How to Use a Nursing Pillow for Breastfeeding

A nursing pillow is a specially made portable, lightweight pillow that increases comfort for both you and baby during breastfeeding by providing additional support. Many mothers find it a very useful item during the first year.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Recognize that several different types of nursing pillows exist on the market. Some strap around the mother; others come in multiple pieces so that you can add or subtract pieces as you like.

2. Attach the nursing pillow to you as directed. With the Boppy, just slip it around your waist so that the pillow extends from your front and sides. Other pillows wrap around your back or neck with Velcro.

3. Place the baby on the nursing pillow, adjusting the pillow before baby latches on for breastfeeding. Your pillow should raise the baby to nipple level so that you don't have to hunch over.

4. Use a nursing pillow for support even during bottle feeding. This allows other people to use it as well.

5. Enjoy another benefit of the nursing pillow is that it allows you to support your baby during feeding while leaving one hand free to read, check your email or talk on the telephone.

6. Slip off the pillow cover for washing when needed.

7. Add another use to the nursing pillow. As your baby gets older and starts to sit, the pillow can support her and protect her when she falls over.

Tips & Warnings

• Some mothers report difficulty getting the strap-on nursing pillow on and off with only one hand.