Questions about induction leading to C-section and breastfeeding?

I was also induced due to high blood pressure and because I had a big baby (9 lbs), I ended up having a C-Section.

While it is different for everyone, I had a great experience breastfeeding after my c-section. Luckily, my daughter had a great latch very early on and my milk came in within 2 days my c-section. You have to play with nursing positions because your belly will be sore, but the football hold worked great for me.

Good luck!

C-sections can cause problems when starting breastfeeding. Unfortunately, I did not learn this until my son was already 7 months old. I was induced, had a c-section, and had major issues breastfeeding. It would have helped to know that I was not alone.

For the first five weeks, my son would not latch on. I pumped with a rented hospital-grade pump for those five weeks. Every two hours on the dot, I pumped a bottle. I tried to nurse him every time, too. Finally, at five weeks exactly, he latched on. Ever since then, we've had a glorious breastfeeding relationship and have no plans to stop any time soon. He'll be a year old in four days.

So yes, it can be difficult breastfeeding after a c-section... But it CAN be done. Your best bet is to find a lactation consultant (not one from the hospital, as they're usually hit-and-miss) and set up an appointment for a few days after baby is being born. You should also look up your local La Leche League leader. She'll be able to help you, as well, and the meetings are great for peer support. http://www.llli.org/

I wasn't induced but I had a C-section. I didn't see my daughter for 12 hours (she was FINE, you don't want me to get started on the hellhole that was the hospital!!), but we are breastfeeding strong at 16 months. :) She never had any problems latching on, even though some dumb nurse gave her a bottle. It takes extra determination to nurse after a C-section because your body is so ravaged by the surgery and pain! Also, your milk comes in later with inductions AND C-sections, because the milk-making signals your body would send your breasts when you go into labor naturally are delayed. Mine came in around day 4/5. I put her on the breast almost constantly the first week, and we learned to nurse together. She never had any formula or bottles (I'm a SAHM).

Good luck to you!!

Not to feed your fears or anything, but yes. That's what happened to me. I pin it on them waiting until I'd been there for almost 10 hours to break my water (which sped up my labor a lot). I think that if it would have been broken early in the morning (like a lot of the other people I know who were induced) then I would have had a natural birth. I also did have problems breastfeeding, but I think it had more to do with my son being impatient and when he didn't get anything right away he would just scream at the breast.

If you have a good Bishop's score, your chance of success is much higher. I would add that it also depends on WHY you are being induced. Women with an expected large baby are more likely to end up with c-section, than not, but without induction, they likely would go right to c-section. If not critical, sometimes if induction doesn't catch on, you can go home and try again another day.

I was induced for my second pregnancy, but it was a vaginal delivery. If your labor does not progress and you do get the C-section, ask for the hospital's lactation consultant while you are recovering. Then you can go over any possible breastfeeding problems that may result from the C-section. And be sure to get the lactation consultant's information in case you have any trouble after going home.

Good luck on your delivery! Congratulations :)

I was induced and ended up with a c-section as well. I started nursing immediately after I was in my room out of recovery. The first night was ok. The 2nd and 3rd nights were hell. I wasn't in pain, he just wanted to eat all of the time...like every hour and I wanted to rest. Also, nothing was coming out. Finally, on my last day, the nurse came in again because I was in tears because I really wanted to BF, but I felt like I wasn't making enough milk to feed him. They bought me a pump. I pumped for 30 mins on each side and nothing came out. Finally, when I started again my milk came in and I was able to feed him. He ate like he was the happiest boy on earth. He'll be 3 months old this weekend and breastfeeding is the best thing that I've done. :-) Just don't give up!!

I was induced and did not have to have a c-section. I delievered a healthy baby 5 hours after the induction began. Think positive! C-sections are not the only option when induced, you are very likely to deliver naturally! Good Luck!

First of all-- best wishes for a safe delivery for you!

I was induced because my water broke, was in labor all day (water broke at 2am, went to hospital at 6am), finally stopped progressing at 6cm... At 11:30 pm I had a c-section, not fun. I wasn't able to hold my son for a couple of hours afterwards, as they took him and did lots of tests and whatnot on him (I was running a fever for most of the day, and they were concerned about him).

We had difficulties breastfeeding at first, but I don't know if that was because of the c-section, the fact that I had an IV running for 2 days (because of the fever), or what. Anyways, it took a WEEK for my milk to come in, and in the meantime we chose to supplement with formula. We tried one of those tube things (you tape it to you, they suck on your breast and they get formula from the tube), but it wasn't for us so we used the bottle. For about a week he decided that he only wanted the bottle, not the breast, but with some help from a lactation consultant and a LOT of support from my husband and family, we got through it and he now actually has the opposite problem-- won't take a bottle!

Hopefully you'll have it easier, but even if it's tough, just know that you can get through it!! :)

Yes, many women being induced do have to have c-sections for whatever reason. I for 1 had this issue. I was able to breastfeed after I got out of recovery. Lots and lots of pillows! I would suggest you get a boppy, it's still a lifesaver for me and my baby is 13 weeks.