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By Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, Ameda Products
Co-author of Breastfeeding Made Simple and The Breastfeeding Answer Book |
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| Learning to breastfeed lying down is a vital skill during the early weeks. It lets you get your rest while you breastfeed. Always practice, though, during your waking hours. No one learns best when half asleep. |
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| Once you master breastfeeding while lying down, you'll never again have to choose between breastfeeding and getting your rest. |
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| Here's a starting point, but feel free to make adjustments for your body type: |
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- Lie on your side facing your baby with one pillow under your head and one behind your back. Have a small rolled-up towel or baby blanket within reach.
- Put your baby on his side, facing you, with your nipple in line with his nose.
- Pull his feet in close so your bodies form a "V." (The "V" may be narrow or wide, depending on your breast size.)
- Lean back into the pillow behind you until your nipple lifts off the bed to the level of your baby's mouth.
- Place the hand from your upper arm behind the baby's shoulders to push him toward the breast so that his chin touches the breast.
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- When your baby's mouth opens wide, he will quickly move onto the breast. At the same time, press your baby's shoulders against you for a deep latch on.
- Wedge the towel or blanket behind his back, leaving his head free to tilt back.
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| Some mothers like to breastfeed with their baby's head resting on their arm. Others prefer to breastfeed with their baby's head on the bed. Eventually, with practice, you may learn how to lean so you can breastfeed from both breasts without having to roll over. |
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| Do what feels good to you and your baby. The length of mothers' arms and the height of their breasts vary. So what works well for your friend may or may not work well for you. There is no one "right" way to breastfeed a baby lying down. |
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| This is general information and does not replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider. If you have a problem you cannot solve quickly, seek help right away. |
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Every baby is different, and your baby may not be average.
If in doubt, contact your physician or other healthcare provider. |
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