Nursing is an important part of every newborn’s life. But, no matter how bonding, endearing and nutritive it can be for the little one, mums will feel pressure and pain in their back, neck and arms. This is why baby nursing pillows should be an essential part of your life as a mum. Not only it will help you sleep and sit easier during pregnancy, but will ease the breastfeeding process, as well helping your little one sit properly as soon as they reach the right age for that.
What’s a Nursing Pillow?
Nursing, feeding or breastfeeding pillows are an important part of nursing supplies every mother needs. These pillows are made to ease breastfeeding and make it more comfortable; they remove the pressure off the neck and back and add support below the arm (the one with which you’re holding the baby). These pillows are made of materials like foam and can be U-shaped, boomerang-shaped or a simple bar that goes right under your arm or behind your back.
Reasons to Get One
Back Support During Pregnancy
You don’t have to wait to have your baby to get such a pillow. Baby nursing pillows can work miracles for you during your pregnancy as well. As the baby grows in your belly, back muscles can strain, especially during the last trimester. The nursing pillow is a wonderful back support; place it against your back while you’re sitting on the couch or your office chair. The nursing pillow will be a perfect support for your sore lower back muscles. You can also use it to sleep; a larger U-shaped pillow will work great as a knee support, when you’re sleeping on your side.
Excellent for Bringing the Baby to the Right Height for Nursing
It’s not uncommon for mothers to experience pain during the early days of breastfeeding. This is normal because of the improper latch or muscle straining in the back, neck or arms. Your baby should be brought to the right height near your breasts (this is the only way for proper latching).
The nursing pillow can be adjusted with straps or a folded blanket under the pillow to bring the infant to the perfect height for nursing and tummy-to-tummy contact; this can reduce the strain on your muscles and help you focus on helping your little one latch suitably.
Removes Pressure off C-section Scar
Feel free to take the nursing pillow to the hospital. It will help you breastfeed your baby easier, but it will also help you protect your sensitive scar if you’ve had a C-section. These scars usually take a few weeks to heal, which can make the squirming baby against you during nursing, quite uncomfortable. Not only the pillow can protect your stomach while you heal, but will also make nursing less painful. Just put the nursing cover against your stomach during nursing; if you plan to take the pillow with you to the hospital, it’s best to get one with a removable cover, so you can wash it once you get home.
Relief from Epistomy Pain
Women who had a vaginal birth may experience vaginal tearing or get an episiotomy. The stitches will make extended sitting painful and unpleasant. To make it more comfortable and to relieve the pressure from the stitches during your healing, sit on your nursing pillow – it will make a difference.
Bottle Feeding Support
Even bottle feeding can be tiring and painful for your arms, neck and back. This pillow can ease the pressure and make feeding much easier. The feeding pillow won’t only be great for you, but for the father and other family members as well who will feed the baby. This is exceptionally important for mums who have to return to work or simply want to go out.
Baby’s Reflux Relief
Many babies experience reflux or colic, which can cause them pain after eating. Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)) occurs when the milk your baby drank comes back up their esophagus, causing pain, spitting up and vomiting. Supporting your baby on your nursing pillow after eating can help prevent reflux.
Helps Babies During Tummy Time
Some babies aren’t fans of spending time on their stomachs. Many infants will cry during “tummy time”, but this “exercise” is important so they can develop muscles in their neck and prevent the occurrence of plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. This condition may occur if your baby lies too much time on their back. Just place the nursing pillow on the floor, add some toys and put your baby gently on the pillow on their stomach; the baby’s chest should rest against it. Always be there during the “tummy time” to ensure they don’t slip off and that they breathe properly.
Support for Babies who Learn How to Sit
Babies start sitting between four and six months. During this time, the child’s muscles strengthen up and allow them to sit up on their own. Your little one will love this new thing and will enjoy it. And while the baby learns how to sit, the breastfeeding pillow can help as well. Just place it around them (U-shaped pillows are perfect for this); the pillow will provide support and prevent the child from hitting their head hard on the ground in case they lose their balance.
Aussie Life Excellence 