cookie

Our site uses cookies to make your experience on this site even better. We hope you think that is sweet.

Yes, I am okay. Know more
Planning for a baby?
Already Pregnant?
Have a Baby?
Have a Toddler?
Positive Parenting
Baby Names
Child Safety
Cord Blood
Life Skills
Premature Baby
Twins
Have a baby?
Mother Care

How Good Is Investing In A Feeding Pillow?

5 min read

If you are about to have a baby, then you might be wondering if you should add a nursing pillow (also known as feeding pillow) to your shopping list. Your list consists of only “necessary” items, such as clothes for the baby, nursing bras for yourself and the likes. Is nursing pillow a necessity? You know your parents did not use it. And you have seen everyone you know using the regular pillows to prop up the baby while feeding. Then, may be feeding pillows are just a fancy luxury? Read this article before you strike this item off your shopping list.
mother feeding baby

What Are Feeding Pillows?

Feeding pillows often known as nursing pillows, come in variety of style and shape. They go around your waist in order to give support to your back, neck, spine and arms while nursing or feeding. They help to support the baby in proper position while feeding. These pillows are not just meant for breastfeeding moms. Even moms who bottle feed their babies can use them.
Feeding pillows can be a big help if you are recovering from a C- section. They are easily available in the market.

Are Feeding Pillows Great Investments?

If you are a first-time mother, this might be news to you. If this is not your first child, you already know the drill. Breastfeeding your child is no walk in the park. It can be long (most lactation consultants say babies feed in 5 to 15 minutes, but in reality, some take up to 30 minutes per feeding) and it can be frequent (they have to be fed every 2 or 3 hours!). So do not be surprised if you feel that all you do during a typical day (and night) is feeding your child. Now ask yourself, is investing in a pillow that can help you during this long and frequent breastfeeding spell a good investment? We say yes!

How To Use Feeding Pillows?

Congratulations, you have decided to invest in a feeding pillow! This decision will definitely make your life a little easier and feeding time more relaxed. Now that you have the feeding pillow, here is how you should be using it to make the most of it:

    • Find a quiet place: Feeding your baby gives to time to bond with him. So make sure you have no distractions. Find a peaceful spot in your house to feed your baby
    • Place the pillow on your lap: Once you have decided where to feed your baby, just position rightly on your lap or around your waist
    • Be comfortable: Adjust the height of the pillow according to your comfort level. Most of the feeding pillows come with a belt or Velcro. It is up to you if you want to fasten the belt or Velcro securely and snugly
    • Feed your baby: Now you are ready to feed your baby. Keep your baby down onto the feeding pillow. The pillow will help you by supporting your baby. Proper positioning and support will help your baby latch on properly

In case you are bottle feeding the baby, your partner or any family member can also use this pillow to comfortably feed the baby

feeding pillow

What Are The Benefits Of Using Feeding Pillows?

5 key benefits of using a feeding pillow are:

  1. Good latch: Did you know that if your baby does not latch well, he will not get enough milk and you will end up with sore and cracked nipples? A good feeding pillow of adequate height can help the baby get a good latch to a great extent
  2. Protects C-section stitches: C-section moms often find it painful to breastfeed the child as their stitches become strained. Feeding pillows can take the pressure off the stitches and make nursing a less stressful activity
  3. No more reflux: A feeding pillow will ensure that your baby is propped up correctly. This will reduce the instances of reflux, which consequently reduces colic and other gastro-related issues
  4. Support during pregnancy: If you are planning to invest in a feeding pillow, it might be a good idea to buy it in your last trimester itself. This is because a feeding pillow can double up as a pregnancy pillow. You can use it to support your tummy in the night so as to get a good night’s sleep
  5. Sit ups: By the time your child is 4 to 6 months old, you can use the feeding pillow to support her in a sitting position without causing any strain to her back
Are There Any Problems Associated With Feeding Pillows?

Some of the problems with respect to using feeding pillows are:

  • Not handy: They are often big in size and bulky to carry. This means that you can only use them inside your house and not carry them when you are traveling. This is a big minus because once you and your baby are used to feeding pillow, you might find it difficult to get the same amount of comfort in normal pillows
  • Universal fit: They come in only one size, so there is a chance it might not fit you
  • Back aches: This is not specific to feeding pillows. It is applicable even for normal pillows. If you lean forward a lot during nursing, you will end up with bad back aches
  • Bad latch: While most babies find a nursing pillow comfortable and get a good latch when using it, at times, they might not take to the feeding pillows well. And unfortunately, you have no way of predicting if they will like it or not
How To Shop For The Right Feeding Pillow?

Keep the following tips in mind as you start looking for a feeding pillow.

  • Nursing pillows can be used for not just breastfeeding but for formula feeding as well. In view of this, consider buying a large pillow so that even a bigger baby can fit on it. This will increase the usability of the pillow
  • Most nursing pillows come in “C” shape or “O” shape. The “O” shaped pillows can be strapped around your waist. This gives more support and balance. But if you are buying an “O” shaped pillow, make sure you buy a size that can fit around your waist right after delivery (you might still have a bulging tummy then). “C” shaped pillows have a universal fit
  • Make sure the cover of the pillows can be removed and cleaned easily
  • Pick a material that is soft, comfortable and preferably organic as your baby will come in contact with it very frequently

Have you ever used a feeding pillow? Do let us know your experience.

