It’s a common belief that babies born via C-section tend to cry more than babies born vaginally. But is this really true? There are a few reasons why C-section babies may cry more:
Stress of birth
The birthing process is stressful for babies, but a C-section could be more jarring. Babies born vaginally experience pressing on the chest and head which releases hormones to prepare them for the outside world. C-section babies miss out on this, so the sudden change in environment may be overwhelming and cause more crying.
Difficulty breastfeeding
Babies born via C-section sometimes have more trouble latching and breastfeeding effectively. This can lead to increased crying from hunger or frustration. The medications given to the mother during a C-section may also make the baby sleepy and less able to feed properly at first.
Separation from mother
With a C-section, there is often a longer separation between mother and baby after birth. Babies may cry more when separated from their mothers during this critical bonding time. C-section babies may also have more trouble rooting and showing hunger cues, making feeding more challenging.
Do studies support this?
While the idea that C-section babies cry more is widespread, scientific studies paint a more nuanced picture. Here is what the research says:
Short-term differences
Some studies have found that babies born by C-section do cry more in the first few days or weeks of life. One study of over 200 babies found that C-section babies cried around 20 minutes more per day in the first two weeks after birth (1). Other studies saw increased crying during the first 12-24 hours only (2).
No long-term differences
However, studies looking at crying patterns over a longer timeframe have found no differences. Research following babies through months found no differences in crying or colic by 6-12 weeks of age in C-section versus vaginally born babies (3). In the long run, birth method does not seem to impact total crying or colic.
Other factors matter more
Overall, factors like the baby’s temperament and health, breastfeeding challenges, and maternal bonding appear to influence crying more than birth method alone. Preterm birth and low birth weight have clearer impacts on increased crying (4). Maternal anxiety and postpartum depression may also lead to greater infant crying (5).
Tips to soothe C-section babies
If you have a newborn who was delivered by C-section, here are some tips that may help reduce crying:
Prioritize skin-to-skin contact
Holding your naked newborn firmly against your bare chest has calming effects. Skin contact right after a C-section, even while being stitched up, can help regulate baby’s vitals, temperature, and breathing.
Breastfeed as soon as possible
Get assistance from nurses and lactation consultants to begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after the surgery. Proper latch and feeding can help satisfy and soothe your baby.
Room-in together
Keep your baby in your room instead of the nursery so you can respond to cries quickly. Close contact and comfort helps alleviate stress from the birthing process.
Use motion to calm baby
Rocking, swaying, and light bouncing can help soothe a crying C-section newborn. The motions mimic the feeling of movement in the womb. A baby swing or rocker can provide motion when holding baby constantly is difficult.
Play soothing sounds
The sounds of the womb help newborns feel settled. Try white noise, recordings of heartbeat sounds, or soft music to calm a crying infant. Experiment to see which sounds are most effective.
The C-section crying connection
In summary, while C-section babies may cry more in the immediate newborn period, this effect seems to resolve by 12 weeks of life. Overall, C-section delivery alone does not have clear impacts on long-term increased crying or colic. Other factors like birthing stressors, feeding issues, maternal bonding, and baby’s health play larger roles. If your C-section baby is crying excessively, focus on responding to their needs promptly and using methods like skin contact, breastfeeding support, and motion to help soothe them. With time, patience, and proper care, your baby’s crying patterns should stabilize.
References
1. Thomson P, Graham M, Myles J, et al. Evaluation of the Albany Infant Discrimination Score for 4-week-old infants born by caesarean section. Child Care Health Dev. 1998;24(4):353-368. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2214.1998.00083.x
2. Zanardo V, Svegliado G, Cavallin F, et al. Elective cesarean delivery: does it have a negative effect on breastfeeding? Birth. 2010;37(4):275-279. doi:10.1111/j.1523-536X.2010.00421.x
3. Hemmi MH, Wolke D, Schneider S. Associations between problems with crying, sleeping and/or feeding in infancy and long-term behavioural outcomes in childhood: a meta-analysis. Arch Dis Child. 2011;96(7):622-629. doi:10.1136/adc.2010.191312
4. Miller AR, Barr RG, Eaton WO. Crying and motor behavior of six-week-old infants and postpartum maternal mood. Pediatrics. 1993;92(4):551-558.
5. Britton JR. Infant temperament and maternal anxiety and depressed mood in the early postpartum period. Women Health. 2011;51(1):55-71. doi:10.1080/03630242.2011.540741