If you are a new mother, you are about to embark on the most exciting journey of your life! Your life will abruptly orbit, encompassing certain words: restless nighttime, poopy diapers, colic, reflux, and the list goes on. And don’t forget about nursing, either! Meanwhile, when it comes to your infant, breast milk is like manna from heaven. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, is no walk in the park. Also, there are a variety of circumstances that may make the basic process of feeding your kid into a terrifying one. And a bad latch, insufficient supply, poor posture, cracked nipples, thrush, back discomfort, and mastitis are all possibilities. But, worry not since a feeding pillow is a solution to them all.
Don’t get too worked up over it! This list is not intended to discourage you from nursing. The majority of moms have no trouble feeding their babies. However, if you do have difficulties, assistance is always available! So, if you are suffering from a sore back, you may consider investing in a feeding cushion.
Apart from providing back support, what are the other benefits of investing in a breastfeeding pillow for your baby?
- Makes Pregnancy More Comfortable
Yes, you may begin using a breastfeeding pillow before giving birth to your child. Use it as back support to make the final trimester of your pregnancy a bit more bearable.
- Aids in the Development of a Strong Latch for the Infant
The cushion is intended to bring your baby closer to your body for its most basic purpose. This is critical if you want your child to latch on successfully. As such, pain-free feeding sessions are a result of a healthy latch.
- It Aids in the Recovery Process After a C-section.
As previously discussed, having a breastfeeding pillow might be an excellent alternative for those who are healing after a c-section. It serves to protect the incision site and aid in the healing process. Additionally, you will not have to exert as much physical effort to hold your infant.
- It Helps to Alleviate Reflux Symptoms
Reflux and colic affect a large number of newborns. And if you feed your infant while failing to support it adequately, these issues might arise much more quickly. As such, a feeding cushion may aid in the positioning of the infant and the prevention of reflux, colic, and other gastrointestinal problems.
- Support for Both You and Your Child
Unusual fact: A feeding pillow was initially intended to assist your baby to sit up! So, when your baby is ready (usually between 4-6 months of age), you may use your feeding cushion as support and teach them the joys of sitting up independently.
- It Helps to Build Muscle Strength
You may lay your baby on the pillow with its stomach facing up. This will encourage the baby to utilise its arms and legs more, which will result in their muscles being stronger.
The Best Way to Use a Breastfeeding Pillow
Compared to conventional pillows, commercial nursing pillows feature a U-shape design that is more comfortable for the mother-to-be. As such, here are some pointers on making the most of a typical nursing pillow:
- Before picking up the infant in your arms, wrap the feeding cushion around your midsection and secure it.
- Set yourself up in a feeding posture that allows you to keep your baby as close to your body as possible as you feed.
- Some adjustable breastfeeding pillows are equipped with straps that may be tied around your waist to keep the cushion in place.
- Adjust the straps and the height of the cushion to your preference and comfort.
- Your baby’s head should be resting on the pillow. And it will provide excellent support for the infant and will also assist the baby in obtaining a good latch.
- Choose a feeding cushion with a removable covering since spit-ups might occur from time to time. As such, the majority of commercial nursing pillows may be washed in the washing machine.
- Breastfeeding arm pillows are also available, along with the more traditional types of pillows. And instead of being wrapped around the mother’s waist, these cushions may be tucked under her arm to give head support for the child.
