Feeding lying down - I can't do it!

[maldivemoment]

Beginning to feel the strain of sleepless nights! I have twice tried to feed my beautiful boy while lying in bed but I seem unable to do it. I don't have large breasts so can't really manoeuvre them around to meet my boy! Kind of managed it once but got myself in the most ridiculous position that it was more comfortable to sit up!!
Should it still be tummy-to-tummy like I do when I'm holding him? Is there a technique I'm missing?
By the sounds of things, everyone else finds this a breeze but the few times I've tried it I've been really disappointed that it didn't work.

As always, thanks in advance.

Hello- I have a 3 week old and have ended up bed sharing (by accident it wasn't something I had really thought about before, but DS does not like to be put down at all- and it was bed share and sleep or not and spend all night with a screaming baby)- anyway I was having him sleep on my chest which I knew wasn't right and was recommended the side lying approach. I had a bit of a mental block as it felt more risky but I got the midwife to show me. I do not have big boobs at all in fact I have really got boobs since being pregnant. How it has worked for me is laying on my side with DS positioned just below my boob so he has to look up to latch on and I have hugged him so he stays on his side, I have seen somewhere putting the baby on a pillow to raise him up a bit??? I am very new at all of this but I hope that is of some help.

no i don't find it easy
i lie on side with one arm under my pillow
put dd underneath my breast and pull her in as close as i can get and line her up with my nipple
seem to remember with DS i could feed from both sides while lying on one side he was older and it's easier when they can latch themselves on

you're obv just too perky

I fed many a baby, well my own, on my side. Get yourself comfortable, maybe a couple of pillows and then bring the baby to you. Don't put the baby on a pillow as they could roll, you could fall asleep (I often did) and then no more baby. So when you're lying on your side your breast should be near to the bed, nipple just off the bed as this is where baby's mouth is likely to be.

I might even tuck my arm (straight arm) under my head which helps me not to roll if I fall asleep.

Sorry if garbled.

I didn't find it easy for quite a while, but persevered cos too lazy to sit up during night feeds and it became a doddle. Found a pillow lightly tucked in against my back really helped, even when I didn't think my position needed it.

I don't have big (or even medium sized) boobs, at first I used to have to swop sides - but not now, just got the hang of reaching down slightly and as baby get older they can move their neck more and help.

I didn't manage with #1 but have fed #2 for ages like this and it has been a lifesaver. I found experimenting in daylight hours when neither of us were so tired was better. Relying on middle of the night positioning antics never worked for us. Also just generally cuddling with your baby rather than gearing up to feed can take the stress out of things. Then if he latches on hey, bonus and if he doesn't then its not the end of the world. Mostly this is a good reason to get a much-needed and well-deserved rest in the daytime.

I think there is some good stuff on the web is you google "breastfeeding lying down". I found top boob feeding best but mine are saggy well loved

I never really got the hang of this, and we did (and still do at 7 months, sob) all of the night feeds with me reclined in bed, propped up on about 4 pillows, I found I could relax and doze lightly in this position.

Sounds like you're getting plenty of good advice on improving your technique, but just wanted to say that you might get on fine without mastering it. Good luck!

Yay, tried it again last night and it worked. Thank you for all your words of wisdom - took on board your advice and tips and successfully fed lying down. Feeling very pleased with myself!
Just wanted to say thanks!

well done

I only got the hang of this when dd was about 4 months out of absolute desperation. I latched her on in cradle hold and then carefully lay down on my side while holding her. Not sure it would work with a newborn but after a few times I was able to latch her lying down.

HTH someone!

Well done!