Side-Lying Breastfeeding – When & How to Use This Position

Breastfeeding is the primary source of food and nourishment for the baby. It promotes a strong bond between the mother and her newborn. Besides having a calming effect on the baby, nursing offers a sense of security and comfort to the little one. It is highly recommended that the baby is exclusively breastfed in the initial few months before being introduced to formula milk and solid food. Even after the baby starts with an alternate source of nourishment, breastfeeding should continue for as long as the baby and mommy are comfortable.

Some babies will continue to latch on to their mother for a comfort feed until they are toddlers. Finding a comfortable position to feed your little one will take a few days of experimenting with different positions. When it comes to nursing, the lying down breastfeeding position for newborns is recommended by expert doctors and experienced mothers. Breastfeeding in a side-lying position hosts a range of benefits. Let’s get a little more detail on side-lying breastfeeding tips.

What Is the Side-Lying Breastfeeding Position?

The nursing position in which the mother and the baby lie side-ways and face each other, their bellies are aligned parallelly, and their knees are slightly flexed is called the ‘Side-lying Breastfeeding Position’ (1). This position offers comfort to both the mother and the baby. Breastfeeding in this position can be done on a large bed or on the floor. Invest in a comfortable floor bed and a feeding pillow if required. If you are concerned that the baby might roll away from the bed and fall, raise the bed railing or tuck a pool noodle between the sheet and the mattress to form a protective barrier.

Is the Side-Lying Breastfeeding Safe?

The baby needs to be nursed every few hours throughout the day. Feeding in a seated position or cradling the baby in your arms every time while nursing can be tiring. The side-lying breastfeeding position is as natural as sleeping. Initially, you might need some time to figure out the placement of your breasts, arms, and the baby. Once you find a comfortable position, feeding sideways is easy. This position is pretty safe for both the mom and the baby. However, take care of these details when breastfeeding sideways.

1. Co-Sleeping and Bed-Sharing

During the night, the mother may want to let the baby share the bed with her, so she does not have to get up and lift the baby from the crib for feeding at night. However, co-sleeping is one of the major reasons for SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is recommended that the baby sleeps on a separate bed or in the crib (2). Another option is to invest in an attachable crib. Simply lock the crib with the bed as an extension for the baby.

2. Sleeping Off Mid-Feed

The mommy might fall asleep while the baby is still latched to her breast for nursing. The baby will continue to suckle in sleep, and there are chances of overfeeding or choking on milk, suffocating under large breasts, or getting tangled in a blanket.

3. Burping

The baby needs to be burped post-feeding to release the air trapped. There may be gas formation in the tummy or hiccups as a result of this air. This can be very discomforting, and the baby might get colicky or overly fussy. Burping will need you to lift the baby, and this may wake up the little one.

Weigh the pros and cons before you begin to actively practice this feeding position.

When to Choose the Side-Lying Nursing Position?

There are multiple benefits associated with side-lying nursing. It would be a wise decision to invest in a side-lying breastfeeding pillow for maximum comfort. It is recommended that you nurse the baby in this position under the following circumstances.

1. When You Are in the Hospital

You are still exhausted after the delivery, and you want to rest. At the same time, you have to nurse the baby. It will be convenient to feed the baby lying down sideways. This position also allows the baby to take the feed effortlessly.

2. C-Section Delivery

Recovering from a caesarian section will take some time. You have to avoid pressure on your stomach and abrasions on the incision. Side-lying breastfeeding is recommended by experts to help you heal faster.

3. Night Feeding

If momma and baby are sharing the bed, nighttime feeding can be easy. Just pull the baby closer and start feeding without having to get up and lift the baby from the crib. However, it is recommended that the baby sleeps in the crib or the bassinet to avoid the chances of SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. You can also invest in an attachable crib.

4. Well-Endowed Breasts

Lactating can make your tender breasts feel heavier. Latching the baby in a seated position can be awkward for mommy and leave less room for the baby to breathe. For mommies with large breasts, side-lying breastfeeding can be more comfortable.

5. Sleepy Baby

The baby is about to sleep, and it is time to feed. Waking up the baby for a feed might end up in colic and fussiness. At such times, it is recommended that you quietly sneak up next to the baby and feed in the reclining position.

