Nursing pillow - a modern trend?
A breastfeeding pillow is a special accessory made from hypoallergenic soft fabric with filling that makes breastfeeding easier for the baby and the new mother.
Feeding products are made in several types of forms: in the form of letters of the Russian alphabet: S, O or G. The outer layer of the pillow is usually made of 100% cotton, and the inside of the pillow is filled with fairly common materials: polystyrene in the form of balls, buckwheat, holofiber, holofane .
The photos on the Internet show the most common options for nursing pillows with fabric upholstery, but despite this, there is always the opportunity to sew a pillow with your own hands to suit your taste.
Recommendations when choosing
The range of pillows for breastfeeding is quite extensive. They may differ in shape, filler, fabric structure. To avoid any problems, it is recommended to make purchases in specialized stores, where all products have quality certificates. Based on the basic recommendations from breastfeeding specialists, we can name several main criteria for the right choice:
- The label must contain all the information about the product: composition, expiration dates, how to wash or clean it.
- It is recommended to choose a device that is tall, fairly dense, but not rigid.
- The material for the cover should be smooth, but not slippery (otherwise the baby may slip and get injured).
- It is best to choose pillows with covers that can be removed. It is best to purchase a product with a cover made of natural fabric: cotton, calico, or satin fabric.
Choosing a feeding accessory
The most popular these days is a pillow similar in appearance to the letter C, as it allows you not only to comfortably place the baby in different feeding positions, but also provides relief for the mother’s back, which is simply necessary in the first time after childbirth.
Before choosing an accessory, it is worth understanding that the feeding product should be very light and take convenient shapes for the child and his parent.
The main characteristics of such a product that are worth paying attention to:
Density of the material used in the pillow: here it is worth giving preference to medium-density fillers, which provides reliable support for the child and will not allow him to roll off at the most inopportune moment.
The height and length of the pillow should be suitable for the baby and his mother, so that the baby can easily reach the chest, and the mother does not need to bend over, putting extra strain on her back. At the same time, the acceptable length of the pillow is considered to be 170-190 cm, which allows pregnant women to use the pillow to support the abdomen.
Before choosing a pillow filling, you should stop and think about which material does not cause you any unpleasant sensations and is perfect for your baby. In this case, you may need to consult a specialist (pediatrician, for example).
Filler material
What the pillow is filled with plays a very important role. This must be an absolutely safe and environmentally friendly product. Its basis is absolutely natural, non-allergenic components. It is very convenient if the product is made with a filling that can be washed in a machine. There are several materials from which fillers are made.
- Foam rubber and synthetic padding - they are not expensive and safe, but when pressed they constantly spring back, not allowing the mother to rest during feeding.
- Holofiber is a cheap but absolutely harmless material. Its big disadvantage is that it wrinkles very quickly, and the pillow loses its shape and original appearance.
- Buckwheat husk is an absolutely harmless and natural product. The husk flows freely inside the product, and therefore this pillow is soft and durable, and, in addition, always follows the contours of the baby’s body. The downside of husk filling is that it cannot be washed and is very noisy. When poured from place to place, buckwheat makes sounds that can disturb the baby and prevent him from eating in peace.
- Polystyrene balls - the pillow feels very soft, fluffy and at the same time quite elastic. A product with such a filler has orthopedic properties. And the balls shimmer very pleasantly under a child’s hands, so children love to play with them.
Before you buy a pillow, try it to the touch and apply it to your face. It should be pleasant, gentle and evoke only positive emotions. Always monitor the condition of the product throughout use. Change the covers at least three times a week, and constantly beat out the pillow. Be sure to make sure there are no rips or holes with filler sticking out.
Feather down is ideal for regular pillows They are soft, comfortable and a pleasure to sleep on. But these materials are not at all suitable for making nursing pillows for small children. They can cause severe allergies on delicate skin. Wool very quickly becomes matted and becomes electrified. They can only be cleaned by dry cleaning, which is also contraindicated for a child.
