Nursing Pillow: Benefits & How to Use It for Comfortable Feeding

Pregnancy is just half the story and is more of a preparation ground for motherhood. After your delivery, one of the challenging experiences you will go through is breastfeeding. While some mothers are fortunate to have a smooth breastfeeding experience, many others go through difficulties. Breastfeeding can be challenging for you and your baby until you are both in sync. This can take about 4-6 weeks, and a feeding pillow can help ease the journey. A feeding pillow is a specially designed cushion that provides essential support and comfort for both mother and baby during breastfeeding. In this article, we’ll learn the various benefits of using a nursing pillow for breastfeeding and provide helpful tips on how to use it effectively.

What Is a Feeding Pillow?

A feeding pillow (sometimes referred to as a nursing pillow) is a tool that is ergonomically designed to enhance the breastfeeding process.

How Do You Use a Feeding Pillow?

Using a feeding pillow can make nursing more comfortable and efficient by helping you maintain a proper posture and securely positioning your baby. Here’s a simple guide on how to use an infant feeding pillow effectively:

• Step 1: For those who have a feeding pillow with a clasp, insert it sideways so that you can fasten the clasp with ease.
• Step 2: Move it up to your breast level so that the baby doesn’t need to struggle to get a good latch on the nipple.
• Step 3: You can recline a little to the back if you feel that the baby will find it easier to feed.
• Step 4: A feeding pillow would sink down a little due to the weight of the baby. If the sinking is causing difficulty for your baby in latching onto your nipple, you can add regular pillows underneath between the pillow and your legs.
• Step 5: Use your free hands to help swaddle the baby or adjust his/her head for a good latch.

The Benefits of Using a Nursing Pillow

Nursing pillows offer various benefits for both mom and baby. They’re a versatile addition to your feeding routine that can also support baby’s development. Let’s take a look at the top advantages of breastfeeding with pillow:

• Sitting Breastfeeding: There are many women who prefer to sit and breastfeed their children. It provides a good latching support system for the baby where they have easy access to the nipple.
• Reduced Body Pain: An aching back and neck are some of the side effects associated with the breastfeeding learning curve. This happens because you must bring your baby up to your chest during feeding time. A feeding pillow eliminates any need for slouching or excessive bending (1).
• Edge Over Conventional Pillows: A baby feeding pillow often comes equipped with latches to help fasten it to your body. There are some that have pockets which can be helpful as breastfeeding reduces your mobility.
• Improved Baby Position: Most feeding pillows come with a raised platform for the baby’s head. This not only helps in proper latching but also reduces reflux action.
• Multi-Utility: A nursing pillow can also be used for a baby’s tummy time as well as propping up your kid.
• Dads Can Use It: Who says men can’t help with raising the kids? For those dads who want to bottle feed their babies, a nursing pillow can be a great support.
• Pregnancy Usage: These pillows are versatile enough to be used before the baby is even born as they can also be used as pregnancy pillows.

Are There Any Disadvantages of a Nursing Pillow?

While newborn nursing pillows have many benefits, they might not work for everyone. Some parents may find they don’t need them as much, or the pillow may not be a perfect fit for their baby. Here are a few things to consider before you decide if a nursing pillow is right for you:

• Double-Edged Sword: Improper use of a nursing pillow can cause poor latching as the baby sinks into the pillow and may find it hard to get access to the nipple.
• Bulky: Moms who are always on the go may find it cumbersome to lug along the pillow wherever they go.
• No Standard Size: Women of different body types will require nursing pillows of varied sizes. The lack of a standard measure may make it difficult to figure out which might be a good fit for the mother.

Which Types of Nursing Pillow Is Good?

Finding the right nursing pillow can make a big difference in your feeding experience. With so many styles available, it’s helpful to understand what each type offers so you can pick the one that suits your needs best.

1. C-shaped Nursing Pillow

This pillow is designed in the shape of the letter “C” and provides support on front and sides of the body. It allows you to comfortably rest the pillow on your lap, helping you position your baby easily for feeding.

2. U-shaped Nursing Pillow

A U-shaped pillow provides support around both sides of your body, giving you more comfort and stability, especially if you move around while feeding. It’s also helpful for moms recovering from C-sections.

3. Inflatable Nursing Pillow

For those who need something lightweight and easy to travel with, inflatable pillows are a good option. They can be inflated to your preferred firmness and deflated for easy storage, making them ideal for on-the-go parents.

