A More Relaxing Way to Nurse
After hours of holding your baby through daytime feeds and waking several times during the night, even the most comfortable chair can start to feel exhausting. That’s one reason many mothers come to appreciate the side-lying breastfeeding position. By allowing both you and your baby to lie on your sides facing each other, this position can provide a chance to rest your body while continuing to nourish and bond with your baby.
Whether you’re recovering from birth, navigating nighttime feedings, or simply looking for a more comfortable way to nurse, the side-lying position may become one of your favorite breastfeeding techniques.
What Is the Side-Lying Breastfeeding Position?
The side-lying breastfeeding position involves both mother and baby lying on their sides, facing one another. Your baby’s nose should be level with your nipple, with their body turned tummy-to-tummy against yours. Once your baby latches, you can relax without needing to support their full weight in your arms.
Many mothers find this position becomes easier once breastfeeding is well established and their baby has developed a more consistent latch. With a little practice, it can become one of the most comfortable and relaxing ways to breastfeed.
Why Many Moms Love This Position
One of the greatest advantages of side-lying breastfeeding is comfort. Instead of placing continuous strain on your shoulders, neck, wrists, and back, your body is fully supported by the bed or another firm surface.
This position can be especially helpful for mothers recovering from a C-section because it allows baby to nurse without placing pressure on the healing incision. It may also feel more comfortable for mothers recovering from a difficult vaginal birth, perineal soreness, or general postpartum fatigue.
Side-lying can also make nighttime feedings feel less physically demanding. Rather than sitting upright for every feeding, many mothers appreciate being able to nurse while remaining in a comfortable resting position before returning their baby to a separate safe sleep space.
Research on Relaxed Breastfeeding Positions
Research on breastfeeding positioning suggests that comfortable, relaxed positions can help mothers experience less physical strain while supporting effective breastfeeding. Organizations such as the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine emphasize that mothers should choose positions that promote comfort, effective latch, and ongoing breastfeeding success, recognizing that no single position works best for every family.
Tips for Successful Side-Lying Breastfeeding
A few simple adjustments can make this position more comfortable:
- Keep your baby tummy-to-tummy with their ears, shoulders, and hips aligned.
- Place a pillow behind your back or between your knees if you need extra support.
- Allow your baby to tilt their head back slightly and open wide before latching rather than pushing them toward the breast.
- If you’re new to this position, practice during daytime feedings first so you feel more confident using it overnight.
Common Challenges
Like every breastfeeding position, side-lying may take a little practice.
Some newborns may struggle to maintain a latch until breastfeeding becomes more established. Mothers with larger breasts may find they need to gently support the breast during feeding, and some parents simply find it difficult to get comfortably positioned at first. If discomfort or latch problems continue, a lactation consultant can help you make small adjustments that often make a big difference.
Finding What Works for You
There is no single “best” breastfeeding position. What matters most is finding one that keeps both you and your baby comfortable, supported, and able to feed effectively.
For many mothers, the side-lying position offers something especially valuable during the postpartum weeks: an opportunity to rest while continuing to nurture their baby. If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to breastfeed, this position may be worth trying. If you’ve found the side-lying position helpful, consider sharing this article with another mom who could benefit from a little extra comfort during her breastfeeding journey.
