Does the food that you eat affect the baby?

New mothers are often worried that the food they eat may affect the baby by passing through the milk. You need not worry. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet. What you eat will not affect the baby but can affect the quality of milk.

Do the medications you are given affect the baby?

Many mothers are worried that the medications prescribed for them after delivery will adversely affect their babies. The medications used for pain relief are usually not a problem, and are routinely given to the mothers of newborns. If an antibiotic has been given at the time of the caesarean section, it too will not affect the baby. Although these medications do pass into the milk in very small amounts, the volume of colostrum or milk produced during the first few days of nursing is small, so the amount ingested by the baby is minimal.

Breast feeding after a caesarean section

Having has a caesarean will not have an adverse effect on breast feeding. Even the initiation of breast feeding need not be delayed. Though there will be some discomfort because of the pain of the stitches, you will be encouraged to start breast feeding as soon as possible. As soon as you are fully conscious and alert and able to hold the baby, you can begin breastfeeding. Mothers who have epidural or spinal rather than general anaesthesia will generally be able to hold the baby sooner and nurse her.  

Problems during breast feeding

Breast engorgement:

It is common to have your breasts become heavy, hard and painful, especially soon after delivery. This is called engorgement and happens because the baby has not suckled adequately and the milk is distending the breast. Hot fomentation or ice packs are both effective in relieving the pain. You might also get relief by feeding the baby often. A mild painkiller like ibuprofen will help.