Breastfeeding following cesarian birth

As cesarian births increase around the world, there is a growing need for extra support for mothers in initiating and continuing breastfeeding.

Increasing rates of birth by cesarean section around the world brings with it a growing concern about its effects on breastfeeding. According to the World Health Organization, the global rates of c-sections have risen by 14% since 1990. Today, 21% of births worldwide are by c-section. In some countries, c-sections already outnumber vaginal birth. By 2030, it is expected that cesarean births in some regions will exceed 50% of all births¹.

Mothers who have given birth by c-section have a lower rate of breastfeeding than those who give birth naturally. Cesarean birth affects the initiation of breastfeeding, how long a parent breastfeeds - and whether or not they breastfeed exclusively.

To find out more, researchers reviewed studies on this topic². They found a few different aspects that influence breastfeeding - ranging from planned cesareans to support at home. 

Skin-to-skin contact

In one study involving more than 280,000 mothers, the women who planned a repeated cesarean birth started breastfeeding less often that those who had an emergency c-section. Cesarean birth also inhibited breastfeeding due to post-procedural issues, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue and incision pain. The local anesthesia used also often caused numbness in their limbs, which was a factor in preventing interaction with their newborn baby.

By offering these mothers additional support, midwives and other healthcare professionals can help them on the road to successful breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact immediately following the cesarian - while still in the operating room - is an easy and effective way to start. Studies confirmed that mothers who had skin-to-skin contact for 3 hours with their newborn breastfed exclusively for longer than mothers who did not have such contact. The mothers with skin-to-skin contact also reported better breastfeeding experiences.

Using breast pumps

Breast pumping was also found to help. Not only by advancing the breastfeeding time, but also by increasing milk production and boosting moms' confidence. Pumped breast milk can also be used for feeding in cases when the mother is separated from her child, or to feed her premature infant.

Offering the right type of assistance is another important way to support cesarian-birth mothers in their efforts to breastfeed. One study in this review reported that mothers who had low breastfeeding rates in the first 6 months after birth felt they needed more support. This is where healthcare professionals, family and lactation consultants can play an important role.