Breastfeeding Lying Down
Breastfeeding while lying down is a gentle, intuitive way to meet your baby’s needs while also caring for yourself. Many parents discover that this side-lying position offers welcome relief—particularly in the early days and nights of parenting, when exhaustion and recovery call for rest and softness. It’s especially helpful after a caesarean birth or physically demanding labour, allowing you to remain close and responsive without needing to sit upright.
We encourage parents to follow their instincts, slow down, and allow feeding and bonding to unfold in ways that feel sustainable and nurturing. Breastfeeding lying down is one of those simple yet powerful tools that can make a real difference in your daily rhythm.
Why Breastfeed Lying Down?
Feeding your baby in a side-lying position can be helpful in many situations:
Recovery from birth: This position supports your body’s healing—especially if you’re sore, stitched, or physically limited after labour.
Nighttime feeds: Once established, lying down to breastfeed can allow you to rest or even doze while your baby feeds. It supports gentle night parenting without the disruption of getting up or switching lights on.
Overstimulation or fatigue: If you or your baby are feeling touched out, overwhelmed, or dysregulated, lying down together can create a calming pause.
Breastfeeding aversion or discomfort: Some parents find lying down reduces physical strain on the back, shoulders, and arms.
Strong letdown: Babies who struggle with fast milk flow often manage better in this position, where gravity doesn’t intensify the flow.
This position fosters closeness and connection while honouring the needs of both mother and baby. It’s not a “lazy” position—it’s a wise one.
How to Breastfeed While Lying Down
There’s no single “correct” way to feed your baby lying down—do what feels right in your body and your space. That said, here’s a guide to get you started:
Lie on your side with your body comfortably supported. Use pillows behind your back or between your knees to reduce strain.
Place your baby on their side, facing you, chest to chest. Their nose should be level with your nipple. You don’t need to hold them rigidly—just stay close and aligned.
Check alignment: Their ear, shoulder, and hip should form a straight line, with their neck gently extended rather than tucked.
Help baby latch: You can use your free hand to guide your breast or gently support your baby’s body as they find the nipple. Touching your nipple to their upper lip can encourage a wide mouth and a deep latch.
Once latched: You may find you can relax your arm and cradle your baby with your lower arm or a rolled-up towel placed behind their back. Keep their head free so they can tilt back as they feed.
Many parents find that while it’s harder to see the latch in this position, they can feel whether it’s deep and comfortable. You’ll soon learn the rhythm and sensation of a good feed.
Safety Considerations
When feeding lying down—especially if there’s a chance you may fall asleep—simple precautions can keep your baby safe:
Remove pillows, doonas, or soft bedding from around your baby’s head and face.
Keep baby on a firm surface, such as a mattress, never a couch or armchair.
Ensure your baby isn’t at risk of rolling, sliding into gaps, or being covered.
If you’re sleepy, position yourself so your baby is protected by your arm and can’t move far from your body.
While this position is often a stepping stone into bedsharing, it’s important to follow safe co-sleeping practices. Families who breastfeed and co-sleep tend to do so instinctively—but safety always comes first.
A Gentle Practice That Supports You Both
Breastfeeding lying down is not just a practical technique—it’s an act of responsive parenting that respects your body, your baby’s needs, and the ebb and flow of life with a newborn. It invites rest into your days and nights, without disrupting the breastfeeding relationship you’re working so hard to build.
Like everything in early parenting, it takes time to get used to. Try during the day at first, while you're both alert and learning. With a little practice, you’ll find your own rhythm—one that allows feeding to become a quiet, nourishing moment shared between the two of you.
