# Which breastfeeding positions reduce pressure on a cesarean incision? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/breastfeeding-positions-after-caesarean Language: en Category: pregnancy Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.514Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.514Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/breastfeeding-positions-after-caesarean-ar The rugby hold or side-lying position may be more comfortable after a cesarean because they help keep your baby’s weight away from the incision. No position is ideal for everyone. Choose an arrangement that supports you, keeps your baby close, and allows good attachment. Ask a midwife or breastfeeding specialist to help you try it, especially early on. [\[1\]]() ## How can you try the rugby hold? Sit comfortably with your back supported. Position your baby beside you, under the arm on the side of the breast being used. Their body lies alongside you instead of across your abdomen and incision, and a pillow can provide support. Bring your baby toward the breast while supporting the head and body rather than constantly bending forward or carrying their weight unsupported. [\[1\]]() Keep your baby stable and close, with the ear, shoulder, and hip aligned as far as possible so they do not need to twist their neck toward the breast. Avoid pressing the back of the head; a slight backward head tilt helps attachment. Ask for the pillow or seat to be adjusted if the position feels tiring or creates pressure. [\[2\]]() ## When can side-lying help? Side-lying can help when sitting comfortably after birth is difficult. Lie on your side with your baby facing and close to you, avoiding a twist between the head and body. A pillow may support your back, but pillows must remain away from the baby’s face and must not obstruct breathing or push the head into an unsuitable position. [\[1\]]() Another option is supported, semi-reclined feeding with your baby positioned away from the incision. Choose an arrangement that accommodates your wound and movement while keeping the airway clear. Changing position is not a test of your ability as a mother. Practical help can improve comfort and reveal a small adjustment that was difficult to identify yourself. [\[1\]]() ## Is the difficulty positioning or attachment? As you bring your baby close, align the nose with the nipple and allow room for the mouth to open widely and the head to tilt slightly backward. During attachment, the chin touches the breast and the nose remains clear; the baby should not hold only the nipple tip. Ask a specialist to observe a feed if you are unsure, because instructions alone may not identify the difficulty. [\[2\]]() Tell your midwife about persistent pain or trouble supporting your baby, and request reassessment of attachment and support. You do not need to force yourself into a popular position if it bothers the incision. Another arrangement can be tried with help. Breastfeeding is a shared learning process and may require practice and guidance suited to your body and your baby’s response. [\[2\]]() ## How can you keep your baby safe after feeding? Lying down to breastfeed does not mean that falling asleep together in that position is safe. Before you sleep, return your baby to a separate cot on their back, on a suitable sleep surface without pillows or loose soft objects. Avoid sleeping while holding the baby on a sofa or chair. Ask another adult for help if drowsiness makes supporting and watching the baby difficult. [\[3\]]() Related reading: [the related medical article (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Breastfeeding positions - Best Start in Life - NHS]() - [Breastfeeding: positioning and attachment - NHS]() - [Baby safer sleep advice - Best Start in Life - NHS]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/breastfeeding-positions-after-caesarean#answer