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Many moms today are choosing to exclusively or partially breastfeed their babies. Learning how to breastfeed can cause new strain on the body, especially as the baby grows and gains weight. When the mother experiences muscle or nipple pain while nursing, it can create stress for both mom and baby. Since maternal stress impacts infants, it becomes essential to make nursing as comfortable as possible for both mom and baby. This way, they can continue their breastfeeding journey for as long as they’d like.
Recently, nursing pillows have become a staple on every new parent’s baby registry, and for a good reason. A study by Pediatric Reports found a 68.60% reduction in muscle pain for breastfeeding mothers who introduced nursing pillows while breastfeeding. With so many products on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is best for you. We’ve analyzed the pros and cons of some of the most popular products on the market to help you choose the right nursing pillow!
My Breast Friend
Pros:
- Made out of two layers of recycled foam, so it’s incredibly supportive,
- The supportive foam displaces a lot of the baby’s weight, allowing the mom to feel more relaxed while nursing,
- This pillow fits mothers of all sizes,
- It features ouches to hold any breastfeeding essentials you may need (like snacks for mom), and
- You can purchase multiple covers for it. You can have one cover in the wash and a backup cover on the pillow.
Cons:
- This nursing pillow isn’t a compact model; it can feel a bit bulky while wearing it,
- It has a back strap that is secured by Velcro, so taking it on and off can feel almost as clunky as being seat-belted in for an amusement park ride, and
- If your baby falls asleep while nursing, the sound made by the Velcro while removing it can potentially wake the baby.
Medela Nursing Pillow
Pros:
- Medela is a very trusted brand for moms everywhere and has some credibility in the breastfeeding market as the maker of many hospital-grade breast pumps,
- Features a 100% cotton, machine-washable cover,
- It has a gentle, crescent moon shape that is easy to adjust to most body sizes, and
- Versatile and can be used as a pregnancy pillow.
Cons:
- Many reviewers are surprised by how tough the fabric is,
- The pillow doesn’t have a traditional U or C shape, so it can be tough to wrap around the body, and
- This pillow is a bit pricey
Luna Lullaby Nursing Pillow
Pros:
- The V-shape of the pillow makes it ideal for plus-sized mothers,
- This pillow doesn’t use any zipper, hook, or button enclosures as an added safety feature. Instead, the cover goes on the pillow much like a traditional bed pillow sham, and
- It works as a support pillow throughout pregnancy.
Cons:
- Not available for purchase at larger retailers, like Amazon,
- The Luna Lullaby website doesn’t yet have many reviews on their website, so it’s hard to find difficult feedback on the product,
- The pillow is very plush, so it doesn’t provide as much support as some other nursing pillows
Ten Breastfeeding Products That Make a Nursing Mom’s Life Ao much Easier
Lansinoh Nursie Nursing Pillow
Pros:
- This pillow is incredibly budget-friendly,
- It’s extremely compact, making it ideal for travel,
- The entire pillow is machine washable, and
- Ideal for any body type
Cons:
- There are no additional covers that can be purchased for this pillow,
- It’s more like a cuff than a traditional pillow; it wraps around the mother’s arm. The warm material can cause some uncomfortable sweat in warmer weather, and
- It only works well with a cradle-hold nursing position.
Feeding Friend Inflatable Nursing Pillow
Pros:
- Packs easily in any diaper bag,
- Ideal for traveling,
- Works for moms of any size,
- Includes a washable cover, and
- Compatible with many nursing positions
Cons:
- Additional covers can’t be purchased for this pillow,
- Reviews mention that the pillow needs to sit out for about a day before it can be inflated properly, and
- It seems that most mothers like it as a travel pillow but prefer different brands for at-home nursing
Wrapping Up
Nursing pillows can help alleviate shoulder and neck discomfort caused by breastfeeding. Also, the right pillow can help the baby get a good latch and lessen the chance of any nipple pain while nursing. While there is no one perfect product for every mother, weighing the pros and cons of different products and comparing them to your individual needs can help you make the right choice for yourself and your little one.
If you’re considering a brand that isn’t mentioned on the list, reading retail reviews is arguably the best place to gain insights into the product. YouTube reviews are helpful, but many influencers are paid to give glowing reviews for products they don’t use or like.
Many mothers dream of being able to nurse their babies, so it can feel imperative to find the right products to help support you.
Sources: Amazon – Breast Friend, Amazon – Medela, Luna Lullaby, Amazon – Lansinoh, Amazon – Feeding Friend, Pediatric Reports
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