Cesarean & Breastfeeding - Santa Rosa,CA

Hi, I had a cesarean about 3 and a half years ago. From what I can remember it took a couple of hours for me to be somewhat coherent after that. I think I started breastfeeding the next day. My c-section was around 6 pm the night before. I think it will be fine. Good luck.

I had both and there was no lag time before I started nursing. I started about two hours after she was born. The epidural made my legs heavy for a few hours but the next morning I was up and walking around. My surgery was at 4 pm the afternoon before. It was not painful but just annoying. I am not one to like to lay down for long.

I have had 2 sections with epidurals and had no problems with recovery. The second time I went into a little bit of labor after my water broke. The epidural made me sick to my stomach each time but it did not last long. I was able to nurse soon after I was out of recovery. With my second I was at the gym after 2 weeks. Hope yours goes well. When you are out of recovery make sure you are walking around as soon as possible and as much as possible or you will get gas pains which are very painful. I did not get them with my first but did with my second because I was not walking in the hospital enough and ended up staying an extra night in the hospital because of it. If you are moving around it won't happen.

She should breastfeed the baby as soon as possible, with help of course since she is having a C-section. I had one and with help was able to breastfeed my daughter within hours. It is best for the baby and mom to breastfeed as soon as possible otherwise the doctors will give the baby a bottle which will be confusing for a new baby and formula is never as good as mom's own milk for the baby. Tell her not to wait and to get as much help as possible so that she and the baby will be on the right track.

HI,

I had two - c-sections the first with an epidural and the second with the spinal with both I was able to breastfeed about an hour after the surgery and breastfed my 1st for over 2 years and my second one is 3 weeks and is breastfeeding well. My milk came in on third day. I actully had a better recovery with the spinal. I think the important thing is pain managment. If doctors are able to help you manage your pain you are going to have a better and easier recovery.

I had a planned c-section and had a fast recovery and gave my baby breast milk from day one. no need to wait. As long as she moves after the c-section (I started walking a few hours after the surgery), she should recover fast. My problem was not the c-section but rather the urinary tract infections (two) I had because of the catheter removal. Those were painful, but my c-section was completely fine.

hey, just wanted to say that the biggest problem i had with recovery from my c-section was the withdrawel from the morphine? anesthetic? that they gave me during the surgury (i was awake during the c-section) - they gave me my daughter pretty quickly (when i could move my arms again!!!) but the shaking, trembling, sweatiness of the drug withdrawel was horrible and lasted for hours. anyhow, i wish i had known about that possibility and would have talked to my doctor about alternatives they have, and discussed side effects, etc. so i would have known what to expect. good luck to your pal!

My c-section was not planned. They took me in the OR and gave me the epidural so I was awake for the whole thing. They let me sort of hold my daughter with one arm for a few minutes then they took her to be weighed, etc while I went into the recovery room for one hour! That was the slowest hour of my entire life! When I got wheeled back to my room I still couldn't move the lower half of my body, but they gave me my baby and I started breastfeeding immediately. And fortunately for me she took to it like a champ. I agree that it all depends on the hospital policy. A friend of mine got to have her baby with her in the recovery room while I did not.

I had a planned cesarean/epidural 3 months ago and for me, I was up and walking the night of giving birth. I felt so great that I was out of bed entertaining guests the entire next day, but then started to feel achey that evening. So the following day, I took it easy and stayed in bed most of the day. Coming right out of surgery was quite painful for me, however, and I requested morphine. The nurses were giving me doses of it, but it wasn't enough for me so I requested the morphine drip which I could self-induce (up to a certain number of ounces per nurse's shift). That cured my pain and I was sad that they had to take it away 24 hours after giving it to me. After that, I was on percocet which worked. Neither pain killer was harmful to the baby by the way as I was breastfeeding in the hospital. Regarding the breastfeeding, my milk unfortunately never really came in, so I've been breastfeeding at the beginning of each feeding and then supplementing with formula. I don't think it was due to the cesarean - my breasts didn't increase in size during my pregnancy. The best to your friend - my word of advice is to request the morphine if it gets to painful and definitely take it easy the day after surgery even if she feels great!

