Breastfeeding

I had an emcs, baby was put to boob straight away by the midwife. Colostrum is enough for them to begin with, if you are planning on ebf don’t give formula! Xx

I’m surprised that’s the advice! Usually I’ve heard people being recommended colostrum harvesting & then to use the colostrum syringes if baby struggled to latch or milk slow to come in x

I had an emergency C-section, but the colostrum was enough and my milk came in on day 4. Just keep bringing the baby to the breast and work on the latch.

I had an emergency c-section so wasn’t prepared and expected to breastfeed. Started breastfeeding straight away and gave baby colostrum syringes. But baby latching was a challenge and baby wanted more than my body could produce while healing so nurses gave us formula. I ended up combination feeding and pumping. Maybe have formula as backup. X

@Kirsty thank you and yes this will be my 3rd baby but first section the first 2 babies my milk came straight away think I was just taken back by the instructions x

I had an elective and no issues with milk coming in. I had harvested colostrum and we did use a lot of that as baby had trouble latching initially. There was one night we gave baby some formula but the hospital provided it. There’s so much information out there about having to have formula as a back up in your bag, but in the UK hospitals provide it if you need it, so I wouldn’t bother!

I harvested colostrum from 37 weeks, had an emcs at 41+4, got lucky and baby latched straight away. Used the syringes of colostrum twice (total of only about 3ml) to top LO up in the first two days but my milk came in on day 3 and we've had no issues since.

I had a csection on the 3rd. I didn't collect any colostrum but I still breastfeed colostrum which was enough to keep him full. The hospital gave me syringes to collect it while I was in hospital. My milk came in a few days later. I wouldn't take any milk in with you. The hospital will have some if you need it

I’ve had 2 c-sections. I breastfed both of mine! Do what you feel is best! My first baby! I only lasted 3 weeks! And second! I fed him for 3 months on boob and pump! :)

I would recommend taking some formula ☺️ my milk didn’t come in until 5 days and I also struggled with colostrum too. My baby lost too much weight in the first few days, meaning that she was unsettled and we had to stay in hospital for longer due to her weight dropping. You will know how your boobs feel, especially with it being your third, but just bring it just in case. It didn’t impact my feeding journey at all x

I breastfed my baby in the recovery room and I had to have a general anaesthetic. Been breastfeeding and pumping since with no formula and he is nearly 7 months old xx

I had to have an emergency c section under general anaesthetic and still breastfed fine. Baby had to wait to get colostrum but as soon as I was awake they put her on my chest and we tried. I had no milk prior birth so not harvested either but colostrum is enough to keep them going until your milk comes in. Just make sure the latch is good. If you needed formula for eg because baby would have lost too much weight, the hospital would provide. It happened with my first.

I had an elective (first baby), and didn't harvest colostrum. Didn't have any issues with my milk though. I did bring formula to the hospital but wasn't needed.

I’ve had two sections and both times baby latched in recovery straight after surgery. No issues whatsoever. I also never made colostrum, but colostrum is no indication of your supply.

I had a planned section and BF from birth! Colostrum should be there!

Had elective c section, baby fed within the hour. I’d been colostrum harvesting and I drank lots of water and coconut water immediately when I was placed back on the ward to get my supply up. But even with my first baby (natural delivery) my milk didn’t come in until day 4/5 - colostrum is enough until then x

I was told to colostrum harvest. Start early and you'll have a good supply 😊

Had my section on a Wednesday morning and by time I woke up Friday morning my milk had come in.

I had a C-section, my baby didn’t latch, and my milk didn’t come in until day 3. I used a pump at the hospital on day 3. I wish I had taken my Spectra to the hospital.

We had an elective c-section and I breastfed baby as soon as he was born.

I know this post is a little old now but I wanted to add my story so far:

Unplanned c section on Friday night.
Unable to harvest any colostrum in advance (sort of tried but never saw anything).
Baby latched and fed immediately and has been happy and calm.
Monday we noticed less wet nappies and he had lost 10.6% of his birth weight. We were told to do 20ml top ups - my milk isn’t in yet and after a day of seeing him start to struggle we have him a top up of formula, he has been so happy and content since.

Hope to stop using formula once my milk comes in - our feeding team have reassured us that this is very doable.

I’m glad we have a Plan B - I feel like I can enjoy my beautiful baby whilst giving my body the chance to rest and heal before it starts producing milk.

So I ended up needing an emergency c-section at 30 weeks, baby is doing fab and my milk came in faster than smy 2 previous water births, having to exclusively pump as shes so small and in neonatal but its been going amazing especially with all things considered

keep putting baby to your boob and do lots of skin to skin, colostrum is enough for them at this age. My baby lost 16% birth weight and I refused to use formula and were 6m into EBF. X