LYING DOWN NURSING POSITION

The Lying Down Nursing Position helps mothers of all shapes and sizes to get more rest!

We encourage all breastfeeding mothers to learn how to nurse lying down. 

This helps moms get more rest and makes it easier to respond to baby's nighttime needs. 

It is also a peaceful way to help baby get to sleep!

Some babies will take right to the Lying Down Nursing Position, others may need a few weeks of nursing in the Cradle Hold (or Lap Nursing) position before mom and baby are comfortable nursing lying down.

Many mothers who had c-section births start out with the Lying Down position. Just place a towel or blanket over the incision site to protect it from baby's movements.

To Nurse Lying Down:

Place baby on the bed on his side, with a firm pillow behind his back so that he stays on his side.

Mother lies down facing baby.

Place a firm pillow behind mother's back. Then she does not have to worry about keeping balanced on her side.

Mother puts her arm above baby's head on the pillow. 

Some mothers may prefer to hold baby on their arm while nursing lying down. While this is comfortable, one thing to consider is; will baby wake if mother removes her arm and tries to turn over? 

Latch on is like the Cradle Hold or Lap Nursing Hold.

Bring baby's body close to mother's tummy.

Touch baby's lips with the nipple. Baby will open his mouth.

Pull in baby by his back for a good latch.

Make sure his nose is clear and that his hands are out of the way of his mouth.

If the breast covers his nose, pull his hips closer to mom's hips.

This will slightly tilt his head back, clearing his nose, without unlatching.

Please remember to keep your hand off his head to avoid the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex issues.

The Lying Down Nursing Position works well because it allows the baby to be an active partner in latch on.   

The bed supports baby's head and body, which gives him the ability to make any needed adjustments for an effective latch on. 

Lying Down Nursing Video 

To change to the other breast:

-you can keep baby in same position

-remove baby from first breast by placing your finger in his mouth to break the suction

-offer second breast by bringing down the upper shoulder so baby can latch onto second side

OR

-remove baby from first breast by placing your finger in his mouth to break the suction

-put both of your arms around baby

-scoop baby to your chest

-carefully roll over and lay baby down on your other side

-place firm pillow behind baby's back

-latch on

Many mothers breastfeed comfortably and safely while lying down.

Co-sleeping with baby or a family bed is a personal choice.

Some parents fear that if baby is in bed with them, they may cause harm to their baby in some way.

Safety first. Always make sure that baby will not be able to fall out of bed or get tangled in the bedding. 

And parents who are drinking or doing drugs will not be able to respond to a baby's cries as needed.

From the baby's point of view, being next to Mom and Dad is a great comfort.

Moms can respond quickly to baby for nighttime feeds, often baby does not need to get to the point of crying to get Mom's attention. Baby starts to stir, Mom responds, Dad keeps sleeping. Everybody gets more rest.

Studies show that when a baby sleeps next to Mom or Dad, the parents breathing helps to 'remind baby to breathe'. 

Breastfeeding families report that a family bed or co-sleeping has many benefits. Going to sleep routines are calmer, parents can respond quickly to the children's nighttime needs such as feeding, sickness, and fears of the dark, and bonding continues 24/7. 

Personally, if I had it to do over again, our bedrooms would all be truly 

BED rooms. By this I mean that the beds would be mattresses on the floor.

No bed frames. This would allow maximum nighttime adaptability for the children's ever-changing needs. My 2 cents...

A baby's needs don't end when the sun goes down!