Pumping after a c-section is very much different than pumping after a vaginal birth. Your core is healing, your abdomen is sore, and any movement (even slight – standing up, lying forward, bending/twisting) will be uncomfortable. In the beginning stages your main objective is to heal your incision site, provide stability to your back/shoulders, and to create a comfortable setting for your pump to operate and allow your body to relax and produce milk.
A good approach to pumping is to consider pumping in a way that allows you to follow the same body mechanics as you would in your recovery. If you are creating an environment for your posture that is going against your incision, you will likely tighten your muscles and that tightness will cause your pumping sessions to be less effective and potentially more painful. A comfortable pumping session is not a luxury, it is what will allow you to get through the new born stage without dreading every single session.
There are two easy principles to follow that will make everything easier:
Keep pressure off of your incision site. Many breastfeeding resources recommend positions to avoid putting baby’s (and/or anything else’s) weight on your abdomen after a c-section (like side-lying, laid-back or the “football” / “rugby” hold). These same principles apply to pumping – you want to create a pump setup that protects your abdomen and provides support to your torso.
Bring support to you, instead of leaning down to the pump. One of the quickest ways to have your incision site protest is to lean forward. The more you can use pillows, a recliner and arm supports to create a comfortable pumping session, the easier it will be to establish a consistent pumping schedule during the early stages.
Best Pumping Positions After a C-section
Semi-Reclined “Laid-Back” Positioning (Often Easiest)
If sitting upright is too much discomfort for you, try pumping in a semi-reclined position, such as 30-45 degrees, with pillows behind your back and a pillow across your lap to rest your forearms. Laid-back positioning is often recommended after a c-section because it creates minimal strain on the abdomen and may provide additional support as you heal.
This position does not require you to bend forward – your chest remains open, your shoulders can relax and your hands will not be working as hard to hold flanges in place. If you’re wearing a hands-free pumping bra, this is typically the most comfortable method to allow the bra to support you without pulling down on sensitive areas.
Side-Lying Positioning (Most Comfortable When Exhausted; Best With Help)
Side-lying is another common recommendation for feeding post-c-section due to the fact it removes pressure from the incision and allows you to rest. However, it’s a bit more challenging to implement for pumping, mainly because you’ll need to stabilize your bottles and prevent leaks.
If you choose to attempt side-lying, you should set-up in your side position with pillows supporting your head and back, and then position your pump from the side rather than directly above your belly. Many mothers find it easiest to have a partner or nurse assist them in getting their equipment properly positioned in the hospital, when they’re mobility is limited.
Upright Positioning (Doable – As Long As You “Build the Chair” Using Pillows)
In some cases, upright positioning is the most convenient option, especially once you’re home. The key is to avoid tightening your core muscles and avoid slouching. Create a supportive chair and use a pillow ramp to rest your elbows and forearms, rather than hovering them.
A simple tip mentioned by many lactation resources for c-section comfort is to place a pillow or folded blanket as a protective barrier over the incision site, which also serves to alleviate anxiety about accidentally bumping into your incision. That protective barrier can still provide relief for pumping (not nursing), and may help to relax your stomach muscles, making it less painful and possibly aiding in milk production.
Additional Comfort Tips Relevant to Post-C-Section Pumping
Always use an Incision “Shield”
You may not be able to see or touch your incision site, but your mind may remain focused on protecting it. Having a firm pillow or folded blanket across the lower abdomen may serve as a protective shield to make it easier to relax, which may make the session feel less painful and sometimes aid in milk flow.
Make Your Arms Weightless
Holding flanges for 15-20 minutes can put stress on your shoulders and ultimately pull on your torso. If you have a pumping bra, wear it. If you don’t, make sure you have enough pillows under your arms to support your elbows so that your hands are not doing all the work. This is one of those “small adjustments, huge payoff” ideas.
Don’t force the suction too hard in the beginning
You may want to force suction when you’re tired and sore so you can get this over with; however, forcing suction is likely to make you tense, which is going to make things worse. Therefore, pump as softly as possible, and only pump harder if you can do so comfortably. (If the pumping hurt badly, that’s probably due to either a poor fit or poor settings — not because you didn’t have enough will power.)
Have all of your supplies close by before you start
The hardest part about having a C-section is getting up and down. Before you begin, place your water, snacks, phone, burp cloth, and any extra storage containers for your milk close by. The less you need to move while pumping, the better you’ll feel.
Pumping after a C-section — what type sensations are normal?
There is some normal discomfort from being in a certain position and feeling your incision, however, there are red flags to watch for. If you experience sharp pains when pumping that go to the nipple, cause blanching/whitening, or leave you bruised, it is likely a suction or flange issue, not the C-section itself.
If you experience fever/chills, increased pain at a particular site, or spreading redness/heat, please call your healthcare provider immediately. Your body has been through a lot during a C-section — you should not be guessing about whether something is “normal.”
A simple, calm pumping routine for the first week
Here is the easiest way to make pumping less overwhelming for the first week: choose one comfortable position (the most comfortable is typically a reclining position), use an incision shield pillow each time you pump, pump at a suction that is “strong, but comfortable,” and do not worry about perfection. Consistency wins out over intensity during the first week.