4. Twin Nursing Pillow

If you have twins, a pillow for twins breastfeeding is a great investment. These are larger and provide enough space and support to feed both babies at the same time, making tandem feeding more manageable.

Tips for Buying a Nursing Pillow

When it comes to buying a nursing pillow, it’s important to find one that suits your needs and feels comfortable. With so many choices out there, it can be tricky to know where to start. Here are some tips to help you choose the best nursing pillow:

• Size: Just like buying clothes, the nursing pillows are the ones that fit you comfortably. If they are too loose, they may slip and make it difficult for the baby to latch. But if the pillow is too small, it may leave space between your thighs and the pillow and may slide down due to the baby’s weight.
• Shape: They come in different shapes and sizes, each with its own benefits. For example, an ‘O’ shaped pillow is good for back support whereas a crescent-shaped pillow is good for baby head support. Firm pillows go well for small babies as they sink less whereas larger babies need soft pillows for more leg-room.
• Portability: Mommies on the go may not be comfortable carrying around a big pillow with them. If you’re on the go, it may be beneficial to buy the smaller, portable models.
• Stain Resistance: Babies are messy and getting a pillow that doesn’t wash easily is going to leave marks. Consider purchasing only those which are easy to wash.
• Fabric Constitution: Infants have sensitive skin so it’s best to avoid synthetic material like polyester as it may cause skin irritation and rashes. Cotton is a healthy alternative that can be used. One must also avoid flame-retardant and wrinkle-free pillows (they contain formaldehyde and may be carcinogenic).
• Good Reviews: Talk to your friends, fellow first-time mommies and check online reviews. Sometimes, a product may look great on paper but performs poorly in live conditions.
• Clasp: These keep the pillow secure and aid breastfeeding.

Some Safety Measures

A breastfeed pillow requires constant supervision on your part as it comes with the risk of cerebral asphyxia. This means death due to poor supply of oxygen to the brain. This happens when the baby is face down and is unable to recover from this dangerous position. As a precaution, parents can remove nursing pillows from the baby’s crib.

Other Uses of Feeding Pillow

A feeding pillow isn’t just for nursing or bottle-feeding, it can actually be a super handy tool for other parts of your baby’s daily routine. As your little one grows, this simple pillow can support their development in fun and helpful ways. Here are some of the most common uses beyond feeding:

1. Tummy Time

Place the pillow under your baby’s chest during tummy time to help them build neck and upper body strength while staying comfortable.

2. Learning to Sit

As your baby starts learning to sit up, you can use the pillow to create a soft, supportive cushion around them to prevent tumbles.

3. Bottle Feeding by Others

Feeding pillows aren’t just for breastfeeding, they’re great for dads, grandparents, or caregivers to use during bottle-feeding, helping them hold the baby in a cosy, safe position.

4. Lap Cushion for Older Siblings

If older siblings want to hold the baby, placing a feeding pillow on their lap adds a layer of safety and comfort for both the baby and the sibling.

FAQs

1. Are nursing pillows safe for babies to sleep on?

No, nursing pillows are not safe for sleep. Babies should never sleep or nap on a nursing pillow due to the risk of suffocation. Always place your baby on a flat, firm surface for sleeping (2) (3).

2. When should I start using a nursing pillow?

You can start using a nursing pillow from day one if you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. It’s especially helpful during those early weeks when both mom and baby are learning how to feed comfortably.

3. How long can I use a nursing pillow?

You can use a nursing pillow throughout your baby’s first year, or even longer depending on how you use it. While feeding might only last a few months, the pillow can continue to be helpful for tummy time, sitting support, and cuddling.

The feeding pillow is designed to enhance the breastfeeding experience by providing structural support as well as freeing the nursing mother’s hand. As there is a feeding pillow for each body type, you can physically try out a pillow before buying one.

References/Resources:

1. PubMed Central – The use of breastfeeding pillow to reduce discomfort for breastfeeding mothers

2. American Academy of Pediatrics – Inclined Sleepers, Soft Nursing Pillows, & Other Baby Products to Avoid

3. Erlanger Health System – The Top 5 Dangers of Letting Your Baby Sleep on a Nursing Pillow

Also Read:

Breastfeeding with Small Breasts: Concerns & Tips
Tips for Breastfeeding with Large Breasts
Myths & Facts About Breastfeeding Your Baby
Mustard Pillow (Rai Pillow) for Baby