My experience with an epidural and a cesearean was not too bad. the actual delivery was a piece of cake. Very easy. Our doctor gave me the baby to carry back to the recovery room. I was sure I would drop him and kept mentioning that because there was some shaking after the medicine started to wear off. Everyone assured me that I would be fine and I would not drop him. I didn't and it was. We were nursing with in an hour and had no problems. I didn't like the wrap around type nursing support pillows they put too much pressure on the insicion. One of my fabulous nurses taught me how to prop pillows up on either side to suppor the baby. It worked well. I would not recommend the pain pump at the incision site. It was a total nightmare and kept getting caught on the gown etc. And I still needed pain medication. In my opinion it didn't work at al and was an extra "tube" coming out of your body for not much if any benefit.

I know your friend will be fine. Good luck and enjoy that baby!
k

I had an emergency C and was full of meds from my 24-hour labor prior to the operation (pitocin, epidural). Fortunately, I was able to breastfeed after my initial recovery (1-2) hours and continued to breastfeed through the night with a lot of help and support from hubby and nurses. I recovered quite well from the operation (VICODIN IS GREAT!) and the next morning, I was walking around, though very heavy and clumsily. She should really discuss these concerns with the doctors as well, esp. since this is her 3rd child and maybe they can help avoid what happened with the last 2 recoveries.

I didn't bring my boppy/brest friend pillow to the hospital and that would have really helped me with the feeding (hospital pillows= frustration), so I strongly suggest your friend to bring a nursing pillow to help ease the pain in the abdomen. And don't be hesitant to ask for the pain meds, it's going to be hard enough. Like the other mamas said, breastfeed as early as possible. Even with the residual drugs, I cried with joy once my boy was finally in my arms and I looked down at his sweet face!

J.,

I have had 2 cesareans. The first one was the worst and the second one was better because I knew what was going to happen. My first was an emergency c-section, but I was very well taken care of. I went in for a check up because I had some bad heart burn if that is what you want to call it during the weekend. When I went in the doctors said that I had severe preeclampsia and I needed to be admitted. SO they put me on meds that prevent seisures and rushed me to a military hospital mind you this was in Japan. When I arrived at the naval hospital they determined that they could not take me because they weren't equipped to take babies that were 31 weeks old so they had to call Japanese hospitals to see if they had any room. I had not eaten breakfast and was not allowed anything just in case they were to do my surgery. They finally found a hospital and I was rushed to Tokyo. The doctors at the naval hospital said that I would go to this hospital to get stabilized and that was it. When I got there at about nine o'clock at night the Japanese doctors said that I needed to have an emergency c-section right then. I could not be upset because I was so upset, hungry, tired and worried....I was just so out of it at that point. My husband luckily was still there because he filled out all the paperwork, took care of me during the surgery and after the surgery. I was walking the very next day but was not let go for a week as that was the custom in Japan. I was able to see my baby whenever I liked because she was in the same hospital as I. After that she stayed in the hospital for 2 months more and I had to live at a hotel near the hospital until she was well enough to go home. It was the hardest thing that I had to endure ever. It took me a while to recover but that was because my body was new to this situation. My second child was easier because my body knew exactly what had happened. Of course every situtation is different, you just need to hope for the best outcome but it sounds like your friend will do fine. I went in and the doctors walked me through everything and my husband was there to help me out. You can breastfeed your baby the day of the surgery which is what I did. Good luck, I know I was scared but just hang in there it will all be over and then she will have her precious child to hold and take care of and the surgery will have been well worth it.

I had an unplanned c-section. So I had an epidural since they had already given it to me for labor. They stopped the epidural meds right after they finished, and took me to their little recovery room. After they cleaned my baby up, they brought him to me in recovery. They let me try to nurse in recovery, didn't work all that well (the bed was really small) but they let me try, and I was only in recovery for an hour. But my friend at a different hospital was in recovery for several hours and didn't get her baby. I was at john muir and she was somewhere in santa rosa. I guess it depends on the hospital. Oh, also I was able to move within an hour, but I was determined to get to my room with my husband and see my parents, since only my husband was allowed in recovery, and they wouldn't let me leave till I could move, so I tried moving immediately. Tell your friend good luck and congrats!!

I've had 2 c-sections within 14 months of each other. First one was emergency w/epidural, and the second one was planned with a spinal. Both times I was able to breastfeed my babies as soon as I was up to it, and both babies were perfectly fine, no effects from any medication, etc. So with the first baby, I was nursing him within a couple hours of birth (I had to spend an hour or so in recovery since I also had a long labor prior to c-section), and my second baby I was nursing her within an hour of her birth, the very first time I got to hold her, I nursed her too!

I just had my 2nd C-section with spinal epidural and recovered really fast. The first 24 hours I was really drowsy, a little nauseous, but no pain. And I started breastfeeding pretty much right after surgery. It's okay to do so and it's good to do so.

