This is an automatically translated article.
Normally after giving birth, the mother will have milk after 1-3 days. However, many mothers who have a caesarean section often experience a situation where milk does not come or comes back later than usual. So what to do if the mother gives birth by cesarean without milk?
1. Factors affecting breast milk production after caesarean section
Many women who have a cesarean section often have milk later than women who give birth naturally, because it is influenced by a number of factors:
1.1 Anesthesia or anesthesia The anesthetic or anesthetic used during the cesarean section can affect the mother's ability to produce milk. If you have to take additional anti-inflammatory or anti-infective drugs, these drugs can suppress milk-producing hormones, making you unable to produce milk immediately after giving birth. In addition, when giving birth by cesarean, the mother's body often does not undergo uterine contractions and labor, so the milk glands will work slower than women who give birth normally.
1.2 Delaying breastfeeding A cesarean section delays breastfeeding immediately after birth. This may be due to the effects of drugs that make the mother need extra rest or one of the mother and baby has some problems after the cesarean section, so they need to be separated for special care. At that time, the mother will not have the opportunity to breastfeed immediately after giving birth, so the body temporarily lacks the lactation hormones that are prolactin and oxytocin. The lack of these two hormones makes the milk glands not stimulated, leading to delayed breast milk production after cesarean section.
1.3 Effect of the incision A painful incision or getting used to the right breastfeeding positions can make it impossible for a mother to breastfeed soon after birth. Besides, the pain after cesarean section can make the mother lose sleep, have trouble sleeping and eat poorly leading to lack of nutrients. This is an indirect cause that affects the body's milk production.
1.4 Psychological effects after cesarean section Caesarean section is often not the desired choice of many mothers or in some cases women are assigned to have a sudden cesarean section without prior preparation, so it will affect their health. psychology after birth. Some women may feel frustrated, anxious and sad,... after a cesarean delivery. This can affect breastfeeding.
2. Mother gave birth by cesarean without milk, what to do?
After caesarean section, no milk is a problem that many women have. If this is the case, please refer to the following measures:
2.1 Start breastfeeding as soon as possible after giving birth One of the most effective measures if the mother has had a cesarean section for 3 days without milk is to breastfeed as soon as possible. With an epidural or spinal anaesthetic, a woman can still be awake and breastfeed soon after giving birth. For cases of general anesthesia, although the recovery process will take longer, but pregnant women can also require skin-to-skin contact with the baby as soon as she regains consciousness. Then, wait for the baby to begin to naturally breastfeed on its own.
The application of skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding will help mother and baby become closer emotionally. This helps stimulate lactation hormones and helps to gradually increase breast milk.
2.2 Using a breast pump A cesarean section often makes it impossible for a mother to breastfeed immediately after giving birth, especially in cases where the mother and baby have to be separated or the baby cannot breastfeed right away. . At this time, to help mothers return milk as quickly as possible, the use of a breast pump or manual milking machine is necessary within 1-2 hours after giving birth. Pumping every 3-4 hours will help prevent breast engorgement, and help the mother absorb colostrum and provide it to the baby as soon as the baby is able to suckle.
2.3 Using pain relievers After a cesarean section, women often feel more pain from the incision and feel uncomfortable while breastfeeding. This affects the mother and the baby indirectly. Therefore, you can consult with your doctor to use pain relievers after cesarean section suitable for women who are breastfeeding. Using pain relievers will help you feel better and help your body focus on producing breast milk.
In summary, cesarean section is one of the interventions in childbirth that greatly affects the mother's health, especially the milk status later than normal delivery. However, mothers do not need to worry too much if the cesarean section has no milk or comes home late. Mothers can apply a number of measures such as breastfeeding, using a milking machine, ... If having difficulty in breastfeeding or delaying milk production, mothers can ask for support from those who can. expertise for more effective advice.
Follow Vinmec International General Hospital website to get more health, nutrition and beauty information to protect the health of yourself and your loved ones in your family.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
