Breastfeeding After a C-Section

Topic Overview

A cesarean delivery may delay the start of breastfeeding. You may be sleepy from medicine or in pain from the surgery. Try breastfeeding your baby as soon as you are able.

• Ask whether your baby can be brought into the recovery room to be held and breastfed.
• Ask your nurse or other health professionals to help you position the baby in ways that are comfortable for you. The football hold or the side-lying position may be most comfortable after cesarean delivery, because the baby does not rest on your abdomen. See pictures of the side-lying position and the football hold.