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Breast-feeding: Side-lying position

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In the side-lying position, you and your baby lie on your sides facing each other. You can place pillows behind the baby's back for support. Your baby's mouth should be close to your nipple. The hand on your top side supports your lower breast and guides it into your infant's mouth. This is the one time that it is sometimes helpful to roll slightly towards your baby to get a deep latch. After the baby has latched on, you can use this arm to cuddle him or her into you closely.

The side-lying position is a good option when you have delivered by cesarean delivery or are tired.

Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 10, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 10, 2007
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