Breast-Feeding After a C-Section

Topic Overview

A cesarean delivery may delay the start of breast-feeding for several hours. You may be sleepy from medicine or in pain from the surgery. Try breast-feeding your baby as soon as you are able.

  • Ask whether your baby can be brought into the recovery room to be held and breast-fed.
  • Ask your nurse or other health professionals to help you position the baby in ways that are comfortable for you. The football hold or the side-lying position may be most comfortable after cesarean delivery, because the baby does not rest on your abdomen. See pictures of the side-lying positionClick here to see an illustration. and the football holdClick here to see an illustration..

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last RevisedApril 14, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 14, 2011
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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