C-Section and Breastfeeding: The Benefits And Overcoming Challenges

C-Section and Breastfeeding: Overcoming Challenges

Welcoming a new life into the world is a miracle filled with joy, anticipation, and unexpected obstacles. For mothers who undergo a Caesarean section (C-section), the path to breastfeeding can be especially challenging. However, with the right support and guidance, new mothers can navigate these hurdles and embrace the deep connection that breastfeeding fosters between them and their babies.

Why is Breastfeeding So Important?

Breastfeeding offers numerous advantages for both mothers and infants. Mothers who breastfeed tend to have a reduced likelihood of experiencing specific health issues like postpartum bleeding, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Additionally, breast milk can play a crucial role in restoring the balance of good bacteria in the baby’s gut by providing optimal nutrients for an infant’s digestive system. This can potentially lower the risk of gastrointestinal infections, respiratory illnesses, asthma, and obesity. (1)

Understanding the Challenges

Breastfeeding is not always straightforward and may require patience and practise for both mother and baby. Recognising this from the start can help mothers stay patient and dedicated. Challenges for C-section mothers can include (2):

Delayed Initiation:

C-sections, particularly emergency ones, can sometimes delay the initiation of breastfeeding. The mother might be groggy from anaesthesia or recovering from surgery, affecting her ability to start breastfeeding promptly after birth. (3)

Pain and Discomfort

Recovering from a C-section involves abdominal pain and discomfort, making it challenging for mothers to find comfortable breastfeeding positions. The incision site may also be tender, further complicating breastfeeding efforts.

Reduced Milk Supply:

The stress of surgery and recovery, coupled with potential complications like postpartum haemorrhage or anaesthesia, can sometimes delay the onset of milk production, affecting the mother’s milk supply. (2)

Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges

The following practices can help overcome breastfeeding challenges:

• Start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. (4)
• Immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth, even if instant breastfeeding isn’t possible, to promote bonding. (5)
• Breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months of life. (4)
• Encourage breastfeeding around the clock, meaning feeding the child as frequently as they desire with no restrictions. (5)
• Facilitate rooming-in, enabling mothers and infants to stay together continuously. (5)
• Introduce suitable solid foods at 6 months alongside sustained breastfeeding for up to 2 years or longer. (4)
• Refrain from providing supplementary food or liquids, including water, unless medically necessary. (5)
• Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find one that minimises discomfort. (6,7)
• Stay well-hydrated and nourished with a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support breastfeeding. (8)

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from lactation consultants or breastfeeding support groups. These professionals can provide personalised advice, troubleshooting tips, and reassurance to mothers navigating breastfeeding after a C-section. (9)

Alternative Nutritional Solutions for C-Section Babies

C-section babies often face dysbiosis, where their gut microbiome contains fewer beneficial bacteria compared to infants born vaginally. Nutritional strategies containing prebiotics and probiotics can help. (10-12)
For instance, a combination of Bifidobacteria breve M-16V and scGOS/lcFOS (9:1) has been proven to enhance the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria in C-section-born babies. These interventions aim to foster a healthier gut microbiome, supporting the overall well-being and development of babies right from the start. (12)

The Bottom Line

Breastfeeding requires time and practise for both mother and baby to master. Establishing a successful breastfeeding routine may take patience and perseverance. Remember to be patient with yourself and your baby, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance if necessary. (10-12)
Following nutritional strategies with modern infant formulas fortified with essential nutrients can address nutritional gaps and provide optimal support for C-section babies’ specific dietary needs.
Consult your doctor to find out the best solutions tailored to the needs of C-section babies.

References:
1. World Health Organization. (2015). WHO statement on caesarean section rates. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/cs-statement/en/
2. Alsulami SM, Ashmawi MT, Jarwan RO, Malli IA, Albar SK, Al-Jifree HM. The Rates of Cesarean Section Deliveries According to Robson Classification System During the Year of 2018 Among Patients in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Cureus. 2020 Nov 17;12(11):e11529. doi: 10.7759/cureus.11529. PMID: 33354473; PMCID: PMC7746316.
3. Betran AP, Torloni MR, Zhang J, Ye J, Mikolajczyk R, Deneux-Tharaux C, Oladapo OT, Souza JP, Tunçalp Ö, Vogel JP, Gülmezoglu AM. What is the optimal rate of caesarean section at population level? A systematic review of ecologic studies. Reprod Health. 2015 Jun 21;12:57. doi: 10.1186/s12978-015-0043-6. PMID: 26093498; PMCID: PMC4496821.
4. Dominguez-Bello, M. G., Costello, E. K., Contreras, M., Magris, M., Hidalgo, G., Fierer, N., & Knight, R. (2010). Delivery mode shapes the acquisition and structure of the initial microbiota across multiple body habitats in newborns. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(26), 11971-11975. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1002601107
5. Tamburini, S., Shen, N., Wu, H. C., & Clemente, J. C. (2016). The microbiome in early life: implications for health outcomes. Nature Medicine, 22(7), 713-722. https://doi.org/10.1038/nm.4142
6. Mueller, N. T., Bakacs, E., Combellick, J., Grigoryan, Z., & Dominguez-Bello, M. G. (2015). The infant microbiome development: mom matters. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 21(2), 109-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2014.12.002
7. Thavagnanam, S., Fleming, J., Bromley, A., Shields, M. D., & Cardwell, C. R. (2008). A meta-analysis of the association between caesarean section and childhood asthma. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 38(4), 629-633. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02780.x
8. Bager, P., Wohlfahrt, J., Westergaard, T., & Caesarean Delivery and Risk of Atopy and Allergic Disease Study Group. (2008). Caesarean delivery and risk of atopy and allergic disease: meta-analyses. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 38(4), 634-642. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.02939.x
9. Renz‐Polster, H., David, M. R., Buist, A. S., Vollmer, W. M., O’Connor, E. A., & Frazier, E. A. (2005). Caesarean section delivery and the risk of allergic disorders in childhood. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 35(11), 1466-1472. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02356.x
10. Sevelsted, A., Stokholm, J., Bonnelykke, K., & Bisgaard, H. (2015). Cesarean section and chronic immune disorders. Pediatrics, 135(1), e92-e98. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2014-0596
11. Hakansson, S., Kallen, K., Caesarean section increases the risk of hospital care in childhood for asthma and gastroenteritis. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 36(2), 256-261. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02436.x
12. Thavagnanam, S., Fleming, J., Bromley, A., Shields, M. D., & Cardwell, C. R. (2008). A meta-analysis of the association between caesarean section and childhood asthma. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 38(4), 629-633. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02780.x