I had a C-Section on Sunday, today I still can't breastfeed my baby because the milk isn't flowing, when?

Question

I'm really worried :-( I just had a c-section because I was diagnosed with preeclampsia, and my beautiful baby boy had to be delivered a little bit early (36 weeks). But I've been having a hard time breastfeeding my baby because there's no milk flowing. When will I be able to feed him breast milk?

Answer 1

Colostrum (?) is coming even before your milk lets down which is very important to your baby. This is where he'll get his immunities from. Delivering early and thru a c-section slows the process a bit, but the more your baby sucks, the sooner it'll flow.

Answer 2

Aw, sweetie, I hope you and your little one are doing ok!! I know exactly how you must be feeling...I had severe preeclampsia and had to have an emergency c-section at 27 weeks. =/

I also had a bit of a hard time getting my milk to flow at first. I had to PUMP at first and I HATED that stupid pump, but I HAD to do it if I wanted to collect the milk for my baby (she couldn't have the milk right away). Try massaging your breasts before breastfeeding. And just keep trying and trying...sometimes it takes a while. It took me like 3 days before I got any REAL flow...I thought I never would!

Also, I suggest you talk to your doctor about this. And check to see if the hospital where you delivered has a Lactation Specialist...they usually offer free advice and help! That helped me SOOO much. I was able to breastfeed my micropreemie perfectly and preemies usually have a hard time with it. =)

Also! If your supply is always low, ask your doctor about using Reglan as a stimulator. I had to use it eventually because I was SO stressed out that my milk started to dwindle...and this Reglan stuff boosted my milk supply by twice the amount. =)

Answer 3

I had a c-section with both of my children. I nursed my daughter an hour after birth and my son less than an hour after birth. Your baby gets everything he needs from your colostrum until your milk comes in (you do NOT need to supplement with formula!) This usually takes about three days, so it sounds like yours will come in any moment now if you have been feeding him your colostrum).

However, if he's getting circumsized, be prepared for possible engorgement if your milk comes in on the day of his circumcision (this is what happened to me). He will probably sleep a LOT the day of his circumcision, nursing less frequently, and you may get engorged. If this happens, ask for the lactation consultant to come help you. I had one hand-express some milk for me to relieve some discomfort and help get my son back on the breast.

But above all, avoid giving him a bottle (because this may cause nipple confusion or affect your milk supply -- again, he does NOT need formula!!). Allow him to nurse as often as he wants (this will likely be about every 1 1/2 - 3 hours) and don't worry about your milk coming in. It will come in when it's ready, and your baby will have what he needs from your colostrum until then.

I highly recommend you contact a lactation consultant (or La Leche League -- see source below -- if you are already home) to make sure you get off on the right foot. If your baby develops a bad latch or has trouble taking to the breast, you will really need the support. And feel free to contact me if you have any breastfeeding questions at all; I'd be thrilled to help!

Congratulations on your baby and your decision to breastfeed!!

Answer 4

That's funny, I went through the same thing! I had toxemia/preeclampsia, and I had my baby at 32 weeks. And I was in labor delivery for 4 days and I was in the hospital for a total of 12 weeks. But what they did was the next day after the c-section, they lactation consultant brought me an electric breast pump, and told me just to start pumping even though the milk wouldn't come out yet. But really it takes 3 days, so your milk should be coming in today or tomorrow. And they still tell you to put the baby to breast so he can get the feel of it and being that close to you will regulate his temp and gives him comfort. So don't think even though there's no milk coming out that it's a waste of time. But a pump definetly will help it come out faster. And you have to do it every 2-3 hrs too. And what happened to me is when I finally got to put her to breast, then My nipple would always go flat, and it was hard for her to latch on, so I had to get a silicone nipple cover to help her latch on and that worked out. So maybe he is having problems latching on correctly, and that is why, but the best thing is to call the hospital if you're already at home and contact a lactation consultant or a nurse who is knowledgeable in breastfeeding, and good luck to you, and don't give up just yet!

Answer 5

Actually right now you are producing the right milk for him at this time. Your milk will come in 3-5 days after delivery. Offer your breast for him to eat every two hours. This will help build up you supply and he will be eating like a pro. Your baby's stomach is only the size of a marble right now so it doesn't take much for him to be full the colestrum is just right. Keep up the good work you are doing great. If you are still concerned count his diapers, 6-8 wet and 2 or more poopy a day. If that is the count he is doing good. If you are wanting more information contact your local lactation consultant. Most hospitals and health departments employ them. Good luck and keep up the good work.

Answer 6

it takes up to a week for the milk to come in. keep trying, as the clear liquid that comes before the milk (colostrum or something like that) is very nutritious and full of important immunities, etc... also, the hospital will provide you with a supplement of formula, and they should also have a lactation consultant that you can speak with, even after you leave the hospital, that can answer all your questions and provide support. good luck sweetie, and congratulations!

Answer 7

Sometimes you may not get the milk. Sometimes you just don't.

Did they help you with the procedure in the hospital? The reason I ask is I wonder if he is "latching on". I'm assuming you know every kind of detail on how to do it.

Call the ob/gyn & ask. They're always great to help or you could even call the maternity ward where you were at and ask a nurse.

Answer 8

Just keep trying to feed him. At this stage you are still producing colostrum, your milk will come in the next few days.
Congratulations on your baby, and well done for deciding to breastfeed. If you find that it hurts at all, stop, reposition your baby, and try again :)

Answer 9

sure you are able to. he remains so very youthful. Use the solid advice of those females. sure you are able to pump -- can completely pumping, yet i does not advise it till you rather attempt to breast feeding promptly for a at the same time as. surprisingly in case you intend on your infant being on breast milk a unfold of weeks. that's lots extra artwork than it sounds. you rather do not comprehend the committement of time and potential it takes. that's lots extra artwork than breast feeding. I did it with my first infant. I has maximum of themes with breast feeding after my first c-section. My milk did initiate coming in till day 8, she would be able to not latch and that i had undesirable PPD. So i % pumping and that i needed I had save attempting to promptly breast feeding for longer. I pumped for a 365 days, yet i'm a sprint bit a rarity, maximum would be unable to do it for practically that long. Many might desire to end simply by fact their milk stops interior of a few months if that.

Answer 10

I had a c-section after being diagnosed with preeclampsia too and it took 6 days for my milk to come in. good luck and hang in there. i had to switch to formula but i wish i hadn't