Is It Okay To Breastfeed Your Baby While Lying Down? We Tell You

The side-lying breastfeeding position can be useful for nighttime feedings, C-section recovery, or when sitting up is uncomfortable.

You might not realize it, but you don't have to sit up to breastfeed. In the side-lying position, you breastfeed by laying down on your side and place your baby down alongside you on their side. You and your child will be facing each other belly to belly with your baby's head at the level of your breast and their feet toward your feet.

The side-lying position, also called the reclining position, is one of the breastfeeding positions that allows you to nurse your baby while you're lying down.

When To Breastfeed in the Side-Lying Position?

The side-lying breastfeeding position is an excellent choice whenever you want to feed your baby lying down. It's also a good idea to learn this position since getting comfortable with a few different breastfeeding positions will allow you to alternate through different holds throughout the day.

There are times when lying down to breastfeed is really helpful. Here are a few times you might want to consider using the position:

In the hospital

When you're in the hospital, the side-lying and laid-back nursing positions are the perfect way to breastfeed comfortably in your bed. Ask for help learning these two positions right away so that you can lie down and rest while you're nursing.

After a Cesarean section

The side-lying position and the football hold are ideal for if you've just had a C-section. These positions can help to make breastfeeding a little more comfortable since your newborn isn't putting pressure on your stomach and your incision site.

At night

Nighttime feedings are a breeze when you use this breastfeeding position to place your little one beside you in your bed to nurse. However, while many families co-sleep, it's important to note that bed-sharing can be dangerous.

With large breasts

Having large breasts can sometimes present a challenge when breastfeeding a newborn. If you have large breasts, try the side-lying position, and ask for assistance until you become more comfortable with latching your baby on and breastfeeding on your own.

When sitting up is uncomfortable?

If you've been sitting up for a while and you're uncomfortable, it's nice to be able to lie down to breastfeed. Also, sitting up and breastfeeding for long periods of time can cause strain on your back, neck, and arms. If you're feeling strained, try lying down

How To Breastfeed in the Side-Lying Position?

Now that you know what the side-lying breastfeeding position is and when it might be useful, here's how to breastfeed while lying on your side

Lie down in a comfortable position on your bed, on the couch, or on the floor.
Roll onto your side and place a pillow under your head. You can lean up against the back of the couch or place pillows behind you for support if you need it. For even more comfort, you can put a pillow between your knees.
Place your baby next to you on their side facing you. Your baby's head should be toward your breasts, and their feet should be toward your feet.
Take the arm that you're lying on and either place it out of the way under your head or use it to support your baby by placing it under your baby's head and around their body. You can also use a pillow behind your baby's back to support them.
Make sure your baby's mouth is lined up with your nipple. If your lower arm is cradling your child, you can pull them in toward your breast with that arm. You can use your free hand from above, to support your breast if you need it.
If your lower arm is under your head and out of the way, you can use your free hand from your upper arm to support your baby's head and lead them to your breast. Remember, you don't want to lean over and bring your breast to your baby; You want to pull your baby in and guide them to your breast.

Where To Find Breastfeeding Help?

You can start breastfeeding in the side-lying position right after your baby is born. Ask for help from your nurse or the hospital lactation consultant from the very first breastfeeding.

If you didn't learn how to breastfeed in this position while you were in the hospital and you want to learn it now, you can try it on your own, seek help from a breastfeeding support group, call a lactation consultant, or talk to your health care provider.