6. Tired and Exhausted

Caring for a newborn can be exhausting. The mom is already exhausted with birthing, and her body needs rest. Sitting up to feed again and again can add to tiredness. Sleeping and feeding allow her to continue nursing and resting at the same time.

7. Recovery Period

Side lying breastfeeding position works well during the recovery period in the hospital as well. Since hospital beds have protective rails on the side of the bed, there is no fear of the baby slipping out the bed when you breastfeed comfortably in a side-lying position and relax later.

8. Oversupply

If you seem to have a forceful letdown of the breast milk or oversupply, then side-lying breastfeeding will ensure your baby manages the flow of milk and lets the extra milk flow out of the mouth.

What Are the Advantages of Breastfeeding in the Side-Lying Position?

Here are some commonly observed benefits of side-lying breastfeeding:

1. Comfort

The side-lying breastfeeding position offers ultimate comfort to the nursing mother and her baby. The mother gets to lie in a comfortable position without stressing her back, which she does when she nurses while sitting in a hunched-up position. The baby also gets to snuggle closely with her momma, getting all the love and comfort they need.

2. Convenience

Childbirth can take a toll on the mother’s body. All the stitches and bleeding can be exhausting. If the mother chooses to breastfeed in a side-lying position, she does not need to sit up again and again at night to breastfeed. She can just roll on and nurse her baby, allowing her convenience.

3. Bonding

The position ensures a better bonding between the baby and the mother. With the help of this position, the baby gets to feel comforted and loved by being close to her mother. So you can expect less stress and crying episodes.

4. Supply

The milk supply is much better when side lying, making it easier for the baby to latch and breastfeed effectively.

What Are the Disadvantages of Side-Lying Nursing Position?

The common disadvantages of side-lying breastfeeding position in a newborn are 

1. Choking

Babies who have a weak sucking ability and have difficulty swallowing may be at risk of choking while breastfeeding in a side-lying position.

2. Ear Infection

Side-lying breastfeeding brings the risk of ear infection. While sucking, the milk can flow in the baby’s Eustachian tubes, risking bacterial growth and increasing the chances of ear infection.

3. Pain in the Back and Neck

Lying in the same position for hours can build tension in muscles and cause pain in the back and neck area.

Side-Lying Breastfeeding Step-By-Step Procedure

Breastfeeding comes naturally, and eventually, the mommy and baby will find a position that is comfortable for both. In case of difficulty, you can take the help of the nursing staff or an elder to guide you. Check with experienced mommies or consult a lactation expert if you are facing a challenge with nursing in a particular position. Follow these simple steps for a successful side-lying breastfeeding experience (3).

• Find a comfortable place to lie down.
• If you are side-lying, roll over slowly to the side.
• Keep a pillow under your head or prop yourself on the couch head or arm for more support.
• Keep your back and hip in a straight line to avoid back pain.
• Bend your knees.
• Position the baby with his head towards your breast and feet aligned with your feet.
• Give the baby a pillow for support as well.
• The arm you are not supporting your breasts with can be used to cuddle the baby and guide his head towards your nipples.
• Align your nipple with the baby’s mouth.
• Place your baby on the back in the middle of the bed or on a mat spread on the floor.
• Prep the bed with a few extra pillows near the bedrest and side rails. Ensure there are no bedsheets or loose covers near the baby to avoid accidental choking in case the baby rolls over.
• Lie down next to the baby in a comfortable position with a pillow under your head for support.
• Rollover to your side. You can use a pillow to support your back and another pillow between your knees for added comfort.
• Ensure that your back and hips are aligned to form a straight line. This is important to avoid back pain at a later stage. Bending your knees slightly will make things more comfortable.
• Bring the baby closer to your breast with the face turned towards you in a cuddling position.
• Support the baby’s back with your arm. You can also place a pillow next to the baby for extra support. Your spine should form a “V” with the baby’s spine connected at the hips.
• Line up the baby’s mouth with your nipples and support the head with another arm.
• Guide the baby to latch on to your breast and suckle. If this position does not feel comfortable, detach the baby by placing your finger between the baby’s mouth and your breast and breaking the suction seal. Try again until you feel comfortable. Lean forward as you switch to the other breast for feeding after a while. This may need some practice before you and the baby settle into a comfortable position.
• Once the baby has latched correctly, relax and continue the feeding.
• After the baby is well-fed, unlatch the little one from your breast and place the baby back in the crib.
• Remember to burp the baby after a successful nursing session by holding him upright.
• Keep a soft cloth handy to clean the spit-up, and remember to swaddle the baby after the nursing session.

