They aren’t just the most effective method to help your baby get used to lying on their back but also to keep you at ease. If you’re looking for a good breastfeeding pillow, this post will aid you in making an informed decision regarding the most suitable nursing pillows to ease back discomfort.
It will be easier to begin looking after your, and your baby’s health as both of you lie on top of each other. ReadMore: What are the nursing implications? | 2023 Guide
What Is a Nursing Pillow?
Nursing pillows, also known as nursing or feeding pillows, constitute an indispensable component of the nursing equipment expectant mothers will require. They are made to make breastfeeding easy and comfortable. They are ideal for those who want to relieve the strain off their back and neck that can become sore when they hold their arms up for prolonged periods.
A nursing pillow was designed especially for breastfeeding purposes. It’s an inflatable cushion or foam which is able to comfortably hold your infant while you feed them. There’s no substitute for a traditional cushion to lean on and to support a baby’s weight. Infant, but a great nursing pillow will simplify the process.
- Read Also: How Does Travel Nursing Work | 2023
Which Type of Feeding Pillow Is Best?
There are a variety of nursing pillows available on the market. To find the right one for you, it’s important to be aware of various kinds of nursing pillows available on the market.
U-shaped pillow.
The U-shaped pillow is among the most well-known nursing pillows available. It’s designed to resemble the shape of a “U” and for ease of use and comfort while feeding.
Boppy Nursing Pillow.
This pillow is shaped like an hourglass, with one side taller than the others. It’s constructed of foam and comes with a slipcover of cotton that can be washed and removed.
It features an indentation on each side, allowing a mother to place her elbow or arm while being held by infant. Read More: How to Get Someone Admitted To a Nursing Home | 2023
Adjustable pillow.
An adjustable nursing pillow has an opening on its side that allows you to alter its size. The smaller portion is typically used to hold your baby’s head when nursing, while the opposite side can be used as a cushion when your baby lies on your lap.
My Brest Friend.
It is the ideal nursing pillow for moms who are just starting to breastfeed and require an additional hand. It can be wrapped around your waist and secures itself with velcro offering the necessary assistance for the arms and your stomach.
Twin Z pillows.
This Twin Z Pillow is ideal for pregnant women and new mothers. It is a great support system for the baby and the mom.
The pillow’s shape is the shape of a “Z,” which helps to nurse twins simultaneously. With this pillow, the mother and babies are able to have their own space, without feeling at a loss for space.
- Read Also: What Is Wet Nursing? | 2022 Guide
Is It Okay for Baby to Sleep on a Nursing Pillow?
Nursing pillows are fantastic for supporting babies while breastfeeding. However, they’re not designed to serve as sleep assistance. The use of a nursing pillow for sleeping can be risky for infants.
It is recommended that babies be laid on their backs on a hard surface free of mattresses or pillows. That means that before you lay your baby to sleep, you must remove any soft bedding or pillows from your baby’s crib. It isn’t restricted to cribs. Even pillows used for nursing have increased the chance of sudden infant mortality syndrome.
Nursing pillows can be a great source of baby and mother bonding since they provide ease of use and let parents connect with their children as they nurse. The choice of the right breastfeeding pillow is crucial. It could also serve to keep the baby when it time tummy time.
Making sure to choose an item of high quality will prevent your money from being wasted on a pillow that won’t perform for you and your baby.
How to Use a Breast Feeding Pillow
A nursing pillow is a cushion specially made for breastfeeding mothers. They are designed to assist your baby in the right position to breastfeed.
Learn to use a pillow for breastfeeding to ensure your child is in the correct position and reduce the pressure upon your back.
Selecting a Breastfeeding Pillow
Take into consideration how long you’re going into nursing. A nursing pillow is a good investment for the long term. If you like using it and it’s a great fit for you and your child, you’ll continue to use the pillow until you’re done breastfeeding. Be aware of this when choosing your pillow.
Breastfeeding mothers are not required to do this for three or four months. If this is case, it is not necessary to be concerned about the size and length of your pillow. Baby in this age bracket should be able to sit on most pillows for breastfeeding with no problem.
