How can I successfully breastfeed after a C-section?
In France, more than 200,000 women a year are confronted with the reality of post-caesarean scars and abdominal pain, a reality that is not only physical but also emotional; and one that provokes a few extra challenges to overcome in the great post-partum adventure.
Embarking on l'post-caesarean breastfeeding is a bit like learning to dance in the rain. It may sound complicated, but in reality it's totally natural, and can turn into a fun little festival of sensations, as long as you let go, trust yourself and get the facts. Breastfeeding is a kind of back-to-basics experience, where every feed is a high five from Mother Nature. It's happiness in milky drops, a cocktail of antioxidants and vitamins that boosts your mini-you like a superfood. You are the rockstar who nourishes, comforts and rocks this little world.
A testimonial from Céline Bourganeuf, IBCLC lactation consultant, President of l'AFCL and former neonatal intensive care nurse: "Sometimes breastfeeding is l'one of the only ways to create that special bond with your baby. In the event of premature delivery, Caesarean section or any other difficulty, feeling supported and protected in breastfeeding is a priority. When it comes to breastfeeding, there are no rules, simply l'a woman's ease to optimize thanks to her clothes, undergarments and in the comfort of her body supported 100% to facilitate feedings, promote continuity in the production of oxytocin, l'hormone of l'love and milk."
The secret? The right equipment - i.e. cocooning underwear and well-thought-out clothes - and the right frame of mind, i.e. a daily dose of kindness and trust towards your body and your baby.
Pamper your warrior body
So how can you successfully breastfeed? The first step is to recognize l'the importance of physical comfort. That's where the Milk Away x Wounded Woman collab comes in. Wounded Women products are designed to minimize pressure on sensitive areas and support the body's more painful zones, while Milk Away and its creations with judiciously placed pull-tabs facilitate l'access to the breast, so that l'breastfeeding becomes a moment of tenderness and pleasure, not of struggle and discomfort.
The box they've concocted for you is like a little treasure you'd dream of giving or receiving: the famous Who run the world? Mums t-shirt, a pair of special C-section panties and a few surprises, all for a well-deserved moment of self-celebration.
Available on www.woundedwomen.fr at a price ranging from €119 to €167, depending on the panty chosen (i.e. around 15% less than outside the box). A small gift for the woman, but a big step for the post-partum comfort of our Caesarean warriors.
But why is it so important?
Let's face it, a Caesarean section shakes the body as much as l'mind. The pain around the l'incision area can make any movement painful. Ill-fitting clothing (rough fabric, poorly cut pattern, raised seams, etc.) can irritate the scar, while well-chosen undergarments offer softness, protection and support that can really help manage the pain. It's amazing what a difference a good bra or pair of panties can make.
Not to mention that for many women, feeling good about themselves contributes to a positive state of mind, which is essential for navigating the sometimes tumultuous waters of the postpartum period.
And when it comes to l'breastfeeding, we throw the "instructions" out the window. The best method is the one that makes you and your mini-you feel good. And keep in mind that even after a c-section, you can breastfeed on-the-go with the right wardrobe and stylish, of course! A good dose of zen, a lot of love and those little touches that make breastfeeding suddenly the best part of your day.
For those in a hurry to get back to the gym, or who just want to plunge into l'water, these wonder-women knickers are also anti-UV swimwear. Practical, isn't it? Basically, after a C-section, the most important thing is to feel at your best in your skin and in your clothes, ready to dive headfirst into this crazy adventure that is motherhood.
#milkawayapparel #inmumwetrust #wearewomum #teamwomum #postpartum #postpartumjourney #postpartumhero
Photo credit: Unsplash Monika Kozub
