another colostrum ques

[darcytrue]

I got some great advice in the other thread but what I'm wondering now is when the colostrum will come in if I have a scheduled c-section? I am scheduled next week but no leaking as of yet and no sign of colostrum. I guess I'm nervous mainly because this is my first child BFing and I don't want to be pressured in the hospital to use formula at any point.

How does my body know to produce it if I have the baby taken out surgically without labor first? I've googled it and can't seem to find any info on the net. I know I must sound like a worry wart at this point.

[PatioGardener]

When the placenta is removed during the c-section your body will know that it is time. Having baby naked on your skin will help too.

It's awesome that you are getting all the info you need in order to be all set up to breastfeed this baby. Congratulations!

The easiest and most important way to know that baby is getting enough milk in the first weeks is to watch what comes out. In the first 24 hours of life, baby just needs to have one heavy pee and one poop - 2nd 24 hours there should be 2 pees, etc. kellymom has some good info: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/index.html
and
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/con...c-section.html
and
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/newborn-nursing.html

[MommyMad]

Remember that colustrum is "gold" and that you won't have tons of it, but it will be enough for your baby. Getting him to nurse very often (about every 2 hours or so, or on "cue") will get the rest of the milk in. Babies do not need much the first hours after birth.

[twins+1]

I had a csection with my twins and a vbac with my new son. Both times colostrum came in about the same time and I had an abundance of it. You'll be just fine! Good luck!

[phrogger]

When the placenta is removed from the uterus, that is the signal to the body to make milk, starting with the colostrum. Even with a c-section this will happen. I have had 5 c-sections and it always came. I am excited you are BFing this time. I swear it helped with my recovery. The nursing really helps the uterus contract and get back to where it is supposed to be.

[Drummer's Wife]

I've had 4 c-sections and colostrum was always present after they were born. I didn't get any out during pregnancy (except when I was nursing my toddler) so that's not an indication. My milk always came in completely around day 3.

[ShwarmaQueen]

Same here, as the other c/s mammas. Baby will get enough colostrum if you let baby suckle unlimited (might be constant, might be every couple hours, just depends)!