Some mothers choose to breastfeed for a longer period. If you plan to feed your baby for several years instead of a few months, you should go with a larger pillow that will accommodate a larger child.
As a baby grows older, he’ll be capable of holding his head and controlling motor functions with greater ease. One pillow isn’t required to support you as you grow beyond the age of one year.
Take a look at your shape and fit.
Your baby’s weight isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing the best pillow for breastfeeding. It is also important to know your dimensions and shapes to ensure that the nursing pillow is appropriate for your body.
Some breastfeeding pillows are made to be slung around your body so that the pillow can be positioned to be able to support your baby’s head as well as neck while you feed them.
Choose the right pillow to be able to fit around your midsection after birth. It’s helpful to visualize yourself between 5 and 6 months pregnant. It can give you an idea of space you’ll require.
Breastfeeding pillows are available in various shapes, including the “c” shape, “o” shape, and crescent shape. The “c” shape tends to be the most universally shaped, is generally suitable for most bodies, and provides adequate arm support.
O-shaped pillows cover the entire body. It could be beneficial if you need additional support post-pregnancy due to complications of an e-section.
Crescent designs are made for wrapping around the sides of the body. They might not work so well for women with smaller bodies as the sides could fall on the back of your sofa, chair, or wherever you’re sitting. However, certain pillows with crescent shapes can be re-shaped and adjusted to fit various sizes.
- Read Also: What Is Pre-Nursing? | 2023 Guide
Choose Whether or not You Would like Straps to be Fastened.
Straps for fastening are a common accessory to nursing pillows. They’re straps with buckles that let the pillow be positioned to the closest possible distance around your body.
The primary benefit of straps fastened with straps is that they help keep the pillows more secure. It helps to make breastfeeding less stressful. It is also possible to utilize straps to pull your baby closer to you.
The most significant drawback to fastening straps is the hassle of getting straps on and off. Breastfeeding can be a bit, not a certain thing. The baby might have issues, including vomiting.
Others children or pets may require attention, which could result in your having to step off from nursing for just a few seconds. The presence of straps may slow your reaction time to any issues that may arise.
It should be Simple to Wash.
Pillows for breastfeeding can easily become dirty. Babies vomit or suffer other accidents that cause dust to build up. The most simple pillows for breastfeeding include covers that can be removed, washed in a machine, and dried.
Some nursing pillows have foam inserts that can be washed by hand and placed for drying.
Materials also play an important role in how easy it is to clean your pillows. In some cases, organic materials may be difficult to wash. If you’re more at ease with non-pesticide padding and fabrics, you may need to wash your pillow by hand.
Tips for Moms On Use Of Feeding Pillows
Use these pillows during feeding to find a comfortable position for you and your child.
Nursing mothers love nursing pillows, also known as their feeding pillows, to facilitate breastfeeding and make it more comfortable.
The feeding cushion for breastfeeding mothers is a pillow with a U shape worn over her body. While breastfeeding, they provide support to the mother’s back, neck, and spine. In this article, we’ll discuss why it is essential to have a feeding cushion when breastfeeding, the best way to use them, and the possible negative effects of using one.
Is A Feeding Pillow Necessary?
A feeding pillow isn’t necessary, but it is a choice the mother is able to make. The pillow is a way to rest your arm while helping your baby.
Many women are comfortable using it to support their feeding needs, but others do not consider it essential. It is possible to use a borrowed feeding pillow and test if it is comfortable and useful before purchasing one.
- Read Also: What is bedside nursing |2023 Guide
How To Use A Feeding Pillow?
Commercially-made breastfeeding pillows typically feature a specific U-shape as compared to normal pillows. Here are a few suggestions for using the standard pillow for breastfeeding.
- Place the feeding pillow on your waist before putting the baby into your arms.
- Make sure you are in a feeding position that lets you keep the baby close to you as possible.
- Some nursing pillows are adjustable and include straps that can wrap around you to ensure that the pillow is secured.
- Adjust the straps and size of the pillow by your personal preference.
- The baby’s head should be placed onto the pillows. It will help support your baby well and assist the baby in gaining an excellent latch.
- Pick a breastfeeding pillow with removable covers. Sometimes spit-ups occur. The majority of commercially-produced breastfeeding pillows can be cleaned in the machine.
