1.Should a caesarean mother breastfed her baby? - Yes, she can breastfeed her baby very successfully, though this may be slightly more difficult than after a normal delivery. Put the baby to the breast as soon as it is possible after the mother regains consciousness. If she was given general anesthesia, then it might take a while for the effect of the sedatives and the anesthesia to wear off. In case she was given an epidural anesthesia, that is, the operation was done after an injection was administered, the delay will be minimal. It is advised that the baby should be fed while the mother is lying down. Once the feeding has been completed on one side, roll over to the other side. It will be harder to feed the baby while sitting up.

2.Should a weak woman breastfed her baby? - Weak, under-nourished and even starving mothers produce breast milk and can successfully breastfeed their babies. However, it is advised that such mothers should increase their diet. It is wiser to feed the lactating mother, rather than spending on powder milk or costly feeds for the baby.

3.Should a woman breastfeed her baby when she has been given sedatives? - During labor pains, sometimes sedatives are given. In this condition, generally the baby does not want to take the feeds. The common cause of the baby's lack of interest in breastfeeding is that since the woman has been given sleeping pills or sedatives during labor pains, the baby too comes under the effect of such sedatives. These medicines will have passed to the baby in the womb, so that the baby is also sedated. In such cases, the effect of the sedatives remains for a few days and the baby will suckle the breast actively when the effect of sedatives wears off. It is best to consult the doctor. However, to overcome this problem, the breast milk may be expressed and given to the baby with a spoon until the baby wakes up and starts suckling.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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