Spinal can give you the worst headache you have ever had in your life. Be prepared for that. It can last a few days to a month. nothing touches it, except the serious drugs you wouldn't want to take with a newborn.

I would do a spinal again.

I had an unplanned emergency epidural cesarean. My recovery was fine. I did get really bad swelling in my legs because I'd had a "roommate" that had about 100 people in the room and I refused to show my butt when walking. I could walk and it didn't hurt, it just looked terrible. Other than that, I breastfed about 10 minutes after I was stapled and wheeled into the "recovery" room. I had requested a lactation nurse to help me learn to breastfeed when I checked into the hospital. I was able to walk around about 4 hours after my cesarean (before my roommate came). I say, grab baby right after s/he is cleaned up put them on your chest and start right away! Good luck! p.s. I'm still breastfeeding at 16 months!

My first c-section was a nightmare, way over drugged and not able to have baby right away, longer than typical for a c-section. That would be the beginning of my nightmare in that first hospital stay.
Second time around, I didn't play any games. I had a meeting with my doctor/anastesiologist(sp?), and my assigned nurse. I told them of my previous nightmare and laid down the rules: I only wanted the most minimal amount of drugs that would be just enough for me to not feel the incision, I didn't even care about any slight pain(they never allowed but got my point), I didn't want anything to make me feel "relaxed" nothing. My recovery was awesome! I got to have my baby immediately (my nurse was the head nurse and made a big exception due to my previous experience and set it up for me)my husband sat with me and bottle fed baby(blood sugar reasons). I nursed that afternoon, never needed a wheel chair, was walking that evening and was packed and out of there by the legally required 36th hour! Night and day recovery! I wasn't loopy, tired, etc. I didn't even want any of the vicodin! Ask for the minimum, it really helps!! Good luck

I forget what the recovery was for the c-section, I'd say a couple of weeks, before I was allowed to drive again.... I may find out in October when we have our second!

Regarding breastfeeding, there wasn't a wait time, as far as I can recall.

I had two c-sections, one planned with a spinal and the second unplanned with an epidural. I had no problem with either - both recoveries were fine. I started nursing in the recovery room immediately after both c-sections. There was no wait on the breastfeeding. Good luck to her!

I had a spinal before my C-section and the recovery was no big deal. I got to nurse my baby in the recovery room and I was pretty medicated for the pain, which I was glad about. The next day I was moving around, but the incision was painful (not horrible though). I stayed 3 nights in the hospital and that helped to get rest and have the help of my husband and all the nurses. The day after I went home I ran a couple of errands (Babies R US etc..) with my sister and felt pretty good.

I've had three cesareans and breastfed within an hour or two after each one. There is no justification for waiting any longer as long as the baby is normal & healthy. Decline the bath so that they won't have to leave the baby under the warmer & delay breastfeeding - there's no good reason for the bath anyway, it just chills the baby & keeps them separated from mama longer.

recovery is so individual. I've had one easy, one really hard that took months and months to get back to even somewhat normal, and one that was hard but doable because I was determined and grit my teeth thru it. Getting up and walking right away, although it's hell, is the key to recovering faster regardless of the type of anesthesia you have.

Hi! I have had two c-sections. The first was not planned the second 16 months later was planned. Both times I was up and running very quickly. I spent 5 days in the hospital with the first one (observation reasons) and only 2 the second time. With the second one I was playing tennis within 10 days of the surgery. As for breastfeeding, there really isn't any difference between a natural birth and a c-section. The baby and your boobs seem to know what to do even if you don't! As far as the anesthesia they used, they used this awesome stuff that started with a M - gets out of your system really fast and has no effect on the baby. I was awake for the whole procedure and felt fine - no dizzy spells, stomach sickness or anything. I was numb from the chest down. Recovery took about an hour or so (you have to be able to wiggle your toes). It was a great experience both times for me. Ask your doctor about that anesthesia that starts with an M. It is magical and you have to ask for it. If you can't find out, email me and I will call my doctors office. Good luck!

She will likely experience "the shakes" when here body is coming down from the Epidural. I did pretty soon after both of my c-sections. In any case, after both of my children were born, I was breastfeeding within 1 - 2 hours.

J.,
I have had both, first time I had an spinal with labor, and could hardly walk for 4 days. My second was a planned c section with epidural... I was walking around the following day and even cleaned my hospital room. There was a huge difference in the after pain also, the aches that you get from a spinal, are minimal. Good luck.

