Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Wednesday, October 15
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Pregnancy & Baby»Planning for Breastfeeding After a Caesarean Birth
Pregnancy & Baby

Planning for Breastfeeding After a Caesarean Birth

Updated:March 7, 20258 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

By Yvette O’Dowd

Surgical delivery of babies has evolved from a last chance attempt to save mother and child to common practice in less than a century. In 2021, 38% of all women giving birth in Australia had a caesarean section.

Most parents facing a surgical delivery of their baby would prefer a natural vaginal birth. Despite the media, very few elective (planned) caesareans are because of the preferences of the parents or doctors. Quite simply, nobody undertakes major abdominal surgery unless medically indicated.

Emergency caesareans are a topic for another day. Here we are looking at births which are planned in advance due to known risks. Some of these include:

  • Issues with the position of the baby and/ or placenta:
  • Breech (backwards) or transverse (sideways) presentation
  • Placenta previa (some or all of the placenta is positioned on or
    close to the cervix)
  • Multiple births (twins or more!)
  • Previous caesarean sections
  • Medical conditions or infections of mother or baby

    Planned (elective caesareans) are booked for babies who have reached “term”, with evidence showing that closer to the due date is preferable. Around 39 weeks gestation is ideal for healthy pregnancies.

    Most parents begin their pregnancy with plans for a natural birthing experience in a gentle and supportive birthing space. Being told this is no longer possible can be devastating. The loss of an anticipated experience is real, even though everyone recognises the optimal health of mother and baby matters most. It’s okay to grieve. Planning for a surgical birth experience can be an important part of processing this grief. Here are some things to consider:

    Skin-to-Skin

    While routine for medical professionals, childbirth is a rare event for parents. Fortunately, modern practices are shifting away from unnecessary separation of mother and baby. When planning a C-section, it’s appropriate to communicate preferences like immediate skin-to-skin contact.

    Immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact is recognised for its benefits to both mother and baby. Far from being just a nice thing if it can happen, skin-to-skin helps regulate the newborn temperature, stimulates important steps leading to initiating the first breastfeed and supports the uterus to contract naturally after the placenta is removed, reducing bleeding.

    In a review of 13 studies from around the world, researchers found that skin-to-skin care after caesarean has a positive impact across cultures and across healthcare settings.

    Lactation Support

    Although there may be short-term effects, such as a slight delay in your milk supply increasing, the way your baby is born generally doesn’t make a difference to how well you can breastfeed.

Post-Caesarean Breastfeeding Positions

  • Hold your baby in the underarm or football position with their
    feet towards your back.
  • Place a pillow on your lap to support your baby and shield
    your wound.
  • Lie down on your side.
  • A laid-back position with your baby slightly off to one side.
  • In every position, make sure your baby’s body is close to you, chest to chest, chin to breast, and nose away from the breast.

    Whatever position you find most comfortable, the basics of positioning and attachment for your baby still apply. You will probably find you need help to get your baby in the right spot – some mums are hesitant to keep calling for busy midwives to attend every feed but in the long run this will help you learn. It can also be helpful for your partner or support people to learn how to help you with this, so they can be with you when staff are unavailable. You can also ask if there is an IBCLC lactation consultant available to help you.

If Breastfeeding Needs to Wait

It is beneficial for both you and your baby to have immediate skin-to-skin contact and for your baby to breastfeed within the first hour of birth. However, there are occasions when breastfeeding may be delayed. Factors such as receiving general anaesthesia or the need for your baby to be placed in a humidicrib for stabilization can necessitate a wait.

In such situations, expressing colostrum is crucial. Colostrum, your very first breastmilk, is rich in concentrated protein and immunity factors compared to mature breastmilk. It works as a natural laxative for your baby’s first poo, known as meconium. A midwife can help you hand express your colostrum within the first hour after birth or as soon as you are stable. As well as collecting this important first milk for your baby, this will stimulate your milk supply and signal to your breasts to begin production. If you are unavailable to directly feed your baby at the breast, they can be given your colostrum by syringe or a small cup.

Antenatal Expression of Colostrum

In recent years, expressing colostrum in late pregnancy and freezing it has become popular. While generally only advised for known risks of baby needing supplementary feeds in the first few days (eg: babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes), many people choose to store colostrum “just in case”.

If expressing antenatally is comfortable for you, you are at least 36+ weeks pregnant and you have been given the all-clear by your midwife or doctor, then go for it! Be aware that the variations between mothers in the amount they can express at this stage varies and averages just a few millilitres. Again, this is not an indicator of your milk supply. If expressing colostrum is stressful or frustrating, don’t feel you must continue. Your milk will be there when your baby feeds and/or your midwife will help you express postnatally if needed.

Delayed Onset of Milk Production

Research has shown that mothers who have planned caesarean births without experiencing natural labour are more likely to experience a delay in milk production compared to those who have unplanned caesarean births after going into labour. All caesarean deliveries are associated with a higher likelihood of delayed onset of lactation compared to vaginal births.

When you are booking in for your surgery and again when you are admitted to hospital, discuss your plans to breastfeed and how you would like any delay to be managed. If you have expressed colostrum antenatally, make sure you have it with you on admittance, it is clearly labelled and that everyone caring for your baby knows where it is stored. Your partner or support person can take responsibility for this and – if you or your baby need to be transferred to a different facility, for example – make sure it stays with your baby and isn’t overlooked.

