What is the recommended approach for initiating breastfeeding after a cesarean delivery?

The recommended approach for initiating breastfeeding after a cesarean delivery is to start immediately when the mother is stable and alert. This practice emphasizes the importance of skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breastfeeding, which can benefit both the mother and the infant.

Initiating breastfeeding soon after birth, even if the delivery was by cesarean section, can help establish nursing as a natural process and support the newborn's instinctive behaviors. Early initiation aids in the establishment of the mother’s milk supply, enhances bonding between mother and baby, and promotes more effective breastfeeding practices overall. Research has shown that early breastfeeding is linked to higher breastfeeding rates and greater success in breastfeeding duration.

In the context of cesarean deliveries, while there may be some initial physical challenges, many mothers are able to position their babies for breastfeeding or be helped into positions that facilitate nursing. Waiting for an arbitrary period, assuming that the mother is stable and alert, can lead to missed opportunities for establishing breastfeeding and may inadvertently contribute to difficulties with latch and milk supply later on.