natural birth, and it was great. If your doctor is okay either way, I'd imagine you're a good candidate (most docs are pretty conservative), but do what feels right for you.

As for the breastfeeding, I suggest going to a La Leche League meeting. Many moms go even before giving birth, so you could get some advice about supply issues in person where you could discuss and ask questions. The leaders are trained, and the mamas have a wealth of experience to share (and you can also ask questions online). My first never could latch on properly despite tons of appointments with lactation consultants, and though I've worried that the C-section had something to do with it, logically I think it probably didn't. Every baby is different in any case. Good luck, and try not to let the worries dampen the big day no matter how the baby comes and gets fed! :)

I really wanted a VBAC, but I never went into labor on my own with my first pregnancy, and my second baby was estimated to be a 10-pounder by his due date. I simply didn't have the option of trying for a VBAC. I had a hard time with that, and went through a mourning process.

I have since made my peace with it and had a 3rd c-section, but I still wish I could have had the experience of labor and pushing at least once in my life.

I also don't think that it will help with your milk supply. My friend just never could make enough for her baby, and it was hard for her. But I told her that those few months of breastfeeding are such a tiny part of a person's life! Yes, it's the best way to feed a baby, but it's not like he/she will fail to thrive or anything. I had to stop nursing my baby at 7 months so I could start taking a medication, and it was difficult emotionally, so I understand what you're feeling. But I am so grateful that I have that medication and a good alternative to feed my healthy baby boy with. Modern science is so amazing to me, that they can get formula's nutrition so close to breastmilk's.

I don't have any advice about increasing your supply except to drink lots and rest a lot. But it doesn't have to be all or nothing, either. You don't have to suffer or feel guilty. Breastfeed as much as you can and supplement the rest.

You should have the type of delivery that is safest for you and your baby and then worry about breastfeeding.

You're still a good mother if you are unable to breastfeed. Is your first son suffering because you didn't breastfeed? Does he love you less because you didn't nurse him? I'm going to guess the answer is no.

Get through the delivery first - with the best and safest outcome to bring this child into the world - and then worry about feeding your child.

I had natural labor and still couldn't breastfeed. Not enough milk so don't base on that.

I totally relate! My firstborn ended up being an emergency c-section and I was also unable to breastfeed. My second child surprised us because my waters broke spontaneously 3 weeks early! I went straight to hospital and my gynae said I could try "natural labour" - unfortunately, at the last minute, baby turned breach and we had to have a C-section again anyway! Believe me, if I was ever going to have another baby I'd opt for a c-section any day!! "Natural" (at least in my case) was an awful lot of pain I could have spared myself!! I also had trouble breastfeeding my first, but not my second (even though she was also a c-section birth) the trick is to feed ON DEMAND!!! The mistake I made with my first was to try and stick to "the rules"! With my second, I just let her at it every time she wanted - she even slept in bed with me (she was a winter baby) so every time she whimpered I'd put one in her mouth and next whimper I'd move her over to the other side. She's now a perfectly healthy happy and well-adjusted 14 yr old! Good luck with your decision - just remember to trust your "mom's intuition" and u'll all be fine!! :)

DId you have a c-section with baby #1- if so, what was the reason? Does your doc consider you a good candidate for VBAC? I AM a good candidate because I had 1 vaginal birth and a c-section for #2 due to my son's short cord (found after c-section done in response to failed induction 1 week past DD- cord was only 6").

IF you are not a good candidate, please keep your c-section appointment. You are acting emotionally and not rationally at this late stage of pregnancy. BTW- I had a LOT of trouble nursing my vaginal birth child (only lasted 6 weeks nursing, rest pumping till I dried up at 4months) BUT I successfully NURSED my C-section baby till 12 mos. Do not let the breastfeeding be a factor in your c-section decision. I did NOT feel up to nursing in the surgery recovery room because I vomitted due to the anesthesia during the c-section so I allowed them to give him 1 bottle of formula....and we STILL successfully nursed for a year. Do not beat yourself up. Do what you think is best for you.

Best wishes!

Well I have had two c-sections and first let me tell you that a scheduled one is way easier than an emergency one. My second which so much better and I felt it was the safest thing for me and my baby. And even with having c-sections I was able to nurse no problem. But I know that as soon as I am out of recovery I nurse my baby right away and continue to do so every 2 to 3 hours round the clock to make sure my milk comes in good and strong. I do feel that it does take me a few more days than normal for my milk to come in good but I know I have that colostrum at first which is great for them so I don't worry about it. The decision is up to you but I really don't think the c-section was the cause of a low milk supply. also remember to drink lots of water and eat lots of protein. It helps your supply.