Recovering from birth is never easy, but C-section recoveries can be especially difficult. Nearly one third of pregnancies end in a C-section, so whether you're expecting one or not, or have already had your baby, try these tips to make sure you develop a beautiful nursing relationship from the start. Whether you have a C-section or a vaginal birth, taking a breastfeeding class when you're pregnant is the best way to prepare yourself for nursing your newborn. Hospitals typically offer childbirth and breastfeeding classes, so check with the hospital you'll be delivering at to see when they have classes scheduled. Knowing what to expect ahead of time will make things easier—especially if your C-section was unplanned. 2. Ask for Skin-to-Skin During Suturing If you're awake during your C-section, ask the surgeon and nurses if you can have a few minutes of skin-to-skin contact with your newborn while they're closing your incision. Skin-to-skin helps baby to regulate his temperature, and also helps him to naturally start rooting for the breast.

The nurses will need to take baby away to be cleaned up and have some quick testing done, but the early bonding can help stimulate your baby's nursing instincts. 3. Make Your Wishes Known It's important that you let the hospital or birthing center know that you will be nursing. Request that they refrain from offering a bottle or pacifier during the time that you and baby are separated. To avoid nipple confusion, sleepiness, or lack of desire for the breast, your nipple should be the first thing your baby is offered. 4. Nurse In Recovery As soon as your baby is brought back to you, offer your breast. Depending on how your epidural was given your arms may be numb. Ask your partner to help position the baby if need be—just get baby to your breast. The more often and longer you nurse your baby, the better you're doing to establish a solid nursing relationship with your little one. 5. Be Patient With Yourself If you're a first-time mom, this is all new. It would be nice if adjusting to being a mom happened instantly, but it takes time.

You're sore, you're not quite sure what you're doing, and nursing doesn’t always come as naturally as you'd like. It takes time for your milk to come in (baby's getting vital colostrum at first, though)—up to five days—and during that time you and baby are trying to figure everything out. Nurse your baby frequently to help your supply and to give baby as much colostrum as possible. 6. Use a Clutch Hold You'll likely find that having anything touching your belly is very uncomfortable right now. A clutch hold is when you put your baby in a position similar to how you would carry a football when you're running. This position will comfortably keep baby off of your abdomen. 7. Nurse on Your Side When sitting up gets too tiring, try nursing on your side. Lying flat on your back can put too much pressure on your incision, so you may find you're naturally more comfortable on your side right now anyway. Nursing from a side-lying position will help you get rest and is a lovely way to snuggle with your newborn.

8. Have Lots of Pillows Available It's not unusual for your entire body to be sore after a C-section. Make sure you have plenty of pillows around so that you can prop some behind your lower back and put one or two in your lap as well. If you have a nursing pillow you might want to put a regular pillow underneath it while your baby is still small and your belly is tender.glider chairs for a nursery 9. Ask for Helpbaby high chair burlington Don't be afraid to ask for help. buy manual wheelchair onlineIf your arms are still numb in recovery, ask your spouse to help position and hold your newborn until you have more feeling. metal dining chairs sydney

Ask to consult with the lactation consultant while you're in the hospital to get tips or help when you can. After you're discharged, contact your local La Leche League. Once you're home make sure your partner knows when you're nursing it's his job to make sure you always have a giant glass of water. costco office chair replacement partsNursing is thirsty business. baby glider chair replacement cushionsWe know you've got this. One of the most essential tools for successful breastfeeding is a great nursing bra.  You may be thinking to yourself that you can't possibly buy that online - but trust me when I tell you that the Bravado Nursing Bras are amazing. The come in three styles: Basic (shown to the left), Plus Size and Double Plus . See the handy chart below to figure out the best style and size for your body.

These bras are 92% cotton and 8% spandex to breath, support you and adjust to your changing breast size during the day. Snaps at the shoulder to make it easy to open and close one handed, a wide band at the bottom to keep them in place and there are NO hooks or underwires to poke you. * Those with a DD cup and above may prefer the added support and features of the Double Plus--especially for sleeping. Shirts and dresses designed to be worn while nursing will give you greater confidence to nurse your child wherever you are because they don't make you contort into weird positions to get your child to your milk. They don't have to be ugly or expensive - but they can make all the difference.How a cesarean birth might affect your breastfeeding. Does having a c-section affect your ability to nurse? Here are five things you should know about breastfeeding after a cesarean. b It's possible to breastfeed right away if you receive an epidural (regional anesthetic) for the operation, rather than a general anesthetic, and fortunately most hospitals today use epidurals.

You'll need assistance, however, from a nurse, doula, midwife, or your husband for that first latch-on -- ask them to prop you up slightly and to help support the baby. 2. Painkillers and antibiotics may have an effect on your milk. You'll receive medicines via IVs and pills in the days after your delivery, and typically they're fine for nursing mothers and their babies. At most, they'll make your baby a bit sleepy. The benefit of the painkillers is that they'll help you relax enough to breastfeed and stimulate milk production. 3. You might have to try certain holds while you heal. The traditional cradle hold will likely be too tough on your tummy. The football hold, where baby is tucked beside you, will be easier for now, or you can try breastfeeding while lying down. Ask a nurse, midwife, or lactation consultant to help you figure out the easiest breastfeeding position for you. 4. Get extra help at home. It's always great to have someone assist with housework and baby care during those first weeks home, but if you've had a c-section, it may be very necessary -- you may have trouble walking, lifting the baby, and caring for older children.