How to Choose The Best Nursing Pillows
Nursing pillows are a lifesaver when you’re breastfeeding. They help you find the best position for you and your newborn, which can make all the difference between an easy and a problematic nursing experience. They are accommodating for moms breastfeeding for the first time or those who have previously struggled with positioning their babies at the breast.
Nursing pillows give moms more control over where their baby’s head is placed when feeding, allowing them to ensure that their child’s nose isn’t pinched or covered by clothing or blankets during feeding times.
Many people also use this kind of pillow when they sleep with their babies in bed. They will keep the baby from rolling into the mother and vice versa, which is safer for both mom and baby. They are also sometimes called Boppys.
Given that an average Baby nurses for 20 minutes per breast, this is a significant amount of time! You still need to have your arm around Baby so that he doesn’t roll off, but you don’t have to carry the baby’s weight. Boppys are especially useful if you are breastfeeding twins.
Best nursing pillows – categories
There are a lot of different kinds of nursing pillows, and it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is best for you.
There are two main categories:
- Those that support your back and those that support your belly. If you have a lot of back pain or sciatica, an ergonomic pillow like the Boppy® Feeding & Infant Support Pillow may be a good choice.
- If you have a giant belly, or if your baby is coming out with their head tilted to the side (which can cause strain on your neck), then the traditional wedge-shaped cushions might be more comfortable.
The basic rule is: use what makes YOU feel comfortable! The more comfortable you are, the less likely you’ll get sore from breastfeeding.
Nursing pillows – how to choose one
Nursing pillows come in many sizes and shapes, so picking one that will work best for you and your child’s needs is essential. It would be best to consider how long you plan to use the pillow before deciding which kind is best for you. Many nursing pillows are available today; some are designed specifically for newborns, while others work well with older babies who need support while eating (like toddlers). Some nursing pillows are made specifically for moms who plan on breastfeeding exclusively throughout infancy; however, most mothers find that they don’t need anything other than their regular bed pillow when starting because mothers tend to be able to nurse without much support from pillows in the early stages of breastfeeding.
- See Some Nursing Pillows Here
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What kind of nursing pillow is best?
That depends on your preferences and the length of time you plan to breastfeed. If breastfeeding for the first time, we recommend buying a nursing pillow that can be used from newborn to toddlerhood. These pillows are typically made of soft cotton or bamboo, have a slim profile that makes them easy to store in a nursery closet or under a baby’s crib, and come in various sizes and shapes.
If you’re planning to breastfeed for an extended period—more than six months—or if you want to use your nursing pillow with multiple children, we recommend purchasing one made out of memory foam. Memory foam pillows are firmer than other types and offer the most support while being comfortable enough to use through multiple pregnancies (and even after!).
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How long do you use a nursing pillow?
You can use a nursing pillow throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but it’s important to remember that they aren’t designed for sleeping on at night (or during naps). Your body needs different support when sleeping than sitting up straight during the day.
Nursing pillows – prices
Breastfeeding pillows come in various shapes and sizes—a generic nursing pillow costs under $30, whereas a high-end one costs over $50. My recommendation is to get something between $30 to $40. If you’re going to get a nursing pillow, you might as well get a durable one. The last thing you want is a flimsy pillow that sags after several uses/washes.
For those who do not wish to spend money on this tool, you can use sofa cushions, bolsters, or a rolled-up towel to help prop up your arms. Regular sleeping pillows tend to be too broad and not firm enough. However, you may want to experiment to find what suits you best.
