A caesarean birth changes how your baby is delivered, but it does not prevent successful breastfeeding. Many mothers worry that surgery, pain, or medicines will delay milk production. In practice, most women can breastfeed after a C-section, although the first few days may require more support and patience than after a vaginal birth. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Srimukhi Anumolu, consultant, pediatrics and neonatology, Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada, shared what new mothers can expect.
Dr Srimukhi highlighted that the biggest challenge is often the recovery from surgery rather than breastfeeding itself. You may feel sore while changing positions or lifting your baby. Some mothers experience a slightly delayed onset of mature milk, especially after an emergency caesarean, prolonged labour, or significant blood loss. Even then, your body usually continues the normal process of producing milk.
“The first hour after birth remains valuable. If both you and your baby are stable, skin-to-skin contact and an early attempt to breastfeed can encourage milk production and help your baby learn to latch,” said Srimukhi.
Dr Srimukhi highlighted that during the first 24 to 48 hours, your baby receives colostrum, a concentrated form of milk that is produced in small amounts. While the volume may appear low, it is usually enough for a healthy newborn's stomach, which is only about the size of a cherry on the first day of life.
“Pain after surgery can make feeding uncomfortable. The answer is not to delay breastfeeding but to find positions that reduce pressure on your incision,” said Dr Srimukhi. The football hold, side-lying position, or breastfeeding while supported with pillows often makes feeding easier. A nurse or lactation consultant can help you find a position that works for your body.
Most medicines prescribed after a caesarean, including commonly used pain relief, are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Good pain control is important because a mother who is comfortable is more likely to feed frequently and effectively.
It is common for babies born through caesarean delivery to be sleepier during the first day. That does not always mean they are being fed poorly. Watch for signs such as swallowing, regular wet diapers, and steady weight monitoring rather than relying on the length of each feed alone.
Dr Srimukhi advises that you should aim to breastfeed eight to 12 times in 24 hours. Frequent feeding stimulates milk production. If your baby has difficulty latching or is separated from you for medical reasons, expressing milk by hand or with a breast pump within the first few hours may help protect your milk supply.
Some discomfort is expected, but severe nipple pain, persistent difficulty with latching, poor weight gain, or fewer wet diapers than expected deserve prompt attention. Early guidance often prevents small feeding problems from becoming larger ones.
Every caesarean recovery is different. You may need a little more time to regain mobility, yet that rarely determines your ability to breastfeed successfully. With appropriate pain relief, practical positioning, and timely support, most mothers are able to establish breastfeeding and continue it with confidence over the following weeks.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Anukriti Srivastava thrives at the intersection of words and voice, where journalism meets storytelling. A digital editor and journalist with over 5 years of experience, she has written across lifestyle, women issues, relationships, entertainment, fashion, and travel. She did her Masters in Broadcast Journalism and has published more than 500+ lifestyle content pieces across platforms. As a former Sub-Editor at HerZindagi, she produced engaging digital content, interviews, and event coverage for a wide audience. She has also contributed as a Webstory Producer with Travel + Leisure, transforming travel experiences into immersive stories for readers who love exploring the world. Beyond writing, Anukriti’s storytelling extends to the microphone. As a voice-over artist, her warm and expressive voice has brought scripts to life across audio platforms, turning simple words into immersive experiences. Her work reflects a deep interest in people, culture, and everyday stories that resonate with readers and listeners alike. She enjoys crafting content that informs, inspires, and sparks curiosity. Away from screens and studios, you’ll find her reading self-help books, listening to music, getting lost in romantic novels, and playing the guitar for a creative reset. For Anukriti, storytelling isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of seeing and sharing the world.Read More