Remember to keep your baby’s head not too much pressed against your breast and your arm to be away from your little sunshine’s head to avoid overheating it (3).

Does Breastfeeding in a Side-Lying Position Help Improve the Baby’s Latch?

Breastfeeding while side lying can help improve the baby’s latch, especially for mothers with larger breasts. If your baby struggles with latching or feeding in other positions, this position might turn out to be effective. Finding a comfortable feeding position that works well for you and your baby while ensuring a good latch may take several attempts and some time. Don’t be discouraged; be patient, and your baby will gradually learn to latch well. If your breasts are not draining well when nursing side lying, you can sit up and try expressing some milk to establish a flow (3).

It is better not to limit yourself to just one position of breastfeeding an try out different ways on different days. During the early days of motherhood, don’t hesitate in seeking assistance from a caregiver or family member. They can help place the baby in the crib if you fall asleep.

Additional Tips to Breastfeed When You Are Lying Down

There are a few more things you need to keep in mind while nursing the baby in the lying down position:

• If you suffer from back pain, you can use a pillow between your legs while feeding. It helps a lot.
• Align baby’s nose to your lower nipple.
• Gently hug a newborn for better support while leaving the head alone. Then again, if the hug is too tight and you hold their head, the baby may get sweaty and uncomfortable while feeding.
• Some of you may be able to feed the baby from the top breast without rolling over.
• Since babies may wake up at night many times for a feed, you may turn over and lay down on your alternating sides each time for greater comfort.
• Sleep when the baby sleeps to avoid the risk of falling asleep during breastfeeding.
• Breastfeed your baby in a side-lying position before sleep or during the day in a comfortable bed. The bedding should be comfortable and not sinking.

Sit up toward the end of a feed if you feel your breast is not draining evenly and completely in this position (3). Alternatively, you may express some milk to re-establish milk flow

FAQs

1. Can a side-lying feeding cause ear infections in babies?

Experts ebelive that babies who bottle feed in a lying position are likely to have otitis media (middle ear) infection compared to breastfed babies (4).

2. Should I burp my baby even after feeding side lying?

Whether you are feeding your baby in a lying position or a reclined one, it is important to burp your baby after every feed (5). Although there are no set guidelines for when you should burp the baby, you should burp your little one during and after the feeding (6).

3. Is it safe for mothers to breastfeed side lying?

Sleeping on the side is not at all harmful for the mother; however, it raises concerns for the baby. Breastfeeding side lying can pose a risk for babies as there is a chance of a mother dozing off and suffocating the baby (7).

Breastfeeding is an important part of motherhood. The bond between the mother and the baby grows stronger with time. These are memorable moments in life. Relish every single day. Make nursing a happy experience for both mommy and baby!

References/Resources:

1. Breastfeeding positions; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/breast-feeding/art-20546815?s=1

2. Moon. R. Y, et al.; SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment; Pediatrics; https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/5/e20162938/60309/SIDS-and-Other-Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated?autologincheck=redirected; November 2016

3. Breastfeeding while lying down; Australian Breastfeeding Association; https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/breastfeeding-while-lying-down

4. Ear infections; Mount Sinai; https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/report/ear-infections

5. Baby basics: How to burp your baby; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/how-to-burp-baby#:~:text=Why%3F-,Burping%20your%20baby%20is%20a%20key%20part%20of%20your%20baby’s,also%20helps%20prevent%20spitting%20up.

6. Breastfeeding; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/

7. Nya S, Abouzahir H, Belhouss A, Benyaich H. Unexpected death of an infant suffocated in the course of breastfeeding when the mother fell asleep. Med Leg J.; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33691523/; June 2021

Also Read:

Breastfeeding From One Side
One Breast Producing More Milk
Tingling in Breast While Breastfeeding

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