Are there tips for breastfeeding after cesarean section?
It is important to remember that a cesarean section is major abdominal surgery and that in the first few hours after the baby's birth you may not be in a position, possibly due to the affects of anesthesia, to be able to breastfeed and bond with your baby in that way. Be patient and ask to keep your baby close to you with plenty of skin-to-skin contact. However, if you are feeling well, there is no reason why you cannot breastfeed immediately after the surgery in the recovery room if that is what you want to do.
Some mothers find that the "football" hold or "side-lying" hold is more comfortable after a cesarean section because the baby doesn't put pressure on the incision that way. Learning how to breastfeed laying down will benefit you as well in your recovery. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance and to make it clear that you want to breastfeed your baby as soon as it is possible.
Sometimes women experience swelling in their ankles after a c-section most often caused from IV fluids they received during the c-section. If there is swelling in your ankles there is likely swelling in your breasts, which may cause your nipples to be temporarily flattened and more difficult for your baby to latch-on. To temporarily evert your flattened nipples, you can try a method called "Reverse Pressure Softening" to help ease the swelling by using your fingers (see how here) or you could try Lansinoh LatchAssist to help evert the nipples making it easier to latch your baby onto the breast. LatchAssist can be used one-handed to evert your nipple while the baby is positioned and ready to latch and nurse.
