When pregnant, a pregnancy pillow comes in handy to relieve body aches, improve blood circulation and encourage relaxation, which leads to deep sleep. Once you give birth, you switch to a nursing pillow which elevates the baby, so you don’t have to slouch over when breastfeeding.
But what if we told you the nursing pillow is an unnecessary expense when you have a pregnancy pillow already? According to Hilde, one of the co-founders of BBhugme, a breastfeeding pillow is simply a mini-version of the pregnancy pillows. It is shorter, narrower and more easily transportable, but they are essentially the same thing.
So, if you already have a good pregnancy pillow, especially if it’s a full-body one, it will serve as a breastfeeding pillow once the baby comes. In fact, some moms find it better because it’s longer and can support both the baby and your back for more comfort.
How to Use Pregnancy Pillow After Giving Birth
Pregnancy pillows can be a godsend for expectant mothers. They provide support and comfort during those long nights when you’re trying to get some sleep. But what do you do with them once the baby arrives?
Here are some ideas on how to use your pregnancy pillow long after your little one has arrived. With a little creativity, you can find ways to use these pillows that will make your life easier and more comfortable.
How to Use A Pregnancy Pillow for Nursing?
1. Put the Pillow on Your Lap and Wrap It Around Your Waist
A nursing pillow is usually wrapped around a mom’s tummy area and waist to support the baby and raise them when breastfeeding. If you use a pregnancy pillow instead, you must wrap it the same way. Lay the pillow on your lap and wrap it around your waist so the middle part supports the baby while the tongues go behind you to support your back.
2.Pregnancy Pillow Goes Behind Your Back and Holds Up Your Hands
That said, many moms out there use both of them together. The pregnancy pillow goes behind your back and holds up your hands, while the nursing pillow elevates the baby for breastfeeding.
3.You Can Even Use It for Nursing When Lying Down
The good thing about using a pregnancy pillow after birth is that you can even use it for nursing when lying down. Wrap the pillow behind the baby, like you used to do when pregnant, and place their head on the pillow so it’s a bit elevated. Alternatively, wrap the pillow behind you if you require some back and shoulder support when breastfeeding while lying down on your side.
As a disclaimer, though, only breastfeed lying down if you are fully awake. Sleeping while breastfeeding does expose the baby to certain risks, such as suffocating under the breast and choking on milk.
Recommended Pregnancy Pillow for Breastfeeding
Basically, any good pregnancy pillow can work as a nursing pillow. However, it needs to be firm, comfortable and body-hugging so it can support your back as well. One pregnancy pillow that was specially designed to transition to breastfeeding duties, however, is the Medela maternity and nursing pillow.
Medela Maternity Pillow and Breastfeeding Nursing Pillow
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Designed to be an all-in-one solution that encompasses both a maternity support pillow as well as a breastfeeding pillow, the pillow is constructed to provide a combination of sturdy, durable durability.
You will find Medela’s Maternity & Nursing Pillow to be your comfort companion for the duration of your pregnancy and beyond. Designed to be an all-in-one solution that encompasses both a maternity support pillow as well as a breastfeeding pillow, the pillow is constructed to provide a combination of sturdy, durable durability that can withstand life’s everyday messes, yet is gentle and versatile enough to be used whether you’re sleeping, pumping, resting, or nursing your baby.
- It is made from breathable fabric which ensures that both you and your little one will be as comfortable as possible while nursing, feeding, or even just relaxing with each other.
- It is made with silent micro pearl filling and provides ample support for your baby as well as your back and arms.
My Personal Review: I love how firm the pillow is so the child doesn’t sink in, and it’s also adjustable and body-hugging. For hygiene purposes, this pillow comes with a 100% cotton removable cover that’s breathable, anti-irritant and anti-allergenic. You can take off the cover and throw it in the wash as regularly as you like.
Customer Helpful Review: “I’m really loving this pillow! It takes a few sleeps to figure out exactly what works for you, but once you do, it’s great. It’s super light wait and not bulky, so easy to tote through the house to wherever you may be wanting to use it. The filler is neat- if you condense it to an area, it is quite firm. If you disperse it, it’s a fluffier feel. That takes a bit of getting used to, but is great once you do. I’m finding this to be a great help with my sleep, and will be useful once baby is here, too!”
-Katy
How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow for Sleep After Giving Birth
There are a variety of different sleeping positions that new mothers can try in order to get more comfortable after giving birth.
- If you are struggling with back pain at night, a pregnancy pillow can also be a great way to get some relief. Try placing the pillow behind your back when you are sitting up in bed or taking a nap. This will help to support your spine and take some of the pressure off of your lower back.
- Some women find that sleeping on their side with a pregnancy pillow between their legs helps to take some of the pressure off of their hips and lower back.
- Others find relief by placing the pregnancy pillow behind their back and knees when they sleep on their stomach. Experiment with different positions until you find one that feels comfortable for you.
