BREASTFEEDING AFTER CESAREAN
La Leche League can help
Breastfeeding is a learned art, independent of your experience in
childbirth. Nevertheless, the circumstances of your birthing can have
a great impact on your breastfeeding relationship and the problems
you might encounter. Common problems after a cesarean birth might
stem from delayed first feeding, interference to the establishment
of the milk supply due to hospital stay and practices like comp-feeding,
the use of dummies (pacifiers), separation of mother and baby as well
as inconsistent or ineffective breastfeeding advice and help.
A mother will experience greater positioning problems due to the
incision and the painkillers she is receiving might negatively effect
her milk production. The drugs may also cause the baby to be excessively
sleepy or lethargic and interfere with proper latch on.
This can lead to low milk supply and weight gain problems, with the
possibility of reoccurring breast infections and premature weaning.
Breastfeeding is the absolute best start to life for all babies. For
the cesarean birth baby and mother it is a unique chance to overcome
the physical and emotional trauma of this highly unnatural birth and
will assist greatly in counter acting many of the health problems
that might result for the child from this birth outcome.
These high need children will benefit even more from the close mother
child contact that is characteristic to breastfeeding. They have a
heightened need for holding, touch and brain cross patterning, all
of which can be met by breastfeeding.
You are welcome to contact La Leche League Perth for any query no
matter how small (or big) it may be. We encourage you to inform yourself
and get our support before major problems arise. Breast infections
for example are treated more effectively through proper breastfeeding
management than with antibiotics from your doctor; for most cases
they are not necessary. Friendly informal meetings are held monthly
in different locations.
For more details or counseling calls please ring Trish Winkler 9319
269 or Myra Allen 9417 7080
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