How to Use Feeding Pillow the Right Way

New parents often think of ways to add more comfort into their little ones life. For this and many more good reasons, breastfeeding or nursing pillow is a must have in every parents list.  A breastfeeding pillow is a pillow that is specially designed for the breastfeeding mother. These specially designed pillows provide essential support for both you and your baby during feeding sessions, reducing strain and improving posture.

Breastfeeding pillows come in different shapes and sizes and are made to help you support your baby in the proper position for breastfeeding. In this blog, we’ll learn everything about a breastfeeding pillow and how to use the feeding pillow the right way.

What is a Feeding Pillow?

A feeding pillow, also known as a nursing pillow or breastfeeding pillow, is a soft, inflatable or foam cushion that helps make breastfeeding more comfortable and convenient. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, these pillows help keep your baby in a comfortable, elevated position and provide support to your arms, reducing strain on your back, shoulders, and neck.

Some feeding pillows, like the Sleepsia feeding pillow, are designed with extra features to ensure better ergonomics for both parent and baby. The right feeding pillow can make feeding time smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

How to Use a Feeding Pillow: Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a step by step guide on how to use a feeding pillow:

Choose the Right Feeding Pillow

Before starting to learn about the right way to use the pillow, it is important that you choose a good quality feeding pillow. While all the feeding pillows are designed to serve the same purpose, every brand offers different features and support.

Baby feeding pillows should be made from soft yet firm material to give optimal support, and some come with removable covers for easy cleaning. The right pillow  should have a unique, adjustable design that can provide varying levels of support for different feeding positions. Make sure to pick a pillow that feels comfortable for both you and your baby.

Set the Pillow in the Right Position

Placement of the pillow is very important to get benefited from the pillow. Place the feeding pillow around your waist and adjust it so that it rests comfortably across your body. You’ll want to position the pillow at the right height so that your baby head is at breast or bottle level.

If you’re using a Sleepsia feeding pillow, you may have more flexibility with the adjustable strap, ensuring the pillow stays in place while you feed.

Position Your Baby on the Pillow

Once you have the pillow in place, gently lift your baby and deposition them on the top of the pillow. It is important that you make sure that your baby’s head is comfortably aligned with the nipple (if breastfeeding) or bottle, with their body supported along the pillow’s curve.

If you breastfeed your baby, turn your baby’s body towards you, with their tummy touching yours. Your baby head should be slightly tilted upward so that the baby can latch easily.

If you bottle-feed your baby, place the baby in a position similar to breastfeeding, make sure the pillow supports your baby's body and keep their head elevated at a natural angle.

Also Read:- Best Sleeping Position for Baby with Stuffy Nose

Adjust for Comfort and Support

When you put the baby in the comfortable position, now make yourself comfortable as well. Make sure there is no pressure on your arms, wrists and neck, take support from the pillow. You can also adjust the pillow’s position according to your own posture so that feeding feels less strenuous to you.

With the Sleepsia feeding pillow, you can customize the angle of the pillow’s support to better suit your body’s needs. This is especially helpful if you’re breastfeeding for extended periods and need to reduce strain on your arms.

Monitor Your Baby’s Position

Ensure your baby is in a safe and comfortable position while feeding. Their head should be supported, and their airway should be open for easy breathing. You want your baby to be able to latch or drink without unnecessary effort, so adjust the pillow as needed to maintain a good feeding posture.

Use the Pillow for Burping and Support After Feeding

After you finish feeding, you can continue to use the feeding pillow to help support your baby during burping sessions. Simply shift the pillow so that it helps prop your baby in an upright position for better digestion and to prevent any reflux. This position also keeps your baby cozy and supported while you gently burp them.

Also Read in Hindi:- 3 महीने के बच्चे को कितना सोना चाहिए

Benefits of Using a Feeding Pillow

Now that you know how to use a feeding pillow, it’s worth noting the many benefits this baby feeding pillow can offer:

• Reduced Body Pain: Some of the side effects of learning to breastfeed include an aching back and neck. This happens because you must lift your infant to your chest during feeding time. A feeding pillow avoids the need for slouching and excessive bending.
• Must For Women With a C-Section: Women recuperating from a caesarian section are advised not to lay their baby directly on their tummies, which may put extra strain on the healing stitches. Nursing pillows are useful in such instances because they provide a barrier between your tummy and the baby.
• Help with Latching: Many mothers report that their baby does not latch correctly to the nipple or that there is insufficient milk transfer when they attempt to feed the baby. According to experts, incorrect latching frequently results in insufficient milk transfer, even if the mother produces a large amount of milk. Nursing pillows help latching by elevating the infant to the appropriate height. The raised level allows the mother to adequately feed the baby.
• Ideal also for bottle-feeding: Nursing pillows are also quite useful for bottle-fed babies. To assist avoid post-feed reflux, position the baby facing mum and lay their head on the upper edge. Furthermore, feeding cushions help mothers and fathers adopt healthy posture, alleviating tension on the shoulders, arms, and back.

Conclusion

A feeding pillow is an invaluable tool for new parents, providing essential support and comfort during feeding sessions. Whether you choose a Hoopa feeding pillow or a more traditional baby feeding pillow, the key to maximizing its benefits is proper positioning for both you and your baby.

By following these simple steps and understanding the benefits of a feeding pillow, you can make feeding time more enjoyable and less physically taxing. With the right pillow, feeding can become a more relaxed, bonding experience for both you and your baby.