Things You'll Need:
- patience
- lactaction consultant
- support
- nursing bra
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Step 1
Preparing yourself to breastfeed before delivery is the first step in being successful whether you give birth naturally or through cesarean. Read books about breastfeeding and discuss with your doctor possible complications you should be aware of.
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Step 2
Before you attempt to place the baby to your breast, decide how you want to hold him. Having a large incision may be quite painful. Placing your newborn on it will hurt even more! There are a few holds to try until you find a comfortable position.
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Step 3
Try holding your baby in the football hold. The body is below your armpit with the head at the breast. This takes the pressure off of the incision. If you don't mind lying on your side, you can lie on your side with your baby facing you. You may also be able to place pillows over your incision and try feeding your baby in the natural cradle hold. This does not always work because of pain, but may work for you.
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Step 4
After you have found a comfortable position, hold your breast with one hand while bringing your child to it. If you are lucky, the baby will immediately take to nursing, but it probably won't happen. This may be when you need to call in an expert!
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Step 5
If you are unable to help your child nurse, ask for a lactation consultant. If there isn't one, a nurse can help as well, but the consultant seems to have more ideas. During this visit, your breast will be held by someone else, sorry! The helper will show you how to hold your breast and how to persuade your baby to grasp and suckle.
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Step 6
If you have a baby that just doesn't seem to get it, keep trying. Yes, it is painful and frustrating, but it is worth it. Eventually your newborn should grasp the concept and you have a whole other situation to deal with (can we say sore nipples?!) but it is a rewarding experience.
