Side lying nursing

MK1550 · May 2014

For those of you who are able to nurse laying on your side in bed - any tips? I can't seem to get the hang of this but I'd love to be able to do it instead of having to sit up in the middle of the night. Thanks!!

erinsullivan427 · May 2014

This is how my lc showed me- Start by propping yourself on a pillow with your arm on the pillow like you are posing on your side with your head resting on your hand. Then get comfortable (whether it's staying propped up or laying down), but don't have LO anywhere near the pillow in case you fall asleep! Get as comfortable as you can and then bring baby to your nipple. Sometimes I sort of have to fold the areola to get it in his mouth but it works right away.

I only side lying nurse for our 6:30 am feeding so DH can keep an eye on me when he's getting ready for work. I fall asleep way too easily.

myfriendscallmemeg · May 2014

I am more comfortable propped up. I bring my LO to my nipple, and it helps her latch if I cup underneath my boob to help position it for her. Then once she's latched I roll her onto her side so we're belly to belly (ish) And we're home free from there! I like to be on my phone during MOTN feeds to help keep me awake...just be cautious of dropping the phone on your baby!

Good luck!

linzerd · May 2014

I have big boobs, so it may be why it's easy for me. I place a burp cloth next to my pillow horizontally for her to lie on in case she spits up on my bed. I place her onto the burp cloth at breast level and lie down. I prop myself up on my side on my elbow and take her head in that hand. Then I take my breast in the other hand and latch her. After she stays latched for a few seconds I put her head down and put my arm out behind her head parallel with my pillow. I can even turn on my back after that. I'm probably stretching my boobs to my feet but oh well, my back hurts.

pepperedmoth · May 2014

What @linzerd‌ said, but my hands do the opposite things---propping hand to breast, free hand to LO. Otherwise, the same.

dancer7889 · May 2014

I typically started dd on her back then lower myself over her to let her latch. I'm propped up on my arm. After she's latched on well, I slide down my propped up arm and use my opposite hand to cup her head to get us into the side lying position. Not sure if that made sense but I don't know how else to explain it.

We're working on getting off the nipple shield and latching is hard side lying which is why I have her latch first then lay down.

ProudMommy030614 · May 2014

I use my mini pillow pet as a pillow it works great because it's small.

MK1550 · May 2014

Thanks for all the tips! We'll keep practicing!

KariB509 · May 2014

dancer7889 said:
I typically started dd on her back then lower myself over her to let her latch. I'm propped up on my arm. After she's latched on well, I slide down my propped up arm and use my opposite hand to cup her head to get us into the side lying position.

This is exactly what I do. Works a lot better to have LO latched before you lay all the way down.

jennybean80 · May 2014

Once I have a baby latched on, I make sure they're tucked right against me and then I tilt their head up. Basically I tuck the chin up into my breast so the nose is clear (like the position they'd be in if they were looking slightly up). It's the only way they don't sound like they're having a hard time breathing!

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