How to Nurse a Baby Lying Down

To make breastfeeding your baby easier, try nursing while laying down. Nursing in the side-lying position, once mastered, is simple and gives you the opportunity to rest while baby nurses. Mothers who have had caesareans find this position the most comfortable as the incision heals.

Instructions

1

To begin the nursing session, ensure that you have a comfortable place to lay down. Arrange pillows to support your back and hips. Bring the baby into bed with you. If the baby is crying, help her to settle before you try to nurse. A crying baby can stress you and make relaxing difficult. You may try nursing in the cradle position to begin with and then switch to the side-lying position to relax the baby.

2

Once you and the baby are relaxed and ready, lay down on your side with the baby's belly against yours. After the baby is nursing, you can move your underneath arm above your head. Most find it comfortable to put their arm under their head while the baby nurses. Before latching your baby on, make sure you feel supported by the pillows.

3

Now that you and the baby are properly aligned, it is time to latch the baby on. With the baby's mouth at breast-level, rub the cheek closest to the mattress with your nipple. The goal is to get the baby to turn his head down, towards what is now the bottom breast. The aby will open his mouth wide toward the nipple. You will use your underneath arm to gently guide the baby onto the breast.

4

As your baby begins nursing, this is your chance to rearrange baby's body to make the session more comfortable for both of you. If the baby's nose is pressed against your breast, try moving her lower body towards you. As the lower body moves in, the upper body and head will move slightly in the opposite direction. Now is also an excellent time to readjust your body by rolling in towards your baby or back and away depending on what will increase your comfort.

5

Experiment with what feels good to both of you. Mothers and babies are known for falling asleep in this position. Enjoy the extra time to rest while your baby is still little.