By The SABI and Cake Maternity
Welcoming your precious baby into the world is a moment filled with joy, wonder, and often, unexpected challenges. For many mothers who undergo a caesarean section, breastfeeding can present unique hurdles. Whether your c-section was planned or an emergency, understanding and preparing for these challenges can transform your postpartum journey.
In 2023, the NHS revealed that around 1 in 5 births that were planned for a vaginal delivery resulted in an emergency caesarean, meaning many new mothers face unforeseen difficulties. This can leave you feeling unprepared and overwhelmed, especially if it was not your birth plan. I experienced one emergency and a secondary planned c-section for both my babies’ births and though recovery can be challenging, I’m here to share my tips and offer support to help you and your baby have a beautiful start to your journey into motherhood.
Understanding Milk Supply Post-C-Section
A caesarean section doesn't define your ability to breastfeed, but it can introduce some initial struggles. Normally, uterine contractions during labour stimulate the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone," essential for milk production. When this natural process is interrupted, it can delay the start of your milk flow.
Delayed skin-to-skin contact and the effects of pain relief can further complicate the early stages of breastfeeding. But take heart, dear mama—there are ways to overcome these obstacles and nurture a robust milk supply.
Tips to Stimulate Milk Supply
Bringing your baby into the world via c-section demands extra care and patience for breastfeeding.The following tips and tricks will help you overcome common challenges faced by new mums recovering from this major surgery.
- Towards the end of your pregnancy, stimulate the nipple by hand to encourage colostrum production.
- Skin-to-skin contact as immediately post-birth, or as soon as your hospital will allow.
- Encourage baby to suckle as soon as possible post-caesarean, whether or not milk is being produced.This closeness is a powerful start.
- Try different breastfeeding positions to avoid any strain on your incision and encourage a good latch.
- If your baby is unable to nurse immediately, pumping may be advised to establish and maintain supply until your baby is ready.
- Stay hydrated and well fed! Your body uses around 350-500 calories per day and 1.5L of water to produce milk, so it’s important to compensate with your intake.
- Prioritise rest and relaxation as much as possible, as tension within the body can hinder milk production.
Encouraging Oxytocin Production
Oxytocin is the key to milk production, and it helps your body heal post c-section. Some simple ways of encouraging the production of this hormone include:
- Looking at your baby
- Smelling your baby’s head, especially before much bathing has happened
- Skin-to-skin.
- Listening to music.
- Cuddling, kissing, and intimacy.
- Meditation.
- Having a good laugh.
Milk-Boosting Food & Botanicals
Herbs have been used for centuries to support various aspects of health, including milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Incorporating nature’s best into your diet can provide a natural boost to your milk supply, offering both physical and emotional benefits during the postpartum period. Here are some powerful herbs that will become your allies:
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Oats: Oats are a popular lactogenic food due to their high iron content, which is crucial for milk production. They also contain beta-glucan, a type of fibre that is believed to increase prolactin levels, the hormone responsible for milk production.
- Barley: rich in beta-glucan, barley can help stimulate the production of prolactin. Barley water is a traditional remedy for increasing milk supply, but you can also incorporate barley into soups, salads, and other dishes.
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Fenugreek: this is one of the most well-known herbs for boosting milk supply. Fenugreek seeds contain phytoestrogens, which mimic the effects of oestrogen and can enhance milk production.
- Blessed Thistle: often used in combination with fenugreek, blessed thistle is another galactagogue that helps stimulate milk production. It works by supporting the flow of milk and improving circulation to the mammary glands.
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Stinging Nettle: this powerhouse of nutrients, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins, not only boosts milk supply but also supports postpartum recovery and increases energy levels.
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Fennel: this well-known galactagogue helps stimulate milk production as it contains phytoestrogens that mimic the hormone oestrogen, promoting lactation. Fennel also aids in digestion, helping to reduce colic and gas in both mother and baby.
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Cinnamon: Cinnamon not only adds flavour to your meals but also has lactogenic properties. It can help increase milk flow and improve the taste of breast milk, making it more palatable for your baby, and it regulates blood sugar levels.
Addressing Milk Supply Issues
The best indicator of a good milk supply is a wet nappy and your baby gaining weight. Additionally, pumping in between feeding sessions (shorter and more frequent is preferable to longer) can boost supply and help you determine how much comes out in a given session. But, if it’s lower than your baby needs, don’t fret, your baby may still be getting their milk requirement! Nothing drains a breast like a baby, pumping cannot compare. If you have any doubts about your supply or baby’s weight gain, speak to your health care professional or a lactation specialist. Supplements should only be considered if advised by a professional who will monitor your dosage and success.
Emotional Support and Community Resources
The only way to learn to breastfeed is on the job, and this can be incredibly isolating regardless of what kind of birth you had. Support is even more imperative when you’re recovering from a c-section, so lean on your partner, family, friends and community.
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easily, so no matter how you’ve brought them into the world, be gentle with yourself and know that regardless of whether you’re able to breastfeed or not, you’re doing what’s best for your new bundle.
Embrace this journey with an open heart. With the right support and strategies, you can overcome the challenges and cherish the beautiful moments of nurturing your baby. You are a strong, incredible mother, and your bond with your baby will only grow stronger with each passing day.
ABOUT CAKE MATERNITY
At Cake Maternity we specialise in maternity and nursing bras designed to support women as they embark on this new and exciting chapter in their lives. We also offer an equally thoughtful assortment of maternity and nursing friendly garments and accessories, designed to grow with them.
Katie, Head Designer at Cake maternity and writer of this Blog, is the proud mum of two beautiful girls and has been responsible for all the designs, style and fit at Cake Maternity for over a decade now. Katie is a nursing bra specialist and a fit, pattern and grading technician. She is passionate about breastfeeding and the many benefits it offers to both mum, baby and the environment.
She is determined to make the breastfeeding journey a comfortable, supportive and beautiful one for all mums, understanding that it doesn’t always come easy to everyone. That’s why she has made it her mission to empower women as they mindfully navigate the world of motherhood and help make breastfeeding easier, through experience-driven innovation.
ABOUT ANNA
Anna is a Co-founder of The SABI and has spent the past 13 years working in or for governments, senior businessmen and politicians around the world. Living in Bogota, Colombia, she recently renovated one of Colombia’s oldest and most iconic coffee estates, developing a unique taste and travel experience. She lives with her husband and two boys Lorenzo and baby Alfie who are responsible for the beautiful journey that inspired her to pursue The Sabi.
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