nursing pillow
Nursing pillow
A nursing pillow is a specially designed cushion that helps support your arms during breastfeeding. It wraps around your waist or sits on your lap.
Nursing pillows can make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable for both you and your baby by promoting a proper latch and reducing strain on your back, neck, and arms.
What to watch out for
When using a nursing pillow, there are a few things to keep in mind to have a comfortable and effective breastfeeding experience.
- Proper positioning: Make sure the nursing pillow is positioned correctly around your waist or on your lap. Your baby should be at breast level, with their head, neck, and body aligned to promote a good latch.
- Support your arms: One of the common issues we see with nursing pillows is moms using them to hold baby. Instead, use your arms to support baby close to the breast, and use the nursing pillow to support your arms and prevent shoulder and back strain. If you just set baby on the pillow while nursing, they frequently “roll away” from the breast, causing unlatching or shallow latch.
- Comfort: The pillow should provide adequate support without causing discomfort. Adjust the pillow or try different positions to find what works best for you and your baby.
- Safety: Nursing pillows are not designed for sleeping or playing. Always supervise your baby while using the nursing pillow. Do not leave your baby unattended on the pillow.
Physical limitations or health circumstances
Certain physical conditions or health circumstances might affect your use of a nursing pillow.
- Back or neck pain: If you experience back or neck pain, a nursing pillow can help reduce strain by supporting your baby and allowing you to maintain a more comfortable posture while breastfeeding.
- Cesarean section recovery: After a C-section, using a nursing pillow can help protect your incision site by keeping your baby off your abdomen and reducing pressure on the area.
- Additional reading materials:
- Premature or small infants: For premature or small babies, a nursing pillow can provide extra support and help position your baby at the breast, making it easier for them to latch and nurse effectively.
Other terms
Understanding related terms can help you better manage your breastfeeding experience.
- Breastfeeding positions: Different breastfeeding positions, such as the cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position, can help you and your baby find the most comfortable way to nurse. Learn more about breastfeeding positions.
- Latch: The way your baby attaches to your breast. A proper and deep latch is important for effective milk transfer and to prevent nipple pain or damage. Learn more about improving latch.
- Nipple shield: A silicone cover temporarily worn over the nipple during breastfeeding to help babies latch more easily, often used for sore or flat nipples. Learn more about nipple shields.
- Cluster feeding: When your baby nurses more frequently than usual, often during growth spurts.
- Engorgement: When your breasts become overly full of milk, causing them to feel hard and painful; can be managed with frequent feeding or pumping. Learn more about managing engorgement.
