C-sleeping and side lying nursing with newborn

[poorlittlefish]

Hi there,
I have a almost-3 week old. She sleeps in a crib next to my bed for the first 2 feedings and then I generally bring her into bed with me for the last shift. My question is, how do you ensure that the baby stays latched on if you fall asleep? I never know if she actually had a good feeding or not.

Thanks!

[akind1]

I don't think you do. We didn't really master side-lying nursing until around the 3-4 month mark, prior to that, I sat up to nurse at night.

when he wants to nurse at night, I think, often he doesn't really WANT a full feeding, just a little snack to go back to sleep. Others it seems like he stays latched forever (in reality, it is like 30 minutes, but that is long for him at 7 1/2 months)

FWIW, one of the reasons we didn't nurse sidelying for so long was because it was nearly impossible for us to even get a good latch that way (I ended up with a hickey once as a result! ) but that is just me . . .

[bamamom]

I used to cup my hand under baby's bottom, and slide it toward me. Then I could drift off with my hand still under there. Pulling baby's legs/bottom toward you helps get a good latch and pulls baby's nose away from your breast.

It wont be long til you won't have to worry. Baby will find you easily enough and nurse while you sleep. My kids were usually sloshing by 3 am.

[sky_and_lavender]

Originally Posted by akind1

I don't think you do. We didn't really master side-lying nursing until around the 3-4 month mark, prior to that, I sat up to nurse at night.
. . .
FWIW, one of the reasons we didn't nurse sidelying for so long was because it was nearly impossible for us to even get a good latch that way (I ended up with a hickey once as a result!

I think it might even have been closer to 5 months when sidelying was feasible for us. I'm small breasted and my daughter is small, too. Any time I tried to side lie, I ended up with sore nipples. And there was too much popping off and needing help to re-latch (and crying if I didn't help). By 5 or 6 months, my dd was much better at latching on her own and doing it correctly. That being said, it is obviously do-able for many women right from the beginning. Congratulations on your baby, and good luck!