Citation

Feldman K, Whyte RK. Nurs. Womens Health 2013; 17(4): 337-341.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1751-486X.12053

PMID

23957800

Abstract

The side-lying position is one of several options offered to women in the postpartum period to assist with early establishment of breastfeeding. Many new mothers are exhausted and experiencing significant pain following birth. While the side-lying position for breastfeeding can allow women to get needed rest, it can increase their risk of falling asleep while in this position and potentially smothering their babies. We report two cases of apparent suffocation in newborns on the maternity ward when women unintentionally fell asleep while breastfeeding in the side-lying position. Interventions that may help to prevent such events are suggested.

Language: en