I didn’t believe I needed nursing pillows until a few days after I’d gotten home from the hospital and missed the one provided to me while there. A nursing pillow can provide many things to a new or experienced mom, one of those things being a way to position baby just so, especially after enduring a long labor or a C-section. Though my birth story was relatively uneventful, learning to breastfeed my baby was a war I was definitely unprepared for, pillow and all.
My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow, Fireworks ($34.95)
As this is a carbon copy of what I was provided while in the hospital, it was my first choice when purchasing one to use at home. This pillow is firm which makes it a great option for a newborn, i.e. no sinking into the pillow, so baby will pretty much stay where you put them. I found this pillow works for most breastfeeding positions, but it really shines when using the football and cross cradle holds. The pillow has an adjustable strap to keep it securely around you, as well as a handy pocket to hold a water bottle or other breastfeeding necessity. No more awkwardly reaching to get a drink or grab the remote! The fabric is made of soft cotton and can be removed from the pillow itself to facilitate laundering. Extra covers can also be purchased separately. In regards to the design, the pillow wraps around the mother’s body and features a supportive back. Personally, I loved the firmness of the pillow, but if a much softer nursing pillow is what you’re looking for, then this may not be right for you.
Boppy Two-Sided Breastfeeding Pillow, Kensington/Gray ($44.99)
Can’t decide between a firm or soft nursing pillow? The Boppy Two-Sided pillow offers the best of both worlds. Like other pillows, this one has an adjustable belt, but it also has the option to remove the belt entirely. The entire pillow is machine washable, as well, after removing the foam insert. Unlike the softer side, the firm side of the pillow has a contoured foam insert (again, it can be removed), but I found the contoured section very helpful during positioning my daughter for a great latch. A little larger than most other pillows, this particular Boppy nursing pillow is very roomy for mom, too. It is one of the widest designs on the market right now, enabling you to be comfortable and focus on your baby. One caveat I found with this nursing pillow is the firmer side of the pillow has a microfleece covering as opposed to the cotton covering on the soft side. Microfleece tends to trap heat which can make you or baby warmer than usual. I combatted this issue by nursing in a cooler room or keeping a fan nearby.
Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner ($39.99)
The original Boppy has a host of uses beyond breastfeeding; it’s well known in being used for tummy time and sitting. Like most nursing pillows, the Boppy features a washable slipcover with many different designs available separately, but a unique feature is the ability of the pillow itself to be laundered. Definitely a plus when messes happen! Not feeling the laundry cycle nonsense? Boppy also offers a water-resistant protective cover; just slip this on the pillow underneath one of their fashionable slipcovers and you never have to worry about leaks penetrating the pillow. The original Boppy does not provide any back support for the nursing mother so it’s important to have a comfortable, supportive place to sit while nursing to lessen the stress placed on your muscles. During my use while breastfeeding, I discovered the original Boppy didn’t raise my daughter high enough so after a few times of finding myself hunched over the pillow, I began to place a small couch pillow underneath the pillow (above my legs) to raise Munchkin higher – worked like a charm! This product is tried and true and will survive the items you want to have when baby gets a little older and is able to use it as a lounger or as a support when sitting.
Lest we forget mamas with multiples! Though not as easy to find in mainstream stores as single baby nursing pillows, its a 6 uses in 1 twin support and feeding pillow that in itself has the market covered. The back support of the Twin Z is unlike any other pillows. Also works great when propping multiples up to bottle feed or help with digestive/reflux issues. The Twin Z has many designs and patterns available for a trendy touch. Very lightweight, too, even with the formidable size. The straps that hold the babies in are soft yet durable and can be used while nursing, if desired, to keep them close and secured. Another bonus is the pillow cover can be customized.
The Nursie Slip-on Arm Nursing Pillow ($39.95)
Though not a nursing pillow in the traditional sense, many moms are making the move to this alternative. The nursing slides on over mom’s forearm to support baby’s head while nursing. Even if not being used to breastfeed, other family members can use the Nursie to position baby for bottle feeding. The benefit to the Nursie is the ability to quickly reposition baby by bringing him/her closer to mom rather than leaning towards baby, which results in bad posture and sore muscles. Small and compact, it easily fits inside a large diaper bag. The assorted patterns all are machine washable. One complaint with the Nursie is the fleece inner material that hugs the arm: some might find the material too warm for summer months. However, the outside of the Nursie consists of softer, cooler cotton allowing for air circulation around baby’s head. Overall, the Nursie is definitely a great option for an active mom or one desiring something other than the larger nursing pillows!
1 comment
Made of sponge material. Should not cost so high. After a month’s use, the extension broke off at the bend. So, priced too high considering the material used and durability. It was useful as long as the extension U shape was intact