What is the Laid Down Position for Feeding? A Guide to Laid-Back and Side-Lying Methods

According to one meta-analysis, the laid-back breastfeeding position is associated with a decreased incidence of nipple trauma and pain. The laid down position for feeding offers a comfortable and natural approach for both parent and baby, encouraging the infant's innate feeding instincts for a smoother experience.

Quick Summary

This guide details the laid down position for feeding, explaining the laid-back and side-lying methods for both breast and bottle feeding. Learn proper techniques, benefits for reflux, and essential safety guidelines to ensure a secure and comfortable feeding experience for your newborn.

Key Points

• Leverages Gravity: The laid-back position uses gravity to help the baby secure a deep, effective latch, reducing nipple pain.

• Enhances Comfort: Both laid-back and side-lying positions reduce physical strain on the parent, making feeding more comfortable, especially postpartum.

• Manages Milk Flow: For parents with a fast letdown, laid-back feeding slows the flow of milk, preventing choking and making feeding easier for the baby.

• Aids Reflux: Feeding in a semi-upright, laid-back position can minimize symptoms for babies prone to reflux by keeping milk down.

• Prioritizes Safety: It is crucial never to fall asleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair during laid-down feeding to prevent entrapment and suffocation risks.

What Is the Laid Down Position for Feeding?

The term 'laid down position' primarily refers to two popular feeding techniques: the semi-reclined or 'laid-back' position (also known as Biological Nurturing) and the side-lying position. While both involve a relaxed, horizontal or near-horizontal posture, they have distinct applications and benefits for infant feeding. These positions leverage gravity to aid the baby's latch and control milk flow, promoting a more instinctual feeding process.

The Laid-Back Position (Biological Nurturing)

This method involves the parent reclining comfortably on a bed, sofa, or armchair, typically at a 45-degree angle, with pillows supporting their head and back. The baby lies tummy-to-tummy on the parent's body, and gravity helps the baby stay securely in place. This position frees the parent's hands to guide and support the baby rather than holding the full weight. It is highly effective for newborns, encouraging their natural rooting and feeding reflexes.

The Side-Lying Position

Ideal for nighttime feeds or for parents recovering from a C-section or birth injury, the side-lying position involves both the parent and baby lying on their sides, facing each other. The baby lies parallel to the parent's body, and the parent can use pillows for back support or between their knees for added comfort. This technique minimizes strain and allows both individuals to rest while feeding.

Benefits of the Laid Down Position

There are numerous reasons why parents and infants find these reclined feeding methods advantageous:

• Improved Latch: For laid-back feeding, gravity assists the baby in getting a deep, effective latch, which can help prevent nipple pain and damage.
• Enhanced Comfort: Both laid-back and side-lying positions allow the parent to relax their arms and back, reducing the physical strain associated with upright holds.
• Supports Natural Instincts: The laid-back position allows the baby to use their innate reflexes to find the breast and attach, creating a more instinctual feeding experience.
• Manages Fast Milk Flow: For parents with a fast letdown or oversupply, the laid-back angle uses gravity to slow the flow of milk, making it easier for the baby to manage.
• Helps with Reflux: Keeping the baby in a more upright, laid-back position can be beneficial for infants with reflux, as it helps gravity keep milk in the stomach.
• Promotes Bonding: Close, skin-to-skin contact is a natural part of these positions, which boosts oxytocin and strengthens the parent-infant bond.

How to Safely Practice Laid Down Feeding

Safety is paramount when feeding in a laid down position, especially concerning sleep. Never leave a baby unsupervised while feeding, particularly on a sofa or armchair, due to the high risk of suffocation and entrapment.

For Breastfeeding

• Semi-Reclined: Lie back in a supported position on a bed or sofa. Place the baby tummy-to-tummy on your chest, allowing them to self-latch. Ensure the baby's head is free to tilt back, and their nose is clear.
• Side-Lying: Lie on your side with pillows for support. Position the baby parallel to you, with their mouth level with your nipple. Once they latch, you can use one hand to support your head and the other for the baby. Always return the baby to a separate, safe sleeping surface after the feed.

For Bottle Feeding

Feeding a baby in a fully horizontal position is not recommended, as it increases the risk of ear infections and aspiration.

