A nursing pillow is intended to support breastfeeding mothers while they nurse. It supports the baby at the correct height and angle for breastfeeding, making it much more comfortable for both mom and baby. It can also take some pressure off the mother’s arms, back, and neck by redistributing the baby’s weight and enabling hands-free holding. Some nursing pillows are U- or C-shaped, slingshot around the mother’s body, while others are more classically rectangular. They can also be used for other things, such as propping up the baby when learning to sit or for tummy time.

How To Use Nursing Pillow In Pregnancy?

Although nursing pillows are intended to support breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women can benefit from using them in some ways:

Provides Support During Sleep:

As women progress toward the second and third trimmest, sleep can become more uncomfortable. A nursing pillow also makes it easier to sleep on your side, which is advisable while pregnant. It aids in aligning the spine, relieving hip pressure and offering added comfort.

Belly & Back Support:

A nursing pillow can be placed under the belly to support and take the extra weight off the lower back when sitting or lying down. This may ease pressure on the abdomen and lower back as pregnancy continues.

Another way to stay comfortable while sitting or lounging is to place a nursing pillow behind your back for support and posture assistance. This can take some pressure off the lower back, another common pregnancy concern.

Better Alignment While Resting:

Many women also find that placing a nursing pillow between their knees or under their belly while they are resting helps to keep things better aligned, which minimizes discomfort from strain or pressure on certain muscle groups.

How Does A Nursing Pillow Assist The New Mom In Nursing?

Tight, sore arms and positioning woes will become a distant memory with a nursing pillow, which can be a godsend for new breastfeeding moms.
Here’s how it helps:

Provide Right Position:

A nursing pillow helps position the baby at the right height and angle for feeding, significantly affecting how comfortably both baby and mom can latch. It holds the baby’s body up so the mom doesn’t have to kill her arms and back, holding the baby in the correct position.

Relieves Pressure:

Nursing can take time, and having the baby supported by a nursing pillow can relieve pressure from the mom’s arms, shoulders, neck and back. This is especially helpful for moms who are recovering post-birth or those who are recovering from a C-section.

Hands-Free Help:

Nursing pillows are structured to help support the baby’s body, so mothers can often nurse without holding the baby the whole time. Not only does this free up mom’s hands, but it can also help mom relax during feeds.

Reduces Fatigue:

Holding a baby in a proper position for a long time may cause arm fatigue. With a nursing pillow, the baby’s weight is more evenly distributed , so the mom doesn’t tire out as quickly.

Advances Latch:

By promoting proper alignment with the baby’s breast, a nursing pillow can help achieve a better latch, which can, in turn, reduce nipple soreness and ensure the baby is getting just enough milk.

Assists With Various Feeding Positions:

A nursing pillow also makes trying out different breastfeeding positions (cradle hold, football hold or side-lying position) more straightforward, as it can give added support and comfort no matter how you hold your baby.

Postpartum recovery: 

After birth, especially if one is recovering from a cesarean section or other delivery complications, a nursing pillow can do wonders for minimizing discomfort and offering gentle support to the abdomen.

Why Does A New Mom  Need A Nursing Pillow In The First Place?

A nursing pillow can benefit a newborn in many ways  especially during breastfeeding. Here’s how it benefits the little one:

Correct Positioning For Feeding:

A nursing pillow helps to support the baby at the proper height and angle for breastfeeding, making it easier for the baby to latch on properly. This allows them to hold their head comfortably to reduce the likelihood of latch problems or air swallowing.

Cosy And Safe:

The pillow creates a cuddly, padded area for the baby to lie on, making them feel more secure while eating. This support helps the baby feel more comfortable and safe while feeding, particularly in the early days when they are still learning the ropes.

Helps Create A Better Latch:

The proper support from the nursing pillow makes it easier to bring your baby’s mouth to the breast, encouraging a better latch. A proper latch is essential for successful breastfeeding and will help avoid nipple soreness for the mom.

Avoids Strain On the Neck:

With very little head and neck control, a nursing pillow can do wonders for the newborn by supporting their head and neck during a feed. This alleviates pressure on the baby’s muscles and allows them to stay in a more natural and, thus , comfortable position during their feed.

Supports Variety Of Feeding Positions:

Nursing pillows can also make it easier to try different positions while feeding, such as the football hold, which is excellent for babies who need just a little extra support or mothers who have had a C-section. This adaptability means the baby is well-positioned no matter how you feed them.

Helps With Spitting Up and Gas:

If worn correctly, a nursing pillow can provide a little elevation for the baby’s head, which can help minimize the chances of spit-up or gas. It can also be handy for propping the baby up after feedings to aid digestion.

Offers Hands-Free Feeding:

Nursing pillows are primarily intended to support the comfort of the mother. They help the baby sit in a safe, stable position while the mom reclines and feeds. This can be particularly useful for newborns, as it helps to keep them in one place and reduces the risk of slumping or sliding.

Conclusion

A nursing pillow can be an essential tool for first-time mothers and their babies. For moms, it offers breastfeeding assistance by encouraging the proper presentation, alleviating pressure on the arms, neck and back, and promoting hands-free feeding. For newborns, it aids in correctly latching, makes them feel comfortable while feeding, and supports the head and neck. Ultimately, a nursing pillow can help make breastfeeding more manageable, relaxed and successful for both mom and baby, particularly during those early days when both are learning the ropes.

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