Breastfeeding After a C-Section: My Personal Experience and Tips

Julia was born at 37 weeks via an unplanned cesarean section. She was alert and healthy, and although small, she didn’t require any special medical care. I stayed in the hospital for five days after delivery and remember that my milk supplyonly came in the morning of my discharge.

I tried to breastfeed her as often as possible. About 30 minutes after the birth, I was able to hold her in the recovery room, and we spent a lot of time skin-to-skin.

Interestingly, it wasn’t the pain from the cesarean that was the hardest part. The real challenge was getting her to latch properly, as I couldn’t find a comfortable position that worked. I was quite tense and needed a truly ergonomic nursing pillow.

This experience inspired me to create a practical, ergonomic breastfeeding pillow. Traditional pregnancy pillows didn’t work for me—my baby would sink in and be at the wrong height to latch properly.

The day after delivery, the midwives lent me a breast pump, and I started expressing my milk. The first few times were a bit discouraging because very little milk came out, and the pump itself was impressive and noisy.

By the time we got home, my milk supply had come in, and I was able to breastfeed.

The first 3–4 weeks were challenging—not so much because of the cesarean, but to find a relaxed position for nursing. It was truly a learning period.

After that milestone, I felt so proud and happy to breastfeed my baby.

I’m now pregnant again, and due to late pregnancy complications, I am preparing for a planned cesarean this time. I intend to breastfeed again, and I will bring a portable breast pump, which seems very practical. Additionally, I plan to schedule sessions with a lactation consultant both before and after delivery, something I didn’t do with Julia.