Background: Breastfeeding is an important component of maternal and infant health. However, prolonged or improper breastfeeding positions may contribute to maternal fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort. The side-lying position may provide greater comfort and reduce physical strain compared with the conventional cradle position.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess and compare the level of fatigue and musculoskeletal pain among lactating mothers using the side-lying and cradle breastfeeding positions and to determine the association between fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and selected demographic and obstetrical variables.

Methods: A comparative study was conducted among 60 lactating mothers, comprising 30 mothers using the cradle position and 30 mothers using the side-lying position. Data were collected using a structured demographic and obstetrical questionnaire, a fatigue assessment scale, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for assessment of musculoskeletal pain. Descriptive statistics and an unpaired t-test were used to compare the two groups, while the chi-square test was used to determine associations with selected variables.

Results: The mean fatigue score was 24.60 ± 7.10 in the side-lying group compared with 30.00 ± 6.20 in the cradle group. The mean difference was 5.40, with an unpaired t-value of 3.12 (df = 58, p < 0.05). The mean musculoskeletal pain score was

22.90 ± 6.50 in the side-lying group and 27.70 ± 6.60 in the cradle group, with a mean difference of 4.80 and an unpaired t-value of 2.84 (df = 58, p < 0.05). Thus, mothers using the side-lying position demonstrated significantly lower fatigue and musculoskeletal pain than those using the cradle position. Associations between fatigue/musculoskeletal pain and the selected demographic and obstetrical variables were generally not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the side-lying breastfeeding position may be more comfortable and may reduce maternal fatigue and musculoskeletal pain compared with the cradle position. Appropriate breastfeeding-position education may therefore help improve maternal comfort during breastfeeding.