If you had a c/s, were you able to BF? - Page 3

[NewSolarMomma]

I had a CS, and no problems with BF or supply at all. A few minutes after I was out of the OR, the lactation nurse was there to see if I wanted help starting BF. My son did, but I didn't, I wanted to sleep (2 days of labor, 5+ hours of pushing, and non stop vomiting through labor and surgery- I was TIRED). I went to sleep, he went to the nursery. A few hours later that same day, they brought him to see me, but after a hour of cuddling he had to go to the NICU, where he got bottles and pacifiers (I approved). I started pumping ASAP, and sending the milk down with the nurses.

After 2 days I finally could move enough to go see him, and much to my surprise, he latched right on. I couldn't believe it! He was in the NICU for 6 weeks, during this time I pumped a LOT and got plenty of milk. He had no problems going between bottles, breasts and paci's, and it took ALL of those things to keep him full and comfortable in the hospital. He was 9# 2 oz and has been gaining half a pound a week, so he eats A LOT!

[waterlight]

I did okay BF'ing after my C-section. Lactation nurse came into see me shortly after recovery, and that was really helpful. It was very hit and miss right at first, and fortunately, my baby was okay with that for the first couple of days whilst we were in the hospital. I remember reading in the LLL book that babies have reserves for 24-36 hours after birth, and we didn't have to go to formula in the interim. She was also pretty bloated (as was I!) because I had been on IV fluids at the hospital for two days prior to finally having to have an unplanned C-section.

She was born at 7lbs2oz, and lost a whole lb within 5 days, which had me a bit worried. The pediatrician gave me 24 hours to get some ounces on my little girl (otherwise we were going to have to add formula for supplementing) so for 24 hours straight baby and I did some power BF sessions! She gained 4 ounces in 24 hrs. Within two weeks she was back up to her birth weight.

Gabriella is now 3wks6days, and every day we both do better with BF'ing. We're no longer doing it on a 3-4 hour timer, but rather using the "on demand" method. I'm learning all of her hungry cues: sucking fingers, moving tongue around in her mouth, opening her mouth wide, and of course, crying :-) Some days are better than others. The other night she didn't want the breast at all - I'm thinking the garlic I had in my dinner! I was crying too, because I was so worried about her not eating. Anyway, I do my best to take a yoga approach I learned - "today's practice is today's practice" - and not assume that because one BF session didn't go well, it means that we're doomed.

All the best to you in your BF'ing!