Responses (0)

Please check a captcha
Read this next

Can Abdominal Belts Help You Lose Tummy After Delivery?

After a woman gives birth to her baby, her system goes through a whole lot of physical changes. Most women experience all kinds of joint and nerve pains particularly in the hips and lower back. This is caused due to the abdominal muscles being stretched and it does take quite some time to return to normalcy after birth. Abdominal belts are the perfect solution to the problems that women face after delivery as they help to provide the much required support to a woman's torso giving a much needed visible relief from aches and pains. What Are The Different Types of Abdominal Belts? How Is An Abdominal Belt Worn? Are Abdominal Belts Really Effective And Useful? Do Abdominal Belts Help To Lose Weight After Delivery? Precautions To Be When Using Abdominal Belts What Are The Risks Associated With Wearing Stomach Belts After Delivery? What Are The Different Types of Abdominal Belts? Now-a-days you find a whole range of post pregnancy abdominal belts that can be availed in the market. They come in all sizes and styles for you to take your pick from. Most of them have Velcro snaps that can be adjusted easily and are easy to adorn and remove. You can avail of belts that wrap....

4 min read

8 Common Skin Problems In Babies And Their Solutions

Once you become a mother your whole life revolves around your little baby . Any minor thing that happens to your little baby makes you anxious. When it comes to your baby's skin there are all sorts of rashes, spots and bumps you might encounter in the first year of life, and most of them are harmless but can be uncomfortable for your baby. A baby's skin is very soft and delicate and a small scratch or rash can make them irritable. So here are few common skin problems that you should be aware of. If you see any skin condition do not panic as any signs of anxiety can be easily sensed by your baby and in turn make him restless and cranky. 8 Common Skin Problems In Babies And Their Solutions Babies are susceptible to rashes and skin problems but the good news is most of them are harmless and disappear on their own within a few days. So, don't worry. Here are some common skin problems and their solutions. Diaper rash: This is very common. As little babies will be in diapers most of the time, they tend to develop diaper rashes. These inevitable rashes in the diaper area can cause a lot of discomfort to your baby. The skin in that area tends to turn red and sore. Make sure you....

4 min read

Are You a Breastfeeding Mother? Here Are 8 Facts For You

The benefits of breastfeeding your newborn extends well beyond the basic nutrition and health benefits attached to it. Breast milk is loaded with diseases-fighting components that protect your baby from many illnesses in addition to all the vitamins and nutrients it contains. All these are very essential for your baby in the first six months of life. Choosing to breastfeed or bottle-feed the newborn is a very personal choice for every mother and it is one of the first major decision that every new mother needs to make in relation to their baby. However, WHO (World Health Organization) as well as the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) have recommended that breast milk is the best that any mother can provide her child. AAP also suggests that it is important to exclusively breastfeed your baby during the first 6 months of life as it has lasting effects on the baby’s development and overall health. It is not only babies, but even the mothers benefit a lot from breastfeeding their newborn. Just like any other natural bodily functions, breastfeeding is also natural and God’s gift to mankind. But unfortunately, due to the taboos surrounding breastfeeding in many societies, women....

5 min read

Using Fennel While Breastfeeding – Does it Increase Milk Supply?

For every new mother, feeding her newborn baby is the most blissful feeling ever after undergoing all the pain from her labor. The minute she holds her newborn baby in her arms, she forgets all the labor trauma she underwent just sometime back. It is also one of her deepest wishes that she provides the very nutritious breast milk for her baby for as long as she can. For this, the milk supply needs to be good and free-flowing whenever the baby demands it. Having a low supply of breast milk can make the baby hungry even after a feeding session leading to an unsatisfied baby and an even unhappier mother. One of the reasons why most mothers opt for formula milk is because of their low supply of milk. And they obviously not wish to see their baby go hungry. So, if you are a breastfeeding mother and you find yourself low on milk supply, keep this in your mind. There are certain foods that you can consume and certain foods that you should stay away from to increase your milk supply. On the top of the must-have list of foods to increase breast milk supply are Fennel seeds as they contain natural properties that promote lactation. Here is some information about fennel that will help you....

4 min read

Want personalized reading and shopping suggestions for your exact stage of pregnancy?

Come on, sell the idea of signing up with us in two lines so well that they HAVE to sign up.

Sign Up
image

Top 5 picks

  • 1

     Is It Safe to Take Alprazolam (Xanax) While Breastfeeding?

  • 2

    'Baby Talking' Or 'Parentese' - What's Your Pick?

  • 3

    10 Alarming Postnatal Symptoms That Need Medical Attention

  • 4

    10 Best Weaning Foods For Your Baby

  • 5

    10 Common Mistakes That New Parents Make

Want curated content sharply tailored for your exact stage of pregnancy?

Sign Up
Load More

165+ Services.

6+ Cities.

60K+ Parents Reviewed.

Explore Local Services.

Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.

search-icon
Begin typing to search