Breastfeeding while lying down

It’s normal for babies to need breastfeeds during the night. Many mums find that feeding while lying down helps them get more rest. You could also try this during the day.

This information is about breastfeeding while lying down, not co-sleeping. If you’re considering co-sleeping, please read the special guidelines to make it as safe as possible. These include always placing your baby on their back to sleep. 

Follow these steps to introduce side-lying breastfeeds. 

• Lie on your side, next to your baby, with your head on a pillow. Make sure the pillow isn’t near your baby’s head.
• You can put a pillow between your legs or behind your back if it helps you feel more comfortable.
• Roll your baby onto their side facing you, with their hips close to yours. Let their nose gently touch your nipple.
• For younger babies who can’t stay in this position, a small wrap or pillow behind their bottom (not near their head) can help.
• Slide your baby up or down so their nose is in line with your nipple. Keep your arm above your baby’s head and clear of their head to avoid making them sweaty.

• If your baby is young, you might still need to help them attach. Use your free arm to shape your breast if needed. If your baby is good at self-attaching, you might not need to help much. Older babies often find their own way.
• Tuck your baby’s bottom in close to you to keep them well attached.
• If it feels uncomfortable, gently break the seal by putting your little finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth and try again.
• Try the other side if one side feels awkward. If it’s still not comfortable, try again in a week or so—your baby’s feeding skills will grow with time.

• Once your baby finishes the first side, you may be able to lean forward and feed from the top breast without changing sides.
• If you don’t find this comfortable, you could roll both yourself and your baby over to the other side and help them start feeding from that breast.

• You and your baby may feel sleepy after a feed and you might like to stay lying down.
• If your baby is going to sleep, roll them onto their back and remove any pillows or bedclothes.
• If your baby is crawling or rolling, make sure they’re safe.
• If you choose to stay sleeping next to your baby, follow all the recommendations for safe co-sleeping. 

Read more about co-sleeping

 

© Australian Breastfeeding Association November 2025