Feeding after cesarean - diet... how to initiate lactation after cesarean?

Associated with issues related to breastfeeding after delivery via Caesarean section can be caused by various factors. Women who underwent the surgery report higher sensations of pain, stress, and anxiety, and the time required to regain biological balance is typically longer than for women who delivered naturally. All of this leads to difficulties in finding the appropriate position for feeding, which may delay the first contact of the child with the mother after birth, affecting lactation. However, there is no reason to be overly concerned, as these are issues that can usually be resolved, and many studies point to the influence of psychological factors and a positive attitude as a path to successful breastfeeding.

During lactation, regardless of whether the child is born naturally or by cesarean section, it is recommended to consume products that are a source of complex carbohydrates (roasted rice, cassava and rice, vegetables). The source of fat should be vegetable oils, nuts and seafood. Protein should mainly come from animal products, i.e. meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. It is recommended that caffeine intake be limited to a dose of 300 mg, which is equivalent to about 3 redundancies of cauliflower. When composing the diet, attention should be paid to the energy demand, which increases by about 500 kcal/day during the first 6 months of lactation. So far, no studies have shown that the elimination of any products from the diet of breastfeeding women reduces the risk of asthma, eczema or other allergic symptoms in newborns. During lactation, the intake of fluids is particularly important. Breastfeeding women should drink about 3 liters of fluids a day. It is best to cover the demand for fluids by drinking spring and mineral waters (low and moderately mineralized).

A method to augment milk production involves using techniques that support the release of oxytocin after childbirth. Oxytocin is a hormone that causes the release of breast milk from cells, making it available to the newborn. The release of oxytocin is stimulated by breast massage and direct contact with the baby. Therefore, it is important to transfer the baby to the mother as soon as possible after birth. However, a woman who has had a cesarean section may have difficulty finding a suitable position for breastfeeding due to a postoperative wound. The most common positions taken by women after a cesarean section are the football hold (under the arms) or lying down (on the side). An appropriate breastfeeding position contributes to achieving the optimal technique for the baby to latch on, which significantly reduces the discomfort of the nipples, a common complaint among women after childbirth. No evidence has been found that the use of breast pumps after a cesarean section contributes to improving lactation. On the market, there are often herbal mixtures known as lactation teas that are intended to stimulate milk production. However, despite the large number of available products, their effectiveness or safety has not been confirmed to date. Therefore, such products should be taken with caution and after consultation with a doctor. Many medicinal plants used as galactagogues (substances that stimulate milk production) can cause numerous side effects, particularly dangerous during lactation. However, successful breastfeeding after a cesarean section is possible, as problems with lactation also occur in women who give birth naturally. Therefore, one should approach the topic calmly and seek qualified medical assistance in case of any doubts.