Breastfeeding success at 39w vs 40w

[joeslittlewoman]

Does anyone have a source for comparing breastfeeding success after cesarean delivery at 39 versus 40 weeks? Is there a difference?

[birdinhand]

We know there can be a difference, but I have read the biggest point can be that space of 37ish weeks to 39ish weeks when a baby is considered a near-term preemie, and that's when we still see lots of issues although the baby "looks" term (so we aren't always paying attention to how they may need help, etc.). I think 39 is considered pretty full-term and nursing problems at that point aren't generally related to gestational age.

[joeslittlewoman]

Thank you! There really isn't a lot of info on such a small difference in gestation when "full term" (that I can find), but I am just trying to be sure of the choice I make in either direction. I am looking at delivering at 39weeks by LMP vs 40w3d by LMP (38w4d by ovulation vs 40w by ovulation). Doc prefers 39, but is flexible. He is gone the 10 days between.

Reading on Kellymom it looks like the detachment of the placenta is what triggers milk production, so as far as my body is concerned, there wouldn't be a difference, right?

[birdinhand]

You are right that the expelling of the placenta is what triggers lactogenesis II, which is poduction of mature milk -- you are already in lactogenesis I, which is colostrum. But we do know that cesarean birth can be a factor in delayed lacto II, which can mean another day or two until milk comes in. I think your original quoestion was more about baby's ability to nurse, though? We do see differences in the suck/swallow/breathing coordination and general nursing abilities between babies born at 37 weeks and 38 weekks, even, but I would guess it is more the exception and not the rule (that most babies will be okay and some near-term preemies will have breastfeeding problems).

[tibeca]

If given a choice, I would wait. There is much growth that occurs during each week up to birth and your baby simply may not be ready. Waiting until labor begins on its own is truly ideal and best for your milk supply.

[joeslittlewoman]

Originally Posted by birdinhand You are right that the expelling of the placenta is what triggers lactogenesis II, which is poduction of mature milk -- you are already in lactogenesis I, which is colostrum. But we do know that cesarean birth can be a factor in delayed lacto II, which can mean another day or two until milk comes in. I think your original quoestion was more about baby's ability to nurse, though? We do see differences in the suck/swallow/breathing coordination and general nursing abilities between babies born at 37 weeks and 38 weekks, even, but I would guess it is more the exception and not the rule (that most babies will be okay and some near-term preemies will have breastfeeding problems).

Thank you!

[cuddlebunny_24]

I have only experienced BF after c-section, my first at 38 weeks and my second at 39 weeks, and this one is planned for 39 weeks as well. With my first he was EBF until about 4 months old which is when he refused to BF or take breast milk. My youngest, well he was a piggy boy and would probably still be nursing at 22 months if I was not pregnant again. I suppose it really depends on the mom and the child.

[Vie.en.Rose]

My first child was a c-section at 39 weeks and we nursed for over a year. It was very easy, no latch issues, nothing. The milk did take a day or two longer to come in (day 4 if I remember correctly) than with my second (natural birth at 41 weeks), but that was the only difference.

[joeslittlewoman]

Originally Posted by tibeca If given a choice, I would wait. There is much growth that occurs during each week up to birth and your baby simply may not be ready. Waiting until labor begins on its own is truly ideal and best for your milk supply.

I tend toward the "wait" mindset, too. I don't think spontaneous labor is likely, but it is 10 more days of hope. Both my prior c/s were post induction. My last I reached 42 weeks with no signs of labor, unless few/infrequent Braxton hicks meant something. Opted for low pit induction rather than scheduled c/s. I think i am worrying because this is the first/only time i am
going straight to surgery. I do think I want to wait, I just need to really pray about it. And weigh all factors, breastfeeding being a big one for me.

[joeslittlewoman]

Originally Posted by cuddlebunny_24 I have only experienced BF after c-section, my first at 38 weeks and my second at 39 weeks, and this one is planned for 39 weeks as well. With my first he was EBF until about 4 months old which is when he refused to BF or take breast milk. My youngest, well he was a piggy boy and would probably still be nursing at 22 months if I was not pregnant again. I suppose it really depends on the mom and the child.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I was successful nursing ds2 who was a induction turned c/s at 42weeks. Didn't work out with ds1 who was a induction turned c/s at 40w6d, but I think the induction had been pretty hard on both of us, and I was pretty depressed about everything, which I'm sure didn't help.

If the gestation won't make a difference, it is one less factor to consider as I choose the date.