Parenting: New study found over 80% of mothers had problems breastfeeding after cesarean. Here’s what you can do.

New community cohort study from Alberta Canada (n = 418), 37% were born by C-section. 80% of those mothers whose baby was born by C-section experienced difficulties with breastfeeding. My take-home message for parents: This is a very common story and it is not good enough.

New Study: Over 80% of mothers who gave birth by C-section had difficulties breastfeeding. Singh J. et al. Can J Public Health (2022). http://microbiomecourses.com

Useful info for parents and healthcare professionals

This was my story 15 years ago. I had a C-section. I really struggled to breastfeed.

Left on my own with no support, my biggest struggle was with low milk supply. I ended up supplementing with infant formula.

It still makes me feel regret and anger, even now, 15 years later. I wish that someone could have shown me some simple tips to help my baby latch on after surgery. Or to give me some simple suggestions to help improve my milk supply.

Now a new community-based cohort study from Alberta, Canada shows that this is a very familiar story.

The study showed 80% of women had problems breastfeeding after cesarean.

The study found being born by caesarean was associated with stopping breastfeeding earlier than with vaginal birth.