When it comes to parenthood, pregnancy is a training ground. After giving birth, nursing is one of the most challenging situations you’ll face. Some moms are lucky enough to have an easy time, while others have challenges regarding nursing. Until you and your infant are in sync with one other, breastfeeding may be challenging. A breastfeeding pillow may help make this process a little more comfortable for you and your baby.
Why Do You Need a Feeding Pillow?
Feeding pillows (also referred to as nursing pillows) make breastfeeding more accessible and comfortable for moms.
A Feeding Pillow: How Do You Use It?
- Step 1: If you have a breastfeeding pillow with a clasp, insert it sideways so that the clasp may be easily fastened.
- Step 2: If the infant doesn’t latch properly, move the nipple up to your breast level so that they don’t have to battle.
- Step 3: If you believe that the baby will be more comfortable feeding if you recline slightly to the back, you may do so.
- Step 4: The baby’s weight would cause a feeding cushion to sink somewhat. Adding a standard cushion below the sinking pillow may help your baby latch on to your breast more easily.
- Step 5: Use your free hands to assist in swaddling or repositioning the baby’s head for a comfortable latch.
A Nursing Pillow’s Advantages
- Many mothers choose to nurse their infants while sitting down. With this, the infant may quickly reach their breast while supported by a latching mechanism.
- Breastfeeding may cause aches and pains in the back and neck, which can be alleviated by taking the time to learn how to breastfeed. Feeding time necessitates that you bring your baby to your chest and hold it there. A nursing cushion minimises the need to slump or bend excessively when feeding your baby.
- The latches on a baby feeding cushion make attaching it to your body more manageable than a conventional pillow. Pockets may be beneficial for nursing mothers, who may be unable to move about as much as they used to.
- An elevated platform for the baby’s head is included in most feeding pillows. Reflux activity is also reduced as a result of this.
- A nursing pillow may be utilised for a baby’s tummy time, as well as for supporting your child as they sleep.
- Dads may benefit from it: When it comes to raising a family, who says males can’t help? While bottle-feeding your baby might be exhausting, a nursing cushion can help.
- In addition to being an excellent pregnancy cushion, these pillows are also adaptable enough to be utilised once the baby is delivered.
Tips while purchasing
- In the same way that you would choose clothing, the best nursing pillows are the ones that suit your body perfectly. It might be difficult for the infant to latch if they are too loose. It’s also possible that a baby’s weight may cause the cushion to slip down between your thighs if it’s too tiny.
- Different sizes and forms are available, each with its advantages. Some shapes of pillows are better for back support, while others are better for infant head support, such as an “O”-shaped pillow. Tiny newborns like firm pillows because they sink less, but bigger babies prefer soft cushions because they have more area for their legs to spread out.
- Portableness: Moms on the run may not be able to carry a large cushion around with them all the time. Portable variants may be more convenient if you’re often on the go.
- Getting a cushion that can’t be washed is a bad idea since babies are messy. Consider buying just ones that can be passed in a few minutes.
- Synthetic fibres like polyester should be avoided since they might cause rashes and skin irritation in infants. Cotton may be utilised as a healthy alternative. Additionally, one should avoid flame-retardant and wrinkle-free (they contain formaldehyde and may be carcinogenic).
- Talk to your friends, other first-time moms, and check out internet reviews to see whether they’ve had good experiences. A product could appear excellent on paper, but it might be a dud in the real world.
A Few Precautions
The danger of cerebral asphyxia while using a nursing pillow necessitates continual monitoring on your part. This is a death sentence since the brain will be deprived of oxygen. When a newborn is face down and unable to get out of this dangerous posture, this is what occurs. Parents might remove breastfeeding pillows from the baby’s crib as a safety measure. Feeding pillows improve the breastfeeding experience by giving structural support and freeing the nursing mother’s hand. There is a specific feeding cushion for each body shape that you may sample before purchasing.
