Do You Need a Nursing Pillow?

Posted by tedmark on February 26th, 2014

Did you know that nursing pillows were first used for helping babies who couldn’t sit yet not to fall aside? But they weren’t so popular until mommies started using them for nursing. By now, they have become very common and they can be found in almost every house that has a baby and on many must-have checklists. But what important facts should you know about a feeding pillow before you go out to buy one?

First of all you need to know how to properly use a nursing pillow because if you don’t know how to use it, you will face some problems even if you didn’t have any before starting to use it. It is very important that the baby needs to be very close to mommy when it is breastfed. If you don’t use the pillow in the proper way, it can get in the way and the baby won’t be able to latch and you will get sore nipples.  Turn the baby completely towards your body and after he has started nursing well, you can rest your arm on the pillow.

Another factor you should take into consideration when you buy a feeding pillow is that one size is not suitable for everyone. You should think about your height, the size of your waist and the length of your arms when you choose one to buy. So be extra careful when you decide which product to buy. Don’t rush into buying the first one that comes your way. You could try some just to see how they fit your body shape before making a decision.

Breastfeeding sometimes involves wiggling and slouching when you are in a position where the baby can’t latch properly and this position can be uncomfortable for the mom as well. A well-chosen and properly used nursing pillow can help the baby stay in a good latching position and keeps the mom’s arms and back from getting tired and sore. Some pillows have adjustable back supports and sturdy cushions to fit many body sizes and shapes. Some of them can be rotated around the mother’s body to allow many positions for breastfeeding. They can be used even for nursing twins at the same time.

You might think about buying a washable and portable feeding pillow. These new designs of pillows can be taken on trips; they are extremely light and easy to wash. Some designs have inflatable cushions that can be wiped and zip-off covers that can be washed in the machine. There are some designs that have a comfortable back support attached to the front pillow. If you choose the right pillow, you will be able to use it for a long time, even when your baby stops nursing. You can use it for tummy time and to support the baby when he or she starts sitting up.

It is extremely useful to have a nursing pillow around if you are breastfeeding your baby. So go ahead and buy one for your baby’s comfort.

A nursing pillow is a very useful item and can make the breastfeeding easy for the mother as well as for the baby. If you haven’t yet bought a feeding pillow and have a new born baby then you should buy one immediately.