The Best Breastfeeding Pillow
Have you been searching for a breastfeeding pillow and wondering which style to choose. Do you want a firm pillow that secures to your body, a crescent shaped pillow or do you want a large pillow that wraps around you and baby both? So many options, how do you choose a breastfeeding support pillow. My answer might surprise you! As an IBCLC and registered nurse who has worked with over a thousand families I have seen tons of pillows and gadgets but I am going to spill my secret. So keep reading to find out what this IBCLC recommends to help with breastfeeding comfort and deep latching support!
Let’s Chat About the Pros & Cons
Pros of Using a Breastfeeding Pillow
1. Improved Comfort: One of the biggest advantages of using a breastfeeding pillow is the increased comfort it provides to both the mother and the baby. The pillow is designed to support the baby at the perfect level for proper latch and positioning, reducing strain on the mother's arms, neck, and back muscles during nursing sessions.
2. Correct Positioning: Breastfeeding pillows help ensure that the baby is positioned correctly for optimal breastfeeding. They provide the necessary elevation and stability required for a proper latch, resulting in better milk transfer and less discomfort for both the mother and the baby.
3. Reduced Fatigue: By providing proper support, breastfeeding pillows can prevent the mother from having to hold the baby's weight entirely in her arms. This reduced strain and fatigue can make longer nursing sessions more manageable, especially during growth spurts or cluster feeding periods.
4. Hands-Free Nursing: Many breastfeeding pillows come with straps or wraps that secure them around the mother's waist, allowing for a hands-free nursing experience. This frees up the mother's hands to perform other tasks like eating, reading, or using electronic devices while nursing.
5. Stability and Security: Breastfeeding pillows are specifically designed to be stable and secure, reducing the risk of the baby rolling or falling off during nursing. This sense of security can provide peace of mind to the mother and help her relax, leading to a more successful and enjoyable nursing experience.
Cons of Using a Breastfeeding Pillow
1. Initial Set-Up and Adjustment: Breastfeeding pillows often require some initial adjustment and proper positioning to ensure they are correctly aligned with the mother's body and provide the right support for the baby. This set-up process may take some time and may not always be convenient, especially when the baby is hungry and fussy.
2. Limited Portability: Breastfeeding pillows are often bulkier than regular pillows and may not be easily transported. This can make it challenging to use them in different locations or when traveling, which may require the mother to find alternative methods or strategies for nursing in different environments.
3. Expense: While not overly expensive, breastfeeding pillows do incur an additional cost. Depending on the brand and features, they can range from affordable to somewhat pricey. For some families, purchasing a breastfeeding pillow may not be a feasible option, especially if they are on a tight budget.
4. Dependency: Regular use of a breastfeeding pillow may lead to a dependency on
Check out my reel on how to use your breastfeeding pillow.
Try out these alternative styles and tell me what you think!
Okay, we laid out the pros and cons, we talked a little bit about style. You caught my reel about how to use your breastfeeding pillows. But what is my suggestion….. let’s get to it! What is the best breastfeeding pillow in MY opinion: I would rather work with what a mom already has verses bringing in something extra. I think that it is less overwhelming and more practical it also allows dad or grandma or whoever, to help with positioning. There is an ease of comfort that just can’t be replaced with my option and, it usually is much more economical!
My solution:
Create a throne of pillows to support moms lower and upper back, neck, elbows, and potentially abs as well (especially C-section mamas) you may even throw in a donut pillow if hemorrhoids are an issue. It may sound silly but using regular bed pillows, couch throw pillows, and lumbar pillows is actually the best way to support proper alignment and positioning with breastfeeding. I even love throwing in a rolled blanket under moms wrist to prevent fatigue and to prevent a baby from pulling back into a shallow latch!
How to set up a pillow throne:
If you aren’t sure how to set up your pillow throne here are 3 steps to get you started!
Start with picking a comfy spot & stack pillows for back support in whichever fashion will be the most comfortable for you.
Place a pillow or 2 on your lap & place baby on your lap tummy to tummy with their body turned in towards you including their hips, when you look down at them you should see a side profile
Latch baby with a wide gape attached to your breast tissue you should feel strong tugs starting off in a quick sucking motion and then slowing down to deep draws. It may take a few tries to get a deep latch, keep working on it! once you are in a good position pull pillows closer or stuff under your arms for additional support
Enjoy your pillow throne and look across your kingdom with pride! You are nourishing an entire human and that is no small feet!
If you try out a pillow thrown let me know! Tag me in your IG post @preparedbeginningslactation
If you are looking for lactation support Morgan Jackson RN IBCLC is accepting new clients and is available for virtual support (Worldwide) as well as in home support in the Greater Kansas City Metro! Most insurance plans are accepted through The Lactation Network.
To schedule an appointment visit my booking site or send an email to lactation@preparedbeginnings.com