Breastfeeding After Cesarean Delivery

Challenges to Breastfeeding

Moderate-to-severe postoperative pain after C-section can delay recovery and complicate breastfeeding, making positioning difficult and interfering with milk letdown reflex and comfortable positioning of the baby 1

Scheduling surgery to allow breastfeeding or milk expression as close to surgery as possible can help overcome breastfeeding challenges 2
Minimizing separation of mother and infant to the absolute minimum necessary period is crucial for successful breastfeeding initiation and continuation 2
Providing appropriate pain management that balances analgesia with minimizing sedation, such as using non-opioid analgesics (paracetamol and NSAIDs) as basic pain management, can help support breastfeeding 1
Ensuring access to trained staff for breastfeeding support and providing a suitable environment for breastfeeding/expressing milk before and after surgery can help overcome breastfeeding barriers 2