Feasibility of early breast feeding after caesarean section

Abstract

Breast feeding is the best way to start life. Initiation of breastfeeding is delayed in caesarean section (CS) babies. We studied the feasibility of early initiation of breastfeeds in newborns in the immediate post delivery period when the suckling reflex is powerful. Fifty consecutive mothers with elective or emergency CS, admitted to Government District Headquarters Hospital, Kumbakonam, South India, were taken up for the prospective study. All deliveries were done under intrathecal anaesthesia and babies were fed in one minute. Forty eight out of 50 babies (98%) sucked immediately. We conclude that early initiation of breast feeding is possible and successful before uterine closure in operative deliveries.