Special shapes of pillows
If everything is more or less clear with the form of the accessory for the process of feeding one child, then how to feed twins is unknown. But even for this kind of cases, manufacturers have come up with pillows for feeding twins. This pillow will give a woman real comfort, safety and convenient placement of both children during the feeding process.
The use of such a unique tool with twins makes it possible to feed both babies at the same time, which also allows you to synchronize the daily routine, sleep and wakefulness of both children.
The characteristics of a pillow for twins are not as specific as one might think:
- The special slope of the surface of the pillow allows both babies to be placed with their bellies towards the mother during feeding, without rolling down anywhere. At the same time, the woman’s hands remain free, which is important.
- The C shape and large size of the pillow allow even large babies to be comfortably placed without pressing it with their weight.
In the photo you can see one of the external design options for such a rare accessory, designed for feeding two babies at the same time.
Using a baby feeding device
The time for using this attribute is not limited to the period of pregnancy. The device will be a great help for a young mother. You can use a pillow for feeding a baby literally from the first days of life. Close physical contact with the closest person is very important for a newborn. The more often the mother interacts with the baby, the stronger the attachment, which is formed precisely in the process of feeding the baby.
The duration of meals sometimes lasts for up to an hour. Holding your baby in your arms for such a long time becomes difficult. Tension appears in the neck and arms, and the back gets tired. Mothers try in every possible way to make the process easier - they put rolled up blankets and pillows under their arms and back, and even feed the baby in a sling.
A pillow designed for feeding a newborn allows you to simplify the process of breastfeeding, making it comfortable not only for the mother, but also for the child.
- First you should place the product around your waist.
- For safety reasons, secure existing restraints in the form of belts, ties or Velcro.
- Sit comfortably on an armchair, bed or sofa.
- Place the child in such a way that he fits comfortably on the pillow.
- It is necessary to ensure that the newborn has free breathing.
Advice
A feeding pillow is also useful when feeding your baby from a bottle.
Benefits of using a nursing pillow
Expert opinions about the real benefits and perceived harms of using a nursing pillow still vary, but several undoubted advantages can be noted:
- The pillow reliably supports the baby's body.
- Frees up mom's hands and gives rest to her back and neck.
- Protects a woman's posture.
- Facilitates the process of learning how to apply correctly.
- Creates comfortable conditions for nursing mothers and babies.
- During a prolonged feeding process, it allows the mother to change position without interrupting the breastfeeding process.
- This accessory is convenient to take with you on the road.
- The accessory can be used not only during the feeding process, but also as a barrier on an adult bed, preventing the child from rolling onto the floor, or as a back support for the baby when he is just learning to sit down.
Benefits of a pillow for mother and baby
A nursing pillow allows you to do this in a comfortable position, and the process itself is more efficient:
- While on the pillow, the child is securely fixed.
- Mommy's muscles in her arms, lower back and legs are relaxed.
- A nursing woman does not slouch, and thus her posture does not deteriorate.
- During feeding, mother and her baby feel comfortable and relaxed.
- Thanks to the device, the baby is correctly attached to the breast and therefore gets full faster.
- The young mother has her hands full. She can eat an apple, read a book, knit booties or a hat for the baby.
- If the baby is lazy and takes a long time to eat, the woman can change the position.
- Allows you to feed your baby while traveling.
- On pillows made for twins or twins, you can feed two babies at once.
What is the best pillow for feeding is decided by the mother herself based on her own characteristics and considerations. This device is used not only for feeding. If placed on the edge of the bed, it will serve as protection for the baby from falling. You can do light gymnastics for your baby on it and play with him. When the baby grows up , with her help he is taught to sit.
Making your own baby feeding product
The safest option for a new mother and baby may be a hand-sewn baby feeding pillow. There is nothing difficult about this if a woman has basic skills in working with a sewing machine.
First of all, it is worth deciding on the type of product, the internal filler and the fabric material for covering. To get started, it’s worth calculating the length of the accessory, the one that will meet the woman’s requirements.
To make your work easier, you can use ready-made nursing pillow patterns or prepare your own. For example, you can sew a funny feeding pillow in the shape of a dog, like in this photo.
