Vaginal VS. C-SectionIt has been said that breastfeeding is a natural process. IF we assume it is natural, then can we also say that an "un-natural" labor and delivery can impact breastfeeding? In other words, surgery and medications can influence how a baby and mother can breastfeed. The way a baby is delivered will impact breastfeeding in several ways. #1 A baby born vaginally, is usually more vigorous after birth (wouldnt you be after being squeezed out like that?). Whereas, a baby born via c-section is likely to be a bit more sleepy. #2 Comfort: many times it can be a challenge to position the baby at the breast after a c-section in a way that is good for baby AND mommy. Whereas with a vaginal delivery positioning is rarely an issue. #3 Milk: there is usually a slight delay in milk production with a c-section delivery. The body must take some time to repair and heal mommy first before making milk. Colostrum is still there but the transitional milk can a little longer to arrive with a c-section. The average for a vaginal delivery is 48-72 hours whereas with a c-section it is 3-5 days. The more interventions present during labor/delivery, the more variables that are present with mom and baby. For example,if mom recieves narcotics during labor: she can become nauseated after labor or baby can be sleepy when they are born, thus impacting the ability to breastfeed. If mom delivers by c-section and the baby is whisked off to the nursery after birth, not allowing the baby to suckle within that first hour, this can impact breastfeeding. Not saying that breastfeeding will fail if you have narcotics/epidurals/c-section. I just want to present the idea, that challenges may present as a result of these things. This information is not meant to sway your decision about pain medications/epidurals/etc. I delivered my first child with narcotics and an epidural. My second with an epidural only (which quit working just in time for pushing, yikes), so I am no medication hater. If I am blessed with #3 I will however make every attempt to go medication free. 3rd times the charm, right? Back from Section VS Vag to First 2 weeks page
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