Do I Need a Breastfeeding Pillow?

When you’re preparing for a baby, the list of things you might need can seem endless. Somewhere between setting up the crib and debating over onesie patterns, you might start wondering: "Do I need a breastfeeding pillow?"

As a neonatal nurse, I’ve seen my fair share of new moms wondering whether this is an essential part of their feeding toolkit. While some moms swear by them, others seem to get by just fine without one. Today, I’ll break down whether a breastfeeding pillow is necessary and how it can help you and your baby.

A breastfeeding pillow isn't an absolute necessity for all mothers, but it can offer significant benefits. It provides support, helps with positioning, and reduces strain on your back, neck, and arms during feeding. If you're struggling with discomfort or finding it hard to position your baby, a breastfeeding pillow can make the process much more comfortable.

What Is a Breastfeeding Pillow?

A breastfeeding pillow is designed to make nursing easier and more comfortable for both you and your baby. Unlike regular pillows, breastfeeding pillows are shaped to provide firm, stable support, helping you position your baby at the ideal height for feeding.

This reduces strain on your arms, shoulders, and neck during nursing sessions, especially during longer feeds. 

How Is a Breastfeeding Pillow Different From Regular Pillows?

The key difference between a breastfeeding pillow and regular pillows lies in their shape and firmness. While stacking regular pillows might offer some support, they often shift around, requiring constant readjustment.

Unlike regular pillows, breastfeeding pillows are sometimes designed with features that prioritize safety and comfort. For instance, our wedge-shaped design allows for easy adjustments to find the most comfortable position for both you and your baby.

Plus, with no zips, buttons, or tabs, there's nothing to worry about during feeding sessions. The breathable, soft fabric also helps keep you and your baby cool, even during longer feeds. 

Do All New Moms Need a Breastfeeding Pillow?

While a breastfeeding pillow can be a helpful tool for many new moms, it’s not necessarily a must-have for everyone. Some mothers find they can nurse comfortably without one, especially as they gain more experience and confidence in positioning their baby.

However, for long feeding sessions, having that extra support can make a world of difference. It helps reduce the strain on your arms, neck, and back, making the process much more comfortable, particularly during nighttime or when you’re tired.

For some moms, especially those who’ve had a C-section, a breastfeeding pillow can be particularly beneficial. It prevents unnecessary pressure on the incision site while feeding, allowing you to relax more and focus on your baby’s comfort. Overall, even if you don’t find it essential at first, many moms discover that using a breastfeeding pillow can make feeding sessions far more comfortable and sustainable in the long run.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Breastfeeding Pillow?

Breastfeeding pillows offer several advantages that can make nursing easier and more comfortable for both mom and baby.

Reduces Back, Neck, and Arm Strain 

Breastfeeding can often lead to awkward positions, leaving your arms, neck, shoulders and back sore after a session. A breastfeeding pillow helps elevate your baby to the right height, reducing the strain on your muscles and allowing you to sit back and relax a little more during feeding.

Helps With Positioning and Latch 

Achieving a good latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding, and the right positioning plays a big part. A breastfeeding pillow allows you to adjust your baby’s position more easily, bringing them closer to the breast and improving the latch. This can help prevent issues like nipple pain or inefficient feeding.

Can I Use My Pregnancy Pillow as a Breastfeeding Pillow?

If you already have a pregnancy pillow, it can absolutely double up as a breastfeeding pillow, saving you both space and money. However, not all pregnancy pillows are built for this dual purpose. Bulkier or U-shaped pillows, for example, may not be practical for nursing.

Our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® is a different story. With the addition of our Butterfly Nursing Cover, it easily transforms into a stable and supportive breastfeeding pillow. The cover features clever ties that convert the pillow into a wedge shape, giving you the perfect support for both you and your baby during feeds. 

Simply slip on the cover, adjust the ties to secure the pillow, and you’ve got a comfortable, baby-safe surface that’s easy to position. 

Check out our store for our pillows and nursing covers.

FAQs about Breastfeeding Pillows

Can a Breastfeeding Pillow Help With C-Section Recovery?

Yes, a breastfeeding pillow can prevent your baby from putting pressure on your incision site, making it easier and more comfortable to nurse while healing from a C-section.

How Long Will I Need a Breastfeeding Pillow?

Most moms use a breastfeeding pillow during the first few months when babies need extra support. However, many find it helpful throughout their entire nursing journey.

Can a Breastfeeding Pillow Be Used for Bottle Feeding?

Yes, breastfeeding pillows aren’t just for nursing. They can be used to support your baby while bottle-feeding, too, making them a versatile tool.

Does a Breastfeeding Pillow Help With Latching?

Yes, by helping position your baby at the right height, a breastfeeding pillow can improve latch and reduce discomfort during nursing.

Closing Thoughts

Whether or not you need a breastfeeding pillow depends on your personal comfort and feeding experience. While not an absolute necessity, a breastfeeding pillow can make a big difference by reducing strain on your body and helping with your baby’s latch, especially during longer feeding sessions.

If you're looking for versatility, our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® offers excellent pregnancy support and can easily be transformed into a nursing pillow with our Butterfly Nursing Cover. Together they provide everything you need to stay comfortable from pregnancy through nursing.

Explore our shop to find the perfect combination for your journey!

*The shape of the Butterfly Maternity Pillow® is a registered trade mark of Weekly Sales Pty Ltd