[~Lindsay~]

I just had a quick question! With my daughter I had a very long induction that lasted 2 days and ended in a c-section. So I didn't attempt to breastfeed her until she was about 7 hours old. Through our crazy ups and downs I did manage to successfully nurse for 11 months. But I know I was very lucky.

I am going VBAC this time, and even if it does end in c-section do I ask to nurse her in recovery? And if my VBAC is successful, how soon after she is born do I attempt it?

Thanks in advance ladies!

[mgm78]

I had to have a c-section after being in labor and breastfed in recovery. DD was still covered in blood and "cottage cheese"! Since you are going for a VBAC, you will go into labor naturally so there should not be much delay in your milk if you get a c. I hope you have a successful VBAC. We are unsure about if we will have another baby, but I have already found a VBAC birth center and a VBAC homebirth midwife. We live in a very unfriendly area for VBACs

oh, if you have a successful VBAC, you can nurse as soon as possible. You can ask for delayed cord clamping and still nurse her before her cord is cut. It is recommended by a lot of birth professionals to not cut the cord until it stops pulsing.

I would discuss all this with your OB or MW now and put it in your birth plan.

[~Lindsay~]

yeah my MIL mentioned that delayed cutting helps you deliver the placenta more easily as long as you start nursing right away?? I am going to look into that!

[mgm78]

It also makes sure the baby gets everything it should from the cord. I am about to leave work, so i do not have time to post links, but a quick google search should give you some good info

[KMH]

Yes, if you have a c-section, you should ask to nurse ASAP, and you can talk to the nursing staff about that prior to the surgery. Claire had a little trouble with her breathing since she was early, so as soon as they felt comfortable with her respirations, they let me have her to breastfeed. She was born at 11:08 and I think I had her by about 12:30. Someone else might have to help you hold her if you are still a little tingly or woozy...DH and I practiced with a doll at home beforehand

Good luck with your VBAC...that is what I'm aiming for next time as well!

[mgm78]

Oh I also asked for no narcotics and just the spinal so i was "present" for DD's c-birth. But I hope you have a VBAC and do not have to worry about that

[TeresaSuperMama]

If you have a VBAC you should be able to breastfeed right away. I have always been handed mine as soon as they deliver and hooked up to the breast right there. I think I even delivered the placenta nursing, but my memory always gets fuzzy. Csections I have no experience with so I will defer to the advice from the other csection mamas. Good luck with your VBAC! No matter what happens I hope you have a wonderful birth experience.

[~Lindsay~]

thanks everyone!!!