Pillows and Cushions for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of the most precious and special moments a mother can share with her child. However, poor posture can make breastfeeding uncomfortable and produce back and neck pain. The good news is that there are special pillows and cushions for breastfeeding.
Their purpose is to improve the breastfeeding experience, both for mothers and babies. Keep reading to find out more about them here.
Why use pillows and cushions for breastfeeding?
There’s no doubt that breastfeeding is the perfect way to connect with your baby and share an incredible experience. However, while we’re adapting to the process and still lack experience, it can often be physically uncomfortable and complicated.
Back and neck pain are quick to appear. On top of that, newborns don’t always know how to nurse right away, which can be very distressing both for baby and momma.
Staying calm is fundamental, as is finding a comfortable position. That way, we won’t pass our tensions onto our little ones.
Breastfeeding can be a big challenge (like many other parts of motherhood). Fortunately, we can find countless objects that can help us get through this situation in the best way possible.
Pillows and cushions for breastfeeding are articles that most women purchase before the arrival of their little one. According to their size and shape, they may even help you out during your final weeks of pregnancy.
Many women struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position during their third trimester, and these pillows can help solve that problem.
After you have your baby, these items will become your best breastfeeding ally. They allow you to breastfeed while holding your baby in the right position and avoid tension in your neck and back.
What makes pillows and cushions for breastfeeding different?
Basically, breastfeeding pillows are shaped like a crescent and their purpose is to provide support while breastfeeding. They can be filled with a variety of materials, such as seeds, polyester fibers, wool, microbeads, etc.
These cushions and pillows help keep babies in a safe and comfortable position. What’s more, they save mothers from having to support the full weight of their little ones while they nurse.
Moms can rest their arms, neck and shoulders while adopting a more relaxed position. Furthermore, they can breastfeed their little ones while sitting on the bed or on a rug on the floor.
Even if you nurse your baby in a rocking chair or on the couch, these pillows still add a great deal of comfort.
Pillows and cushions for breastfeeding: requirements
In this day and age, there are dozens of pillows and cushions for breastfeeding available on the market. That’s why it’s important to know what requirements you should look for in order to make the right purchase:
1. Comfort
First and foremost, your pillow needs to be practical and comfortable – both for you and your baby. We recommend trying it before you buy it.
2. Breathable
Babies sweat when they nurse. This translates into heat and moisture for everything they touch. If your pillow is made of breathable fabric, it will be much more comfortable for your little one .
“Cushions and pillows for breastfeeding help keep babies in a safe and comfortable position. What’s more, they save mothers from having to support the full weight of their little ones while they nurse.”
3. The right height
It’s better to buy a cushion or pillow that is higher, since it will later mold to your baby’s size and weight. Make sure it allows your little one’s mouth to reach your nipple and suction correctly.
4. Hypoallergenic
It’s crucial that you make sure the materials that make up the pillow are 100% hypoallergenic. Remember that newborns have very delicate skin. Certain fibers and textures can cause unfavorable reactions and rashes.
Types of pillows and cushions for breastfeeding
If you’re thinking about buying one of these items, keep in mind that you’ll find a variety of types available to you. The most common models are the following:
1. U-shaped breastfeeding pillows
These breastfeeding pillows have a crescent shape. The mother places them on her waist (with the tips pointing towards her back) and rests her baby on the pillow, above her lap.
While they may have a variety of fillings, the most common filling is polyester fiber .
2. Cushions for breastfeeding with toys
These are similar to the above model, but with older babies in mind. They include different accessories for babies to fiddle with while they nurse – for example, rattles, inflatable books, dolls, ribbons, plastic mirrors, etc.
3. Breastfeeding pillows with adjustable height
These pillows allow us to choose between three different positions, according to the baby’s size. They consist of several pillows that are sewn to the center piece. Mom can move the pillows from one side to the other to find the perfect fit.
Lastly, you can also find pillows that are longer in shape. These pillows are useful during the last stages of pregnancy, and then adapt for use during pregnancy.
As you can see, there are a number of alternatives when it comes to pillows and cushions for breastfeeding. You’ll no doubt come to find how important they are during this stage of life for you and your baby.