• Elevated Side-Lying: When bottle feeding in a side-lying position, ensure the baby is elevated to a semi-upright angle. You can use a pillow under their head and upper back, or place them in your lap with their head elevated.
• Paced Feeding: Use a slow-flow nipple and tilt the bottle so the nipple is only partially full of milk, allowing the baby to control the pace of the feed.
• Never Prop: Never prop the bottle and leave the baby unattended, as this is a severe choking hazard.

Comparison: Laid-Back vs. Side-Lying Feeding

Feature	Laid-Back Position	Side-Lying Position
Parent Posture	Semi-reclined, supported by pillows.	Lying completely on the side.
Baby Position	Tummy-to-tummy on the parent's chest.	Side-to-side, parallel to the parent.
Best For	Newborns, latch issues, fast letdown, reflux.	Nighttime feeds, postpartum recovery (C-section), reducing arm strain.
Advantages	Promotes natural latch, reduces nipple pain, supports baby's weight with gravity.	Restful for parent, convenient for night feeds, good for recovery.
Disadvantages	Can be difficult for some with very large breasts.	Requires careful attention to safety, especially during night feeds to prevent accidental sleep-sharing.
Milk Flow	Helps slow down a fast flow.	Less effective for controlling a fast flow than laid-back.

Is Laid Down Feeding Right for Your Baby?

Trying different positions is key to finding what works best for your family. The laid-back position is often a great place to start, especially if you're dealing with latch difficulties or a strong letdown. The side-lying position is invaluable for restful night feeds, provided all safety guidelines are followed. Observing your baby's cues—such as a good latch, comfortable swallowing, and contentment after a feed—will help you determine if the position is effective. If you have concerns about feeding effectiveness or your baby's weight gain, consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician. For more detailed information on safe sleep and breastfeeding, consider resources like those provided by La Leche League GB, which offers excellent support and guidance for parents. [https://laleche.org.uk/safe-sleep-the-breastfed-baby/]

Conclusion

The laid down position for feeding, encompassing both laid-back and side-lying techniques, offers flexible and comfortable options that can significantly improve the feeding experience for many parents. By leveraging gravity and a relaxed posture, these methods can aid in a deeper latch, reduce strain, and manage common issues like reflux and fast letdown. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, understanding and practicing these positions safely can help foster a more natural and peaceful feeding journey for you and your baby. Always prioritize infant safety by ensuring a clear airway and returning the baby to a separate sleep surface if there is any risk of falling asleep together on an unsafe surface like a sofa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the laid down position safe for bottle feeding?

Yes, but with precautions. When bottle feeding in a laid down position, ensure the baby is elevated to a semi-upright angle to prevent milk from pooling and reduce the risk of ear infections and aspiration. Never prop the bottle or leave the baby unattended.

Is side-lying feeding considered safe for sleep?

Side-lying feeding can be used for night feeds, but you must return the baby to their own separate, safe sleeping space, like a crib or bassinet, as soon as they are finished feeding. It is unsafe to sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair.

Can the laid-back position help with reflux?

Yes, feeding a baby in a more upright, laid-back position can be beneficial for infants with reflux. This position uses gravity to help keep milk in the stomach, potentially reducing spit-up and discomfort.

What is the difference between laid-back and side-lying feeding?

In laid-back feeding, the parent is semi-reclined with the baby tummy-to-tummy on their chest. In side-lying, both the parent and baby lie parallel on their sides, facing each other. Laid-back is often preferred for latch issues, while side-lying is restful for nighttime feeds.

When can I start using the laid down position?

You can start using laid-back and side-lying positions from birth. The laid-back position is particularly effective for encouraging a newborn's natural feeding instincts in the early weeks.

Does the laid down position affect the baby's latch?

The laid-back position, in particular, often leads to a better, deeper latch for the baby. Gravity helps the baby's chin anchor firmly into the breast, which can reduce nipple pain and improve milk transfer.

Are there any contraindications to using the laid down position?

You should use caution or avoid laid-down feeding if you are a smoker, have consumed alcohol, or are extremely exhausted, as these factors increase the risk of infant sleep-related deaths. Always prioritize a safe feeding environment.