As a postpartum doula, one of the first new skills I teach a breastfeeding mama, is to learn to nurse baby in a side-lying position to optimize rest, cuddling and relief–if she’s dealing with a sore perineum or hemorroids. Since a new mom is breastfeeding anywhere from 10-12 times a day, it just makes sense to make it more comfortable and pleasurable. The side-lying position affords mom an opportunity to relax and focus on closeness with her baby while also giving her arms the freedom to check baby’s latch and keep baby wakeful during the feed by massaging those tiny feet and hands. Here is a great article detailing the benefits of the side-lying nursing postion.
http://www.mamaandbabylove.com/2012/08/20/the-most-important-post-partum-skill-nursing-lying-down/