Side-lying
Side-lying breastfeeding is a comfortable position that allows the mother to nurse while lying down, making it ideal for night feeds, post-C-section recovery (if comfortable), or times when rest is needed. This position provides relaxation for both mother and baby while ensuring a good latch. It also allows for extended skin-to-skin contact, promoting bonding and helping to ensure a good milk supply.
To begin, the mother lies on her side on a bed or another safe, comfortable surface, using only one pillow for head support to maintain a neutral posture. The baby should also be positioned on his side, facing the mother with his nose level with the nipple. His body should be aligned, ensuring that his head, shoulders and hips are in a straight line, tucked in close to his mother’s body.
The mother can use her lower arm to cradle the baby or place it under his head for support. If extra stability is needed, she can use her upper hand on the baby’s neck and base of his head to guide him towards the breast. The baby should latch deeply, with his chin pressed against the breast and his nose clear for breathing. Sometimes the baby may need to be moved further down the mother’s body than you might think. Pulling the baby’s bottom in closer may help too.
For the baby’s safety, the area should be free of extra pillows, blankets or cushions near the baby to reduce the risk of suffocation. The baby should always be placed on a firm, flat mattress without soft bedding. Whether you choose to bedshare with your baby or not, it’s best to prepare just in case; most breastfeeding mothers end up falling asleep while breastfeeding at some point. Ensuring that your bed is as safe as possible is a good plan. You can read more about safer sleep here.
This position is often helpful while recovering from childbirth, but some mothers don’t find it easy straight away. Some come back to and try again sometime later and many mothers agree that it’s a game changer once they have got the hang of it.
Mothers who may be experiencing discomfort when sitting, or those looking to feed more comfortably at night will often give side-lying a try when they haven’t wanted to before. To get started with this position, it can be helpful to practise during the daytime, when it’s easier to see what’s going on, and it can feel less pressured than in the middle of the night.
