Side lying -breastfeeding

Side lying breastfeeding – It is the ultimate breastfeeding position to aid recovery and sleep. Yet for new mums, it is not the easiest thing to master. In this blog post we discuss the benefits and a step by step guide for side lying feeding.

Side lying feeding allows new mums to get more rest especially in the middle of the night.  For a tired mum it is actually safer to feed lying down rather than sitting. Breastfeeding lying down will also provide comfort for those who find sitting down post birth painful. For our cesarean birthing mums in the first few days you may find sitting up to be painful, and side lying will be of great benefit to you. 

Some mums will find the side lying very natural, others however, may need a bit of help. Here’s how to master the side lying feeding position in a few easy steps. 

1. Lie down comfortably on your side, facing your baby with your head on a pillow.
2. Roll your baby towards you, onto his or her side, lining up the nipple with their nose.
3. Place your arm cradled over the top of the baby’s head and around the back. This way, if you fall asleep, the baby is still safe. Support the back and neck with your forearm and hand but avoid contact with the head.
4. Let the baby attach or help by hugging him/her onto your breast.
5. Pull your baby’s bottom towards your body, so his or her nose doesn’t go into your breast.
6. Bring your knees up to make sure your baby doesn’t slip under the blanket in case you fall asleep.
7. When finished, the baby can naturally fall off the breast and roll over on his or her back.

If you have not birthed yet make sure before you go home from hospital you ask to do a side lying feed, so you can get some tips from your midwife.