Practically to breastfeed all you need is a breast and a baby. But your lactation consultant or nurse may ask you to use a breastfeeding pillow. Some mothers buy a specific type of breastfeeding pillow while others don’t even bother to have one. So do you need a nursing pillow? Here are the things you need to read before getting one.
Why do I need to use a breastfeeding pillow?
When you're feeding the baby in any position there will be strain in your hands, wrist, back, and shoulder if you are holding the baby for a longer time. A breastfeeding pillow takes over this task thus avoiding any kind of strain or pain. Usually while feeding you need to bend over to look and latch on the baby but if you use a breastfeeding pillow your baby will be at a higher level and there will be no need to hunch your back. It is very much helpful in mothers who had a C section since it takes the pressure off the scar region.
Do you know you can use it for your baby too?
It is also beneficial to your baby in multiple ways. One it helps to avoid acid reflux and colic since the baby is propped up and kept at height. Second, you can use it during tummy time for your baby by placing your baby’s stomach over the pillow with the chest completely resting over the pillow and keeping a few toys surrounding it. This method helps them to strengthen their neck muscles. Third, you can use it as a support for your baby to sit. Between four to six months of age, your baby will try to sit. Keeping them in between a nursing pillow supports them while sitting as well as it ensures that they don’t fall.
Why can’t you just use a regular pillow for breastfeeding?
Yes, you can. It is not mandatory that you need to use a breastfeeding pillow. If you are comfortable with regular pillows you can use them. But in case you experience pain, discomfort, or any other problems associated with it then it’s time for you to switch up to a breastfeeding pillow.
In what conditions could a breastfeeding pillow be helpful?
If you have a larger breast or if you need to feed twins it will be very helpful to use a nursing pillow. If you have an epidural-related headache it is better to use a breastfeeding pillow since it puts your head and neck at a higher position rather than stooping down. It is useful for mothers who feed babies on a cross-cradle or football hold position.
In what cases do you need not use a breastfeeding pillow?
If you are feeding the baby on reclined lying or side-lying, a breastfeeding pillow is not necessary. Mothers usually find it difficult to latch on the baby while using a nursing pillow. So it is usually recommended that you latch the baby first and once you get comfortable with the latch you can keep the nursing pillow for support. Lactation specialists advise not to use this pillow while a mother is exhausted since if you droop forward due to tiredness and since there is no space for the baby to slip down due to the pillow there is a risk of suffocation.
Though there is a controversy among health care professionals on whether to use a nursing pillow or not, it depends on the mothers to use what they find more comfortable comparatively