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To sew a high-quality product, you should use calico or satin for the top layer of the pillow, and choose something from polystyrene balls, holofiber or foam rubber as a filler.
For the finished product, a protective cover or pillowcase will not be superfluous, because such a thing will make it easier to care for the pillow, eliminating the need for regular washing of the pillow itself.
Reviews
- Ekaterina, Uvarovo: “From the second trimester I had a U-shaped (large) pregnancy pillow - it was a pleasure to sleep with it! Later it became a nursing pillow, it was very comfortable, it supported my back, and it was comfortable for the baby. One of the most successful acquisitions!”
- Marina, Moscow: “I was 190 cm, it was very comfortable for a pregnant woman to sleep. I personally didn’t like feeding on it: the balls constantly spread out under the baby, no matter how hard I tried to knock them all to one end, since the pillow was not tightly stuffed with them.”
- Ekaterina, Moscow: “I had a universal one, after giving birth it was not useful at all. It was inconvenient for me to feed like this: the child “drowned” in it.”
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The choice, as always, is yours. If you have difficulty sleeping or cannot find a comfortable position, you should take a closer look at pregnancy pillows, including universal ones. If your first priority is convenience during feeding, it is better to choose a small model with high-quality dense padding. An additional crib for newborns will also be an indispensable assistant for mothers.
Important nuances
Hygienic cleanliness of all items that are related to the care of a baby in the first months of his life is an important component of proper development. If the nursing pillow needs cleaning, the degree of contamination should be assessed. For minor stains, it is enough to wipe the cover with a weakly concentrated solution of baby detergent, then simply wipe it with a damp, clean cloth and dry thoroughly.
All nursing pillows are easy and simple to wash in the washing machine. In the delicate wash mode, you can wash even those models that do not have removable covers. You need to be especially careful when handling pillows with polystyrene foam balls; it is important that the zipper does not unzip during the washing process and that the filler does not fill the drum of the machine. However, you don’t need to wash your pillow often; just put a fresh pillowcase on it in time, and accidental dirt can be removed by simply rinsing the product in the bathroom.
It is imperative to ensure that the integrity of the feeding pillow is maintained. All seams should be as strong as possible; the filler should not bunch up or roll off, forming depressed areas on the surface.
A pillow with artificial filling should be stored away from direct sunlight, as some synthetic fillings, in particular foam rubber, can begin to deteriorate when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
Experts do not recommend using products that do not correspond to the height and weight of the baby.
← Which nursing pillow to choose - the best tips How to wash maternity pillows. Care tips →
Kinds
Nursing pillows are produced by both Russian and foreign companies. Products differ from each other in material, shape, and appearance.
What types of pillows can be found in stores:
- in the shape of a U. It can be wrapped around the mother's torso. This ensures a decent level of comfort during feeding, as well as during pregnancy;
- in the shape of a C. It is placed to provide support to the woman's abdomen. The newborn is placed on the pillow itself, which is then applied to the breast;
- letter I. The dimensions of the nursing pillow coincide with the height of a person;
- The L-shaped product is designed to support the mother's neck. Because of this, the processes of feeding and rest can be combined. The effect of complete relaxation is achieved.
The variety of forms of feeding devices allows you to make an informed choice of a product that will be comfortable to use in the future.
Comfort is ensured by the internal softness of the filler, intelligently combined with a certain degree of rigidity.
This way the original shape of the thing is maintained and the desired effect is achieved.
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How do pillows differ from each other?
The modern market offers a lot of options for products for pregnant and lactating women. They differ in appearance and feel. Let's look at what types of feeding accessories manufacturers offer us today.
Form
The first thing that comes into view is the appearance of the product. Products can be classified according to their shape as follows:
- In the shape of a crescent. Most often, a breastfeeding pillow looks like this.
- Like the letter "C". Suitable for use in the first six months of a baby's life. Afterwards it can be used for sleep and during fun.
- Horseshoe is the best option for accommodating two kids at the same time. Parents of twins will love its functionality, because it can easily accommodate both children.
