Breastfeeding a newborn in a side-lying position

The side-lying position allows the mother to nurse while lying down. This breastfeeding position should not be used on a waterbed, couch, or recliner, because those surfaces pose a suffocation hazard to the infant. For mothers who are alone and at risk of falling asleep while feeding their infant, the safest environment for infant feeding is in an adult bed on a flat, firm surface with no loose bedding, pillows, or blankets or other soft objects. After the feed, mother should place the infant in a nearby bassinet.