In the first few weeks following childbirth, a sense of comfort and relaxation is key in creating an enjoyable experience for both the new mother and her baby. One of the most critical steps in creating a solid bond between mother and baby is enabling them both to feel fully relaxed and at ease with their surroundings.
The deep relaxation provided by side-lying nursing is a godsend for exhausted mothers. Following the rigors of childbirth and the difficulties of caring for a new baby, some mothers may feel uncomfortable nursing the baby while sitting up, especially if they are in recovery from a cesarean section. Both the mother and the baby benefit from the comfort this position provides.
One of the easiest methods for breastfeeding a newborn while lying on your side is by allowing the baby to latch and begin sucking before you lie down. With the help of a nurse, your spouse, or a supportive friend, slowly lie down on your side, easing the baby onto his side as you do this. With help, you should be able to accomplish this with help until you and your baby become used to the position.
Relatively shortly after this technique is used, the baby will probably feel comfortable enough to begin nursing in the side-lying position without needing to latch beforehand. In some cases, babies do not take readily to this position and may require as much as a month before they become fully accustomed to latching while in a side-lying position.
A few babies are able to latch in a side-lying position the first time it is introduced to them, without needing to "practice" beforehand. To encourage a newborn to latch while lying on his side, lie on your side, with the baby facing toward you. Place your lower arm underneath the baby's back, angling him slightly away from your body. This basic position is the most important step in enabling a side-lying latch.
After securing the baby in this position, tickle his lips with your nipple, as you would in any other position. When he opens his mouth widely, quickly hug him toward your body, maintaining the slightly angled position until he is nursing vigorously. When he has a strong latch, you can adjust your position or his so that you both remain comfortable.
Mothers who cosleep, or allow their babies to sleep beside them, find the side-lying position for breastfeeding to be particularly useful, because it makes night-time nursing much easier. Many women even find that they can fall asleep with their baby while nursing them. While this is one beneficial aspect of side-lying breastfeeding, use caution when sleeping with your baby, especially if you are very tired or are taking narcotics for postpartum pain. Sleeping very deeply while in a side-lying position can lead to suffocation if the mother is so tired as to be unaware of her surroundings.
Still, the benefits of the side-lying position outweigh the risks for most women, because of its potential to enable healthful mother-child bonding. Comfort and relaxation during breastfeeding are essential in keeping both mother and baby happy during the first, most critical weeks of a new baby's life.
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