BREASTFEEDING POSITIONS

Side-Lying Breastfeeding: A Step-by-Step Guide

You and your baby lie facing each other while feeding. It may be useful when you want to rest, but both positioning and the surrounding sleep space need careful attention.

How to breastfeed lying on your side

Prepare the space first Use a firm, flat mattress. Move pillows, duvets, loose bedding and other items away from where your baby will lie, and make sure they cannot become trapped or fall.
Lie comfortably on your side Keep the pillow under your own head and well away from your baby’s face. Support your back if needed without placing loose items beside your baby.
Place your baby facing you Lay your baby on their side, tummy to tummy with you. Keep their ear, shoulder and hip in a straight line.
Start nose to nipple Your baby’s nose should be level with your nipple, with room to tip their head back. Use your free arm to support their neck, shoulders or back.
Bring their whole body closer Wait for a wide-open mouth, then draw their shoulders and body towards you so their chin reaches the breast first.
Finish the feed safely Remove any temporary support from around your baby. Before you sleep, place them on their back in their own clear, flat sleep space.

Baby and parent alignment

You and your baby are tummy to tummy, not separated by pillows or bedding.
Their ear, shoulder and hip stay in one line.
Their nose begins level with your nipple and their head can tip back.
Their face remains visible, with nose and mouth unobstructed.
Your own pillow stays away from their head and face.

Attachment and comfort

A comfortable attachment usually includes a wide mouth, chin touching the breast, rounded cheeks and audible swallowing. Keep your baby close by supporting their shoulders and back rather than pressing the back of their head.

If the lower breast feels too high or low, adjust your own position rather than twisting your baby’s neck.
Do not prop your baby in place with a pillow or rolled blanket during or after the feed.
If feeding remains painful, release the attachment and reposition.

When side-lying may be useful

Some parents try side-lying after a caesarean or difficult birth because it keeps pressure away from sore areas. It may also let your body rest while you remain awake for a feed.

This position is not essential and may take practice. Ask someone to help you set up or have a feeding supporter demonstrate it if you are unsure.

Side-lying feeding and safer sleep

Side-lying is a feeding position, not a sleep position for your baby. NHS guidance says the safest place for a baby to sleep for the first six months is on their back in their own cot or Moses basket, on a firm, flat mattress, in the same room as you.

It is safest to put your baby back in their cot before you go to sleep. Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair. Bed-sharing is particularly dangerous if anyone in the bed smokes, has drunk alcohol, has taken drugs or medicine that causes drowsiness, or if your baby was born prematurely or at a low birth weight. Follow current NHS and Lullaby Trust guidance if there is any chance you may fall asleep while feeding.

What to do if breastfeeding hurts

Persistent pain is a sign to stop and reassess the attachment. Gently break the suction, realign your baby and bring them back with their chin leading when their mouth opens wide.

Ask a midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter to watch a feed if pain continues or nipples are damaged. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if pain does not settle, or if you have breast redness, swelling, fever or feel unwell.

Where to get breastfeeding support in the UK

Speak to your midwife, health visitor or local infant-feeding service for individual help. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0300 100 0212.

The Watch card links directly to La Leche League Great Britain’s side-lying breastfeeding demonstration.

Watch: Side-Lying Breastfeeding

La Leche League Great Britain demonstrates the side-lying breastfeeding position.

Watch the demonstration