Sleeping while feeding (side-lying)

beccs98 · October 2010

I was told by 2 different lactation consultants and my pedi that "I should learn how to do the side-lying position for feeding because then I can sleep while feeding him". I know I've heard of others doing this too, but I just feel like.. it can't be safe, right? I've done it a couple of times (we both drift off while feeding and then wake up together for the next feeding). I'm feeling rather guilty that I'm putting him in danger, but then I'm torn because I've been told by professionals to do it this way. Did they just not give me details on how to do it safely? Any tips from other BFers? TIA

silverflowers · October 2010

I co-sleep with DD and I use the side lying position to nurse her so we both can sleep as much as possible during the night. I find it to be the most comfortable and hands-free way of nursing. I'm not a deep sleeper, so the minute she stirs or makes a noise, I'm aware. I'm right there to correct something if needed. I think it could really only be dangerous if you flail uncontrollably in your sleep, or if you sleep with LO without anything to keep him/her from rolling out of bed or if you sleep with a pet in your bed. Also, keep any and all blankets at armpit level or below for LO.

kaylakaylakayla · October 2010

silverflowers:
I co-sleep with DD and I use the side lying position to nurse her so we both can sleep as much as possible during the night. I find it to be the most comfortable and hands-free way of nursing. I'm not a deep sleeper, so the minute she stirs or makes a noise, I'm aware. I'm right there to correct something if needed. I think it could really only be dangerous if you flail uncontrollably in your sleep, or if you sleep with LO without anything to keep him/her from rolling out of bed or if you sleep with a pet in your bed. Also, keep any and all blankets at armpit level or below for LO.

This exactly.

smlfry87 · October 2010

I agree with silverflowers... I myself have not had any safety issues come up with co-sleeping or side-lying breastfeeding. In fact, if I didn't feed my little guy this way, I doubt I would be able to get much sleep at all. If you feel guilty for putting your child in danger, then maybe this position isn't for you. But if you get to the point where you can't get sleep at night, you might want to try this one out! I have to admit, it was hard for me to use this position when LO was really small, but now at 4 months, he is at just the right size!

In summary-- try it out and you might like it more than you think! if you are a really deep sleeper or have any medical condition that would cause you not to wake up, obviously, it is best for you to not sleep next to your baby

smlfry87 · October 2010

I agree with silverflowers... I myself have not had any safety issues come up with co-sleeping or side-lying breastfeeding. In fact, if I didn't feed my little guy this way, I doubt I would be able to get much sleep at all. If you feel guilty or like you are putting your child in danger, then maybe this position isn't for you. But if you get to the point where you can't get sleep at night, you might want to try this one out! I have to admit, it was hard for me to use this position when LO was really small, but now at 4 months, he is at just the right size! In summary-- try it out and you might like it more than you think! if you are a really deep sleeper or have any medical condition that would cause you not to wake up, obviously, it is best for you to not sleep next to your baby

EuroChick · October 2010

I did this with DD one and hated it. I alway woke up stiff and I never was able to really sleep because I was so afraid of squashing her. But okay if the solution works for you than go for it. My main concern it that you won't actually get that great of a night's sleep. The other concern is that you DD will get used to sleeping on your breast all of the time. This was a major challenge for me with DD1 and I had a friend who had it even worse. Her DD wouldn't sleep unless she had access to nurse during the entire first year of her life. But okay that is an extreme.

canamama · October 2010

I have done this with all 3 kiddos and have never had any issues.

beccs98 · October 2010

Thanks everyone. I know the couple of times I've tried it I had no problem waking up when DS stirred... I was quite aware of all of his movements/noises. Thanks for the tips, I'll definitely try them out. I love the idea of getting more sleep, that's for sure.

Dobie_Mama · October 2010

I slept like this with DD #1 and am doing so with DD #2, as well. I barely budge an inch when sleeping with a baby. These are some good tips for safe bedsharing:

https://safebedsharing.org/safetyguidelines.html

ladybug8510 · October 2010

We do it. Although I'm trying to get her to sleep in the crib for at least the first stretch of the night. I keep blankets and pillows away from her. I usually wake up about 20 minutes before she does, since now I've adjusted to her sleep cycles. It makes it easier for you to wake up once you get on LO's sleep cycle, you don't feel so tired because you were in the light sleep stage.

All that said, I am attempting to get her to sleep in her crib, no luck so far...

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