- Boomerang;
- Pipe or roller;
- Shaped like the letter "O"
- Volumetric rectangle with additional elements for fixing the head.
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Try to choose an item that will be convenient to use.
Additional items
The product may contain auxiliary parts. These include:
- straps for fixing on the belt;
- pockets for children's accessories;
- clasps on the cover for easy maintenance.
All these minor details will help ensure ease of use of the accessory.
Case
The outer part of the item can be made of any environmentally friendly and safe material for humans. Most often, manufacturers use:
- cotton;
- bamboo;
- mahra;
- knitwear;
- linen;
- satin
Important! When choosing a material, pay attention to how pleasant it is in contact with the skin, because it will come into contact with the delicate parts of the baby’s body.
Filler
Light materials are used to fill products to ensure low weight with optimal density. The most favorite materials among manufacturers are the following:
- foam rubber that can spring and effectively support the baby’s body;
- highly environmentally friendly and inexpensive holofiber;
- polystyrene balls with massage and orthopedic effects;
- natural fillers: fluff, wool.
When choosing a product, you must pay attention to the filler and choose the option that suits you.
Are there any differences between pregnancy and nursing pillows?
Accessories for receiving breast milk and sleeping for a pregnant woman have fundamental functional differences. However, manufacturers offer universal options that can be used throughout the entire period.
The main difference is the size of the pillow. Large products in the shape of a banana or bagel are more suitable for pregnant women.
Nursing mothers often choose accessories of more compact sizes in the shape of the letter “C”. It would be good if the pillow was equipped with ties or straps. During pregnancy they will interfere and cause inconvenience.
How to sleep on a pregnancy pillow
Correct and suitable posture during night sleep ensures normal blood circulation, restores the correct position of the spine, and also relieves spasms and other pain. This ensures healthy sleep.
In order to find the right position as quickly as possible, we recommend following the following simple tips.
1)While “waiting for a miracle,” doctors strongly recommend lying on your left side, as this improves blood flow to the placenta and the baby receives a sufficient amount of oxygen. In addition, in this position, a woman’s kidneys and heart work better, and her arms and legs do not swell. By the way, in the last weeks, when the belly is already quite large, it is absolutely forbidden to sleep on your back and stomach! Place your right arm and leg on the pillow, and the right leg should be slightly bent, and the left leg can be left flat or placed under a cushion. All shapes of pillows are suitable for this pose.
2)If your legs are swollen or they are simply tired, place the product under your knees or ankles.
3)To relax the cervical vertebrae, place your head on a cushion. In this position, the vessels are not compressed and the discomfort in the neck will disappear.
4)Place a special pillow behind you to support your back. To simultaneously support both your back and stomach, we advise you to choose double-sided universal pillow shapes for pregnant women: horseshoe, G-shaped and bagel.
Consult with your gynecologist, he will tell you what positions are best to take at the moment based on the duration of pregnancy, presentation of the fetus and your well-being.
There is no one universal sleeping position that suits everyone. Each woman finds her own optimal option that suits her. As your belly increases, your favorite sleeping positions may change.
Using a pregnancy pillow during the day
Special pillows relax not only at night, but also during the day and make life easier for the expectant mother during simple rest, reading, watching TV, doing handicrafts, etc. You just need to put it under your back or form a comfortable “chair”. Cozy devices will help relax the muscles of the spine, neck and shoulders. With the help of the pillow, you can take any comfortable position: sitting, lying or reclining.
Useful features
What are the functions of baby feeding pillows:
- Strong fixation of the newborn's torso.
- Unloading the muscles of the mother’s arms, back, and neck.
- Maintaining normal posture.
- Creating comfortable conditions during breastfeeding for both the mother and her baby.
- The ability to properly attach the baby to the breast.
- Freeing up hands, due to which a woman can do something else (eat, read) while breastfeeding.
- If feeding is long, you can easily change the position.
- The device is convenient to use while traveling.
- It is suitable for games and simple gymnastics.
- The product is placed on the edge of the furniture to prevent the sleeping child from falling.
- It is used when feeding in a lying position - as a side.