How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow for Cuddles With Little Baby
Cuddling with your newborn can be a great way to bond with your child and support their head and neck at the same time. This can be accomplished by placing the pregnancy pillow around your waist and then placing your baby on your chest. Gently rock them back and forth or side to side, and enjoy the precious moment.
It is a very special time between you and your little one, so remember to cherish these moments while you are together.
How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow for Baby Tummy Time
Tummy time is an important part of your baby’s development as it helps them to build up their strength and coordination. It is also a great opportunity for you to bond with your little one. Using a pregnancy pillow during tummy time can help to make it more comfortable for both you and your baby.
To use a pregnancy pillow for tummy time, simply place the pillow under your baby’s chest and let them rest their head on top of the pillow. You may need to adjust the position of the pillow depending on your baby’s size and comfort level. It is important that the pillow supports the natural contours of your baby’s body and that it is firm enough to provide support but soft enough to be comfortable. Be sure to cover the pillows with a soft, washable material such as a cotton slipcover.
Once you have placed the pregnancy pillow in position, there are a few different ways you can play with your baby during tummy time. Try gently tickling their toes or blowing bubbles for them to pop. You can also try placing toys just out of reach so that they have to lift their head to see them. Tummy time doesn’t have to be all work and no play!
An ideal pregnancy pillow should be made from breathable fabric and 100% cotton to ensure comfort and safety for the mother and child. It should also be easy to carry and store, and come with a spare cover for easy washing. Functionality is also important, so the pillow should have several different uses to help make the mother’s life easier.
Here are some of the most popular types of pregnancy pillows:
Body pillow: It is a type of pillow that is long and thin. This pillow is designed to be hugged, but you can also use it as a pillow for your belly, back, and head if you need it.
U-Shaped Pillow: Generally, this type of pillow is shaped like a U, and can be used for both back support, belly support, head support, and knee support.
C-Shaped Pillow: The C-shaped pillow can be used to support your back, belly, and head since it is shaped like a C shape. It is also great for nursing after the baby has been born since it is easy to use.
Doughnut pillow: As the name suggests, this type of pillow is shaped like a doughnut, and it can be used to support the back or the belly. The pillow is also an excellent choice if you want to sit up in bed or use it as a nursing pillow once your child is born.
An Ideal Pregnancy Pillow Should Include This Parameters:
To ensure comfort and safety for the mother and the baby, a pregnancy pillow should be made from breathable fabric and 100% cotton. This will ensure the highest quality of comfort and safety possible. Furthermore, it should be lightweight and easy to store and carry, and come with a spare cover so that it can be easily washed if needed. The versatility of the pillow is also something that is important to consider, so it should have a variety of uses to make a mother’s life a little easier.
Can Pregnancy Pillows be Washed?
Speaking of hygiene, can you wash a pregnancy or breastfeeding pillow? Many new moms wonder about this, considering you will be laying your baby there. Well, it depends on what the pillow is made of or rather filled with.
Common fillings include cotton, memory foam, down and feathers. Some can be machine washed while others will be ruined by water. The best thing you can do is read the care label on the pillow to find out if and how to clean the pillow.
Down and Feather Filling
That said, if your pregnancy pillow is filled with down, feather fibers or down alternatives like polyester, you can easily throw it in the machine. Make sure it fits comfortably, and use very little laundry detergent to clean it so it can rinse easily. If the pillow has a stain, take care of that stain first using natural solutions like baking soda or vinegar.
It is extremely important to use the gentle cycle and warm to cold water when washing pillows. Be careful not to agitate the fillings or tear the cover. Once it’s clean, put it in the dryer at low temperature and let it dry slowly.
Memory Foam and Latex
While memory foam can be machine washed, the process is a bit different because this material easily gathers mold and mildew. We recommend using the dryer instead to remove dust, dust mites and any allergens on it. Put the pillow in the dryer for at least 10 minutes on a low heat setting and let it spin until all bacteria, viruses, and dust mites die.
As for latex, you are safer hand washing because machines easily ruin it. Put water and laundry soap in a basin, throw in your pillow and gently clean it without applying too much pressure or friction. Once it’s clean, you will have to air dry it under the sunlight to get rid of the water, and any microbes left after the wash.
That said, washing a pregnancy pillow is not something you need to do often if it has a removable top cover. The cover is meant to protect your pillow from dirt, sweat and stains, so you will be washing it weekly instead of the pillow. Once in a while, you can vacuum your pillow to get rid of any dust or throw it in the dryer to kill microbes and odor.
Final Words
In conclusion, if you have made it this far, you probably agree that pregnancy pillows are an absolute necessity during pregnancy and after childbirth. And on top of that, it can be a lifesaver when it comes to breastfeeding during the long hours.
There’s no need to hesitate, Mama, you should definitely invest in a comfy pillow so both you and your baby are comfortable.
