It is well documented that breastfeeding initiation and duration rates are lower for women who undergo a cesarean birth. There are many factors that might contribute to these lower rates, such as post-operative pain, delay in lactation, infant health complications and separation of the mother and infant. Women who have a planned cesarean birth are less likely to intend to breastfeed as compared to women who have an unplanned cesarean birth.
A 2016 systematic review evaluated studies of interventions that might increase breastfeeding rates among women who undergo cesarean births. Postnatal interventions have included immediate or early skin-to-skin contact, education and breastfeeding support, the use of sidecar bassinets, and use of breast pumps.