1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Breastfeeding

Latch a Baby in the Side-Lying Position

By Melissa Kotlen Nagin, About.com

Updated April 21, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

This position is wonderful for a mother to rest while her baby nurses. It can be a bit tricky to master because it is the position with the least control, but once the mother and baby get the hang of it, it can become the most favored position. It is also recommended for women who have had cesarean sections because, like the football hold, it takes pressure off of the abdomen.
Time Required: Until the baby latches properly
Here's How:
  1. The mother lies on her side on a pillow. She can also put pillows behind her, or under her knees so she feels completely comfortable.
  2. The baby lies on his side facing the mother with the mother's upper arm supporting the baby behind his back; her lower arm is usually tucked underneath her pillow to give a bit of leverage to her body.
  3. Put a rolled up blanket or towel behind the baby to give support.
  4. The mother offers whichever breast is more comfortable for her -- usually the one on the bottom is easier.
Explore Breastfeeding
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Breastfeeding
  4. Breastfeeding 101
  5. All About the Baby
  6. Side-Lying Position - Positioning Your Baby In The Side-Lying Hold>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.