Keep your baby close – skin-to-skin is optimal – and offer the breast frequently. This is especially important on the second, third and fourth day. The baby stimulates your milk production by feeding almost constantly. You might need extra support on those days, with someone to reassure you and give practical help like nappy changing, soothing your unsettled baby while you eat or use the bathroom, and passing you the baby to feed.

If your baby is sleepy following drugs used in labour and delivery, you should be supported to hand express your colostrum frequently. Little and often will trigger your supply in the same way a newborn cluster feeds. If needed, you can feed this concentrated milk to your baby by cup or syringe. Once your milk begins to transition to mature milk, you can begin using a breast pump if needed.

Rest and Recovery

Rest is crucial for all new mothers, especially for those who have undergone a caesarean birth. Breastfeeding is a good reason to relax and take the time to recover. Since a caesarean birth is a significant abdominal surgery, it can lead to a slower regain of energy compared to those who have had a vaginal birth. It is important to give your body the necessary time to heal. Refrain from lifting anything heavier than your baby for a minimum of 6 weeks or until after your postnatal check-up.

It is normal to feel frustrated by your restricted movement, abdominal pain and discomfort and fatigue. You might be tempted to have others feed your baby with a bottle so you can sleep or catch up on household tasks. Keep in mind that breastfeeding helps you rest and heal, with hormones doing a lot in the background. Try to prioritise rest and breastfeeding and let others step up for everything else.



If you have other children, are parenting alone or do not have family support, you might need to seek help from your community or outsource some things to commercial services.

Recovering from surgery, adjusting to life with a new baby and establishing breastfeeding can be a lot to deal with. Having a different birth experience to one you might have expected can also take its toll, as you grieve a lost experience. It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by it all and it can help to talk to someone who you trust about everything which has happened. Family, friends, your child health nurse or a counsellor can help you work through your feelings and process it all.

As published in Peninsula Kids – Autumn 2025

breastfeeding Caesarean
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
29
30
1
2:00 PM - Soundwaves
7:00 PM - Soundwaves
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
4:00 PM - Sk8house Sensory Sessions
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
7:00 PM - Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
1
2
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
October 1, 2025    
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Band and Cinema complex
  • Family Activity
  • Free Activities
Join us for our flagship concert series, Soundwaves, at HMAS Cerberus and experience the RAN Band bringing our full wind band and variety of chamber [...]
More Info
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
October 1, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
HMAS Cerberus
  • Free Activities
Join us for our flagship concert series, Soundwaves, at HMAS Cerberus and experience the RAN Band bringing our full wind band and variety of chamber [...]
More Info
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
October 21, 2025    
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Workshop/Class
The Sk8house Sensory Sessions aim to be a calm, welcoming space for skaters of all abilities to roll their way — with reduced noise, gentle [...]
More Info
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
October 31, 2025 - November 1, 2025    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
Get ready to scream (with excitement) because Sk8house Halloween is back and it's BIGGER than ever! Last year was a huge success so we've decided [...]
More Info
Events on October 1, 2025
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
1 Oct 25
HMAS Cerberus
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
1 Oct 25
HMAS Cerberus
Events on October 21, 2025
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
21 Oct 25
Carrum Downs
Events on October 31, 2025
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
31 Oct 25
Carrum Downs
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
🎃 We have some great tips and tricks for Halloween fun on the MPK website (link in bio). Just search ‘Halloween’ to add some tricks and treats to the season! 
#haloween #pumpkin #jackolanterns #roastedseeds
•
Follow
🎃 We have some great tips and tricks for Halloween fun on the MPK website (link in bio). Just search ‘Halloween’ to add some tricks and treats to the season! #haloween #pumpkin #jackolanterns #roastedseeds
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Brand-New, Architecturally Designed Childcare Centre
State-of-the-art learning for children 6 weeks to school years
Trusted for Over 30 Years
Locally owned and established since 1991
Limited placements remain
Secure your child’s enrolment  today
For parents who want the very best, this centre brings together generations of experience and the Peninsula’s most dedicated educators
Now Open - Book your tour today to meet the team

(03) 5978 0808
enrolments@lgh.com.au
1408 Nepean Highway Mount Eliza 3930
•
Follow
Brand-New, Architecturally Designed Childcare Centre State-of-the-art learning for children 6 weeks to school years Trusted for Over 30 Years Locally owned and established since 1991 Limited placements remain Secure your child’s enrolment today For parents who want the very best, this centre brings together generations of experience and the Peninsula’s most dedicated educators Now Open - Book your tour today to meet the team (03) 5978 0808 enrolments@lgh.com.au 1408 Nepean Highway Mount Eliza 3930
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!!

Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW!
https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/

@harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!!

Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW!
https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/

@harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
•
Follow
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!! Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025. Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW! https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/ @harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
50 + 30 then take away 2. 

#mathsbemathing
•
Follow
50 + 30 then take away 2. #mathsbemathing
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Farewell September. 🫡 

Credit: Mums Lounge
mumslounge
•
Follow
Farewell September. 🫡 Credit: Mums Lounge mumslounge
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
🔥🔥🔥🤣
•
Follow
🔥🔥🔥🤣
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
•
Follow
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday. https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school- holidays-parc-county-fair/ @parcfrankston
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Older Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Older Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Younger Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Younger Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.