Nearly ⅓ of births in the United States are tummy births. (c-sections) 

While c-sections can make postpartum recovery more challenging, it’s absolutely possible to breastfeed successfully after having one.

You may be wondering if having a c-section will have any impact on when your milk will come in… let’s find out!

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What Triggers Your Milk To Come In?

No matter if you have a c-section or deliver vaginally, it’s the separation of the placenta from the uterus that shifts your milk-making hormones into overdrive and signals your breasts to start producing milk.  

When Does Milk Normally Come In?

About 2-6 days after birth, your body will go from producing colostrum (your baby’s first milk) to producing transitional milk and the volume will be more abundant.  This is known to many as when your milk “comes in.”  

(For most, milk shifts from colostrum to transitional milk by 72 hours after birth)

Does Having A C-Section Affect When Your Milk Comes In?

No matter if you have a c-section or vaginal delivery, a delay in your milk coming in is most often associated with a traumatic birth experience rather than the method of birth.

Having a c-section may delay the onset of this by a day or two (probably from the extra stress of surgery), but it will come in eventually.  

Reasons a woman might have a delay in milk coming:

• stressful birth

• severe bleeding after birth

• separation of baby and mother after birth

• certain medical conditions (ex: diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome)

• infections/illnesses/fevers

• c-section

• you were on prolonged bed rest during pregnancy

• delayed initiation of breastfeeding after birth

• obesity

Ways to Speed Up Your milk to come in after c-section:

• Remind your healthcare team that you wish to breastfeed as soon as possible after surgery

• Have early skin-to-skin contact with baby in the first hour after birth

• Initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, within 2 hours of delivery if possible.  (Some hospitable even allow moms the opportunity to breastfeed while they’re still in the operating room after surgery)

• Ask to see the lactation consultant at the hospital for help

• Breastfeed/pump 10-12 times every 24 hours

• Ensure baby is nursing well with a deep latch

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• Avoid formula supplement unless medically necessary

• Have as much skin-to-skin time with baby as possible

• Take your pain medications if you need them (pain interferes with breastfeeding letdowns)

• Breastfeed on demand and know the your baby’s hunger cues

What If My Baby And I Are Separated After C-Section?

If you and baby are separated after delivery (if either of you needs extra care), you should begin pumping with a hospital-grade breast pump so you can stimulate your breasts.  Pump every 2-3 hours until your baby latches. 

DISCLAIMER:
Don’t wait to get help if milk supply is ever a concern. 

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