Here's my story, but it's worth noting that each will be unique.
I've had 3 C-sections & breast fed w/ each child. Each was different depending on the hospital policies. Perhaps she should check MD & look into ____@____.com youngest was delivered @ 9 am. After recovery room & I was settled in my room, my daughter was brought to me after lunch. As I said every hospital has different policies, & I guess it depends on baby too. My second daughter was not brought to me until 12 hours later-she was delivered @ 10 pm (b/c it was the policy).
W/ each repeat c-section I experienced significant after-pains, but MD removed some scar tissue w/ the third one. Pain was minimal (used tylenol only.)
I was thrilled to connect & breast feed immediately, but this was my choice.
Best Wishes to your friend. J.

I had a CSec with an epidural 5 months ago. I started breastfeeding immediately. (Clutch or football hold). This is the best way to get a good milk supply (which I had a hard time with because my CSec had multiple problems.) I had a tough recovery because my incision split open. There is nothing I could have done about that, but worked with Doctors to get it healed (it took 6 weeks). If I could do it again, I would have gotten a housekeeper for that time. Also, I STRONGLY suggest getting the lactation consultant to help with this. I used a pump as well to get my milk supply going.

Hi,

You can start breastfeeding right away, because your actual milk will not come in and transfer for a couple of days with no harm to the baby.

The only issue I had with epidural recovery, is just to be sure to be mindful of your posture. Due to fatigue, aches, and who knows what else, I was tweaking my back during nursing causing a "pinched feeling". Once I gave my posture adequate attention, that went away - so if she can do that right off - she can avoid that discomfort.

Blessings.

My recovery rate was not too bad. I spent four days at the hospital after the surgery, and then went home with my baby. I breast fed as soon as I was able to after surgery, and was fine. Sure, the incision was sensitive, but I dealt with it. I found out that when I put a pillow over my lap and rested the baby on that instead of my stomach, it did not hurt as bad.

M. *~

If your friend labored first, it's a lot tougher to recover than a planned csection. I've had two, labored the first tme, and I dreaded the 2nd but it wasn't even 1/2 as difficult recovery wise. The second time I'd say I was nursing within about an hour to hour and 1/2.

I have had 3 C-sections, 2 were with epidurals. I had one with a spinal. I would say the recovery time is just about the same...at least I didn't notice any significant differences besides the fact that I had to lay flat on my back for 8 hours after the spinal. (I had the 3rd c-section with the spinal in France, and I am not sure how many of the differences are just from being in another country, and how many are from the spinal.) Anyway, I was able to breastfeed immediately after all 3 c-sections. (Just had to do it lying on my back after the spinal)In all, I would say that the experience was better with the epidural.
Hope this helps!!

Hi, I had an epidural and then ended up with an unplanned cesarean. I was eager to breastfeed, and the doctors said there was no reason not to start right away. We nursed right after they wheeled me into my room! I was also given vicodin, and they were fine with that too. This is one of the top ten hospitals in the country, so I'm confident in their advice.

I did have a hard time with milk supply, and was told that it is common with c-sections for the milk to take some time to come in. We supplemented with a tiny amount of formula because she lost too much birth weight the first couple days (very common with c-section babies), three ounces a day total, and I drank Mother's Milk Tea, Guinness (one at night) and took two Fenugreek capsules three times a day. Our daughter gained weight right on schedule, and we gave up the formula after a week.

Good luck to your friend!

I had an emergency epidural c-section with my first and a planned spinal c-section with the second. My recovery with the spinal was actually quicker because I wasn't pushing for 2+ hours first like I did with the epidural c-section. As far as breastfeeding goes, I put my children on the breast within an hour after they were born and my milk came in on the third day.

Like the post from Sabra, I too, had problems shaking after both of my children were born, but it was manageable.

I breastfed my son in recovery, probably within an hour or so of the c-section. The epidural goes into your spinal fluid, not your bloodstream (though it eventually crosses the placenta if you have it for your entire labor, though this isn't an issue for a planned c-section, I suppose), so it is safe to breastfeed soon after. My recovery from the whole thing was pretty tough, but I labored for 60+ hours before getting the epidural and then the emergency c-section, so hopefully hers won't be nearly as bad. Good luck and breastfeed as soon as possible!!!

I had a c/s, and was able to nurse as soon as they had my daughter all cleaned up, etc. I was given vicodin and high-dose ibuprofen, and had no issues with breastfeeding. For me the recovery was about 1 wk of needing help w/ everything, and the second wk was a little better.

Best wishes to your friend!!