Nursing Pillow FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Pillows

The nursing pillow has definitely evolved since the days of using a sofa or bed pillow to help new mothers feed their infants.  However with so many different sizes, styles and designs of nursing pillows on the market, we get lots of questions – especially from new parents or someone giving a nursing pillow as a gift.  Our most commonly asked questions include:

Why should I buy a nursing pillow?

Nursing pillows create an ideal position for a mother to raise her baby up to breast level, making the latch-on process easier. It also provides back, neck, shoulder and abdominal support so that you can be more relaxed which also improves the bonding experience. They also prevent your baby from slipping or rolling away from you.  The best blankets will be designed in consultation with lactation experts.

Does a nursing pillow work for bottle feeding?

Yes! Absolutely!  And without stepping into the breast vs. bottle debate we can say with certainty that the most comfortable positions for nursing usually match those for bottle feeding.  So a well designed breastfeeding pillow will certainly work for babies who are being bottle fed. 

Will I be able to use a pillow after a C section?

This is one of the best reasons to buy a specially designed pillow.  The shape of a nursing pillow relieves abdominal pressure and provides the much needed cushion comfort for feeding to mothers who have had a C-section. 

Will my baby be comfortable on these pillows?

The best nursing pillows are generally designed with super soft; hypo-allergenic fabric is designed for maximum mother and baby comfort, and also prevents overheating and sweating. You should look for a pillow that avoids the use of Velcro or zippers to prevent against nips, pinches and scratches on your baby’s delicate skin.

What about clean up time – are they easy to wash?

Yes, but only if you find a pillow with a removable, washable cover.  Otherwise you may be shopping for a nursing slip cover later on. We recommend using warm water for best results and avoid bleach as it might be too harsh for your baby’s delicate skin. 

How long will my nursing pillow last?

Typically you can expect most pillows to last about a year if you follow the care instructions.  However some pillows allow you to purchase additional covers which may extend the life of your pillow. 

What else can you use a nursing pillow for?

This is a smart question especially in today’s cost-conscious world.  Some nursing pillows are large enough to be used as a pregnancy or maternity sleeping pillow.  Pregnancy pillows can be quite expensive so if you can find one that provides double duty you can potentially save yourself some money.