by Brittney Steimle

Created on: March 06, 2009

As a new mother I found myself very overwhelmed by my newborn responsibility and also overcome by the pain of the c-section. I simultaneously experienced extreme joy and trepidation. As I returned to my room after the c-section I was very cold and shaky, which was a result of the medication used during surgery. I was hesitant in my first attempt at breastfeeding, but as soon as my sweet little one was placed in my arms I was ready to try.

Breastfeeding does not come naturally, but is something that both the mother and baby learn together. Breastfeeding after a c-section can be difficult because the discomfort that comes from your incision can make finding a comfortable breastfeeding difficult, but it is not impossible. Some people find the football hold perfect as it avoids placing pressure on your abdomen, allows you to look directly into baby's eyes, and insure that baby has a proper latch onto the breast. In order to properly use the football hold position your baby so her legs and body are under your arm, using your hand to support the head and neck. Keep your baby's body bent at the hip and their legs tucked under your arm. Let the nurses or lactation consultants help you with any concerns you may have. They will also make sure that you are aware of how to properly offer the breast to baby, show you other nursing holds, and how to break the latch without pain.

Another concern that I had as a new mother was my pain medication passing through my breast milk and adversely affecting my newborn. I attempted to go as long as I could between taking my medication, but soon found that I was more effective in taking care of my baby's needs when I kept on top of my pain by not letting too much time pass between taking my medication.

"Is my baby getting enough milk?" is another common concern. While you are in the hospital baby will only get colostrum, a thick, yellowish substance, which is a special milk that is high in carbohydrates, protein, and antibodies that help to keep your baby healthy. It is very low in volume and while it may seem that your baby is not getting enough to eat, this special pre-milk is satisfying for baby's needs. Your baby will want to nurse frequently, but do not take this as a sign that baby is hungry. Frequent suckling on the breast is part of what stimulates your milk production. Don't feel the need to feed on a schedule as the breastfeeding patterns will vary from baby to baby and from day to day. Life with a newborn baby can be quite unpredictable, but as you learn and grow together breastfeeding becomes a rewarding and norishing bonding experience.

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