Side Lying Breastfeeding Position: When And How To Do It?

The side-lying breastfeeding position, also called the reclining position or lying down position, is safe and comfortable for many mothers and babies. You may try this position if you find it difficult to position or latch your baby in other nursing positions.

Mothers and babies can have good eye contact during side-lying breastfeeding.

Remember to place the baby back in their crib after feeding since separate sleep surfaces are safer for babies. Seek help from a lactation consultant if you are concerned about the feeding position and proper latch.

Read this post to know more about when to choose the side-lying breastfeeding position and steps to ensure proper position and latch when feeding in this position.

When Is The Side-lying Breastfeeding Position A Good Choice?

Side-lying breastfeeding is the right choice when you prefer to breastfeed lying down.Breastfeeding in the side-lying position can be more convenient in the following situations (1).

1. At the hospital

Side-lying and laid back breastfeeding positions can be comfortable feeding positions when you have just delivered and are at the hospital. The position provides rest to the mother while also letting the baby nurse. Always remember to keep the side-rails up when your baby is on the bed.

2. After a cesarean section

Side-lying position and football hold positions are good options for mothers who underwent C-section delivery. Newborns cannot put pressure on the incision site or stomach while feeding on the lying position.

3. Forceful letdown or oversupply

You may choose a side-lying position if you have forceful letdown or oversupply of breastmilk. Babies can manage the flow of milk better in the side-lying position. The flow of milk may also be reduced since the effect of gravity is less in side-lying than sitting position. Babies may also be able to spit up extra milk without aspiration or choking.

4. No need to sit up in the middle of the night

Side-lying breastfeeding can be comfortable during nighttime. Sitting up several times in the night can be tiring for moms. Many mothers prefer to co-sleep safely with babies, especially after night time nursings. However, bed-sharing may not be safe for babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends placing your baby back in their crib or bassinet after nursing to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)due to co-sleeping.

5. Large breasts

Some mothers may find it difficult to latch and breastfeed babies in many positions due to large breasts. A side-lying position can be a more effortless and comfortable option for them. You may seek help from a lactation consultant to learn proper latching and feeding positions during the initial days.

6. When sitting up is a strain

Breastfeeding the baby while sitting can be a strain for many mothers,particularly when feeding newborns who need frequent feedings. Mothers are also likely to be tired after childbirth, making it cumbersome to sit for too long. In such cases, side-lying nursing is the best breastfeeding position.

7. During illness

The side-lying position can be relaxing for mothers who are tired or sick. You may lie down and rest while nursing in this position. Tiredness and illness may cause moms to fall asleep after nursing. Always ensure to keep the baby back in the crib after nursing.

8. The baby is sleepy

Side-lying or football hold position may help you feed a sleepy baby for a longer time. It may help the baby rest and feed well. Place the baby in the crib once the baby is done with the feeding.

Can You Breastfeed A Newborn Lying On Your Side?

Yes, you can breastfeed a baby in a side-lying position right from the first feed. You may use a pillow or blanket to support your newborn while breastfeeding in a side-lying position. Place the pillow or blanket such that it makes it easier for the baby to access the breast.

Remain awake while breastfeeding your newborn since bed-sharing may increase the risk of SIDS (2). Keep the baby back in the crib after the feeding session. While you can feed in a side-lying position, a lying back position is usually preferred to have maximum skin-to-skin contact with the baby right after birth.

How To Breastfeed In The Side-lying Position?

The following steps may help you ensure comfort and proper latch during the side-lying breastfeeding position (3).

1. Lie down on the bed, couch, or floor in a comfortable position.

2. Turn to the side and place a pillow to support the head. You may add pillows at the back or between the knees for more comfort.

3. You may keep your back and hip in a straight line or bend the knees to avoid back pain.

4. Place the baby on their side and facing you. Make sure that the baby’s head is towards the breasts and feet toward your feet.

5. You may use the arm on the lying side to support your head or the baby. Pillows can also be placed under your baby to support them.

6. If you don’t want to bend to make your baby reach for the nipple, bring them closer to the breast.

7. When your baby’s mouth is open and the tongue is down, you may stroke their cheek. This stimulates rooting reflex in newborns, and they open their mouth wide to latch on.

8. Place the nipple in your baby’s mouth when they open it wide and let them latch.

9. Feed the baby until they are full. You may maintain eye contact or observe if the baby is feeding well.

10. You may place a finger between the baby’s mouth and breast to break the suction if they are not latched well or if they fall asleep while still latched to the breast.

11. Place your baby on their crib after the feeding session.

Does A Side-lying Breastfeeding Position Improve The Baby’s Latch?

The side-lying breastfeeding position may help the baby have a better latch in some cases. For instance,mothers with larger breasts may feel that the baby latches better when fed in a side-lying position. You may try a side-lying nursing position if your baby does not latch well or feeds inadequately in other positions.

Although the side-lying position may improve the baby’s latch, you can break the latch easily if the baby bites or hurts your nipple.

It may take multiple attempts and a longer time for mother and baby to find a comfortable feeding position that facilitates a good latch. Do not worry if the initial attempts are unsuccessful. Also, babies learn gradually to latch well.

It is advisable to seek help from a caregiver or family member during the initial days of motherhood. They can place the baby in the crib in case you fall asleep. Although side-lying breastfeeding position can be comfortable, you may also try other positions.

You may also seek help from a nurse or a board-certified lactation consultant to know more about suitable breastfeeding positions for you and your baby.

References:

1. How To Nurse Lying Down; Milkology
2. How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained; Healthychildren; The American Academy Of Pediatrics
3. Breastfeeding while lying down; The Australian Breastfeeding Association