- In addition to the standard one, nursing arm pillows also exist. Instead of being placed around waist they can be placed under the arm of mother and offer head support for infant.
Uses of a Feeding Pillow
The benefits of this aren’t limited to breastfeeding only. A feeding pillow can help both baby and mom by assisting in the ways listed below.
- Even before you begin breastfeeding, it is possible to use it as a great back support cushion during your pregnancy.
- If your breastfeeding position is incorrect, you could strain your neck, shoulders, or back. The pillows will assist you in keeping your baby in a relaxed position and could even prevent improper postures.
- In the event of C-sections, the surgical site needs several weeks to fully heal. The feeding pillow will help reduce pressure on the stitches as the baby is fed. It is recommended to cover the stitch with a nursing cloth and then put the pillow in place to keep any friction off the stitches.
- Twins feeding together could be more comfortable using a pillow for feeding. Make sure to use a large feeding pillow that allows the babies in a comfortable position.
- Some babies experience stomach acid after eating. Placing them on the pillow for feeding could be able to prevent spit-ups. Pillows can also serve to act as a burping pillows well. It is important to monitor the baby when they sit sitting on the pillows.
- If you’ve blocked milk ducts, you could try a Dangle feeding position. It is where the baby sits on his back while you lean against the baby to feed. The breasts hang down and allow gravity to assist in clearing the blocked drainage. An infant feeding pillow makes feeding much easier by giving the baby a place to lie.
- As per the American Academy of Pediatrics, the importance of tummy time for babies is that it aids in strengthening the neck muscles and the back. It is possible to use the feeding pillow to aid your baby with tummy time. The baby’s chest should be placed on the cushion. Monitor your baby during time to ensure that child isn’t putting their head on pillow.
- When the baby is old enough to walk a little bit, the feeding pillow can aid them in learning how to sit. Place it on the legs of the baby so that they won’t injure their head in the event of a fall.
Side Effects of Nursing Pillows
Despite the many advantages, there are some negative effects of nursing pillows.
- Nursing pillows don’t come in different sizes. A single size may not suit all. Incorrectly fitting nursing pillows can result in more stress.
- Poorly fitted nursing pillows could cause back pain and stiffness in mothers’ arm muscles.
- Some infants may feel difficult to breastfeed when lying on a pillow for breastfeeding instead of on the mom’s arm. The pillow can hinder a proper latch, especially if the baby is only getting started with breastfeeding. If you’re using a pillow, it is suggested that the baby rest on your arms and then use a pillow for arm support.
- If you’ve gotten used to feeding your child with a nursing pillow, it can be not easy to feed your baby even if you don’t have the cushion in certain situations, such as travel.
FAQS
What is the longest you can use an infant pillow?
You will likely need a pillow for nursing every time you breastfeed. It could be several times each day (or greater!). From the time you reach 4 to 6 months, the baby will be able to maintain better neck and head control, and you will not need the pillow.
Do you have to put your baby on a nursing pillow?
Do you think it is safe for babies to rest on a nursing pillow? The answer is no. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pillows of no kind be utilized in cribs.
However, as the use of an instrument as the nursing pillow may be, your child should not be allowed to rest on it.
Do you use nursing pads regularly?
Women wear pads every day during nursing. Others use them only in public. It is also possible to utilize clean handkerchief squares within your bra. Beware of using pads with plastic lines that can cause a problem for your nipples to get enough air.
What happens if my baby is asleep while nursing?
Babies are genetically programmed to rest on the breast. The breast is a place where they can fall asleep. It is a normal occurrence and is mostly caused by the hormone known as cholecystokinin, also known as CCK. CCK causes your baby to feel full and sleepy. It releases into the baby’s gut the moment they begin sucking.
Are baby head pillows safe?
Pediatricians are not recommending pillows for infants, as they can increase the risk of suffocation.
Can I wear bra when nursing?
It’s dependent on you and your comfort. If you don’t usually wear a bra, you don’t have to wear one while breastfeeding. Mothers are often concerned about the possibility of leaking at night, and this could be another reason to wear an evening bra could help.