If you only paid attention to people’s social media highlight reels about parenthood, you might believe that every part of having a new baby is easy and breezy. But you know that so much of it just isn’t like that. Breastfeeding, something that has always been considered to be one of the most natural things in the world,
isn’t as straightforward as you might think. To make it more comfortable, why not invest in one of the best breastfeeding pillows on the market? We take a look at which ones might be best for you, and why you might need to pick one up.
Do you need a breastfeeding pillow?
While a breastfeeding pillow is not strictly necessary for breastfeeding, it does make some positions easier on your back. You know that breastfeeding, especially a newborn, is not a quick and easy task. It can take a long time to even start successfully breastfeeding, and once you do, you will be feeding very regularly. Even if you are bottle feeding, you need to hold your baby in a supportive position that works for you, too, reducing the chances of back pain. Remember, keeping yourself
healthy is just as important as having a healthy baby during this time.
Is it the same as a normal pillow?
Some new mums like to use a normal pillow or a collection of them to create a kind of nest while feeding their babies. This might be a good option for you if you don’t usually feed sitting up for long stretches. However, a breastfeeding pillow curves around the contours of your body and supports your back while raising your arm so you can more easily hold your baby’s head. Even if you are side-feeding rather than sitting up, a breastfeeding pillow can be placed between your knees to create more support for your body overall.
Are there other uses for breastfeeding pillows?
If you purchase a breastfeeding pillow but don’t think you’ll use it very often, there are some other uses for this handy pillow. You can place your breastfeeding pillow on the floor and use it for your baby to have tummy time while being more supported. You can also use it to help prop your baby’s body up as they learn to sit. While you need to supervise them while they use the pillow, this can be another great way to utilise a high quality nursing pillow.
Getting your pillow early
This might sound strange, but you might want to think about getting your breastfeeding pillow before your baby is born. Not just so you can prepare for those long days and nights of feeding, but to support you while you are still pregnant. There are special maternity pillows available to ease the pressure on your changing body, but if you mainly need lower back and side support while pregnant, then a breastfeeding pillow can help you while sitting up or travelling in your car. You can also figure out whether a breastfeeding pillow works for your body type before your baby arrives.
Some of our favourite choices
At For Your Little One, we have some of the best choices for breastfeeding pillows to suit your baby - and your budget. When choosing a breastfeeding pillow, you will be thinking about so many things. What material should you choose and will the filling be safe for your baby? Not only that, but will the aesthetics fit in with your baby’s nursery? Luckily, we have the best breastfeeding pillows. From a beautiful
pixie print to a classic
grey with stars design, our pillows have been nominated for awards thanks to their comfort and functionality. The premium filling is made from polyester, and can provide the perfect support while you breastfeed and beyond.
The organic option
If you are looking for an organic and minimalist option that will fit in with any nursery, the
Mother&Baby Organic Cotton Feeding and Infant Support Pillow can keep your baby safe and comfortable. Its cotton cover is GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) certified with no dyes or chemicals, making it perfect for both your skin and your baby’s skin. If you worry about other materials not suiting your skin, then this could be an ideal choice for you.
Something to remember
Remember that even with the best pregnancy pillow, there's no solid “right” or “wrong” way to breastfeed. It's all about what works and feels comfortable for you and your baby. If, for example, you're laying your baby on the breastfeeding pillow, they can struggle to latch on, so try tilting them more towards your body. This can also help you to feel the bonding magic that breastfeeding can bring, even if you are struggling a little. If you're suffering from an aching back, leaving the pillow too low could make this worse as you will be folding forward to reach your baby. It can take some time to figure out a position that works for you - and trying different ways of sitting and holding your baby can be part of the process.
Where to buy the best breastfeeding pillows
Whether or not you choose to breastfeed, your baby can still enjoy close bonding time with you. A breastfeeding pillow can make that easier, both when it comes to how safe and secure your baby feels and taking the pressure of holding them off your body just slightly. If you want to get the best breastfeeding pillows, then For Your Little One has everything you’re looking for. Even if you decide a breastfeeding pillow isn’t for you, we have everything you need for your nursery and beyond, from Moses baskets to footmuffs - all with quick UK delivery and high quality guaranteed.
