If your baby has been born by caesarean you may find moving position slightly more difficult in the early days. There are two really good positions for breastfeeding in the first days after a c-section. Side lying breastfeeding and laid back breastfeeding.
In a number of UK hospitals when a caesarean is completed and you are moved back onto a bed you will be positioned on your side. Your baby is then tucked in next to you close to your breast.
This is a perfect position for breastfeeding your newborn baby in a side lying position. You can allow them time to familiarise themselves with your body, to lick and nuzzle and hopefully latch to your breast. Usually a baby is very alert in the first couple of hours after birth so this is an ideal time for their first breastfeed. The midwife or nurse in the recovery area should be able to support you to latch your baby in this side lying position.
If you are having a caesarean birth, be that planned or not, then it is worth asking the midwife if you can be positioned on your side after the surgery to facilitate breastfeeding. This may be normal practice for the hospital but if not then you or the midwife can make that request to the anesthetist or obstetrician providing your care.
Side lying Breastfeeding Position After a Caesarean
For this position you lay on your side on a firm flat surface and place your baby on their side facing you.
Due to the pain relief that is given to your during a caesarean you may find that your legs are weak for a little while after so you may need assistance maneuvering yourself onto your side.
As the sensation returns you may find moving from side to side a little uncomfortable. My suggestion is that you take your time to move yourself and use the side bars on the bed to help you roll.
Once you are in position mothers usually find this a very comfortable position to feed their baby in. Although, you may need to place a small blanket across your wound if your baby is pushing their legs into your tummy whilst they are lying next to you.
Often when learning this side lying breastfeeding position mothers will place their babies too high on the bed so be mindful of that. Your baby needs to be able to tip their head back in order to latch so you need to place them nose to nipple with their neck extended. In this side lying breastfeeding position you do less to support your baby but many mothers will use a hand on their baby’s back to bring them gently forward when they gape their mouth. Some babies also find it helpful for you to maintain this support on their back through this feed.
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Laid Back Breastfeeding After A Caesarean
Laid back breastfeeding is another great position for breastfeeding after a c-section. It works well in bed as it enables you to recline your body and rest fully supported. It is not recommended that you sleep whilst your baby is feeding in this position.
This position works well as gravity supports your baby and enables them to take full advantage of their inborn capabilities to feed. Even a newborn baby is able to get a deep latch in this position and to feed well. Breastfeeding is often more automatic for your baby than it is for you.
Your chest should be bare and free of clothing and your baby should be placed on your tummy wearing just a nappy. Position them so they are tummy to tummy with you. You can make a loose nest around them with your arms so that they feel supported. They will use their feet and arms to push themselves forward and bob their head sideways to discover your breasts. You may find a small blanket or towel across your wound protects you from discomfort if your baby pushes their feet towards your wound.
Allow your baby to root in this position and explore you. They are often able to attach deeply to your breast with little help from you. If they are struggling to locate your nipple you can gently guide them towards your nipple or help them by expressing a little colostrum onto your nipple.
For more guidance on a laid back breastfeeding position you can check out my video on you tube.
Other Positions for Breastfeeding After a Caesarean
As your comfort levels improve and you become more mobile and able to position yourself in different ways more easily I would encourage you to try other feeding positions. I suggest you check out my post on breastfeeding positions for guidance on using the cross-cradle and rugby position.
The right position for feeding your baby is usually the one that you and your baby are most comfortable in. Enjoy your feeding journey and if you need help then please reach out to me.
