During last week’s community gathering the group discussed how delivery— vaginal delivery versus C-section and whether or not each mom had gone into labor or if they underwent a scheduled C-section or induction. How a baby is delivered may have varying effects on how well the baby feeds and how long it may take for the mother’s milk to come in.
Mothers who are induced or scheduled to have a C-section are not as hormonally ready to produce milk than a mother goes into labor naturally. This could mean that even if the baby is feeding very well the mom’s milk may take longer to increase due to the building of hormones.
Shock from delivery can influence a baby’s readiness to feed due to pain and discomfort. Sometimes, infants may have bruising, broken bones, or molding of the head due to difficult delivery. This may affect their ability to get a good grasp on the feeding process than an infant who had an easier delivery.
I realize this can be frustrating for a mom but hang in there, once baby feels better he/she will feed better. A tip is to feed your baby as much as he/she wants and it will help your milk increase faster.
If your milk has not increased by day four after delivery please contact me so I can help.
The next Breastfeeding Community Gathering is this Thursday, March 29 from 11 a.m. to Noon in the Shannon Women’s & Children’s Center family room (3rd floor), 201 E. Beauregard.
