Nursing Pillow

[Sparklyuggs]

Any recommendations for a nursing pillow? I'm hoping to breastfeed but wasn't sure if a V shaped or C shaped pillow would be best?

[NoMoreMonkeys]

Ime it's one of those things you don't actually need; just a product marketed to try to monetise bf!

I've known people to use the C shaped ones to help baby when they start sitting, though, so if you're set on getting one that could be a consideration.

[FatLittleWombat]

I wouldn't waste any money on a nursing pillow. I thought it was completely useless. Even the mums I know who liked using a nursing pillow didn't use it for longer than 6 weeks.

[TipBoov]

Going against the grain here, but I think nursing pillows are essential. I've been using one for 5 months. A v-shaped pillow from IKEA is ideal, or this one -Cuddles Collection Twinkle Star Nursing Pillow (Silver) <a class="break-all" href="//www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0173WU0PM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wibdzbWS3PBY9?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">//www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0173WU0PM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wibdzbWS3PBY9?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[Sparklyuggs]

Thanks, my friends who have breastfed all said it really helped their arms not to ache? Thought it was worth putting on the list, my lovely MIL wants to buy me something so that Amazon link is perfect as she can just click and buy.

[TheMasterNotMargarita]

I have a fleece one similar to the amazon link in the previous post.
I didn't have one for my first baby and killed my back.
Baby2 is heavier so it's easier to get comfortable.
I'm also going to say I've used it more now he's bigger (8 months).
You can buy them very cheaply and use it to prop up baby when it's bigger.
Ours also naps propped on it as it's like being cuddled!

[Loraline]

I had the mybrestfriend one and couldn't have done without it for ds1. He was quite small and I was MASSIVE and I found it hard to get him latched on. I needed two hands and found it hatd to hold him and do it.

[Blahblahblahyadayadayada]

I had awful back problems in this pregnancy so used a theraline pillow to help me with that and also to help support baby with bf at night. I also rediscovered one I had from my first pregnancy from Argos which was reasonably priced. Again, I used it while pregnant to help me feel more comfortable when sleeping. Due to the back problems, I felt it was important that I got my posture right (well, as much as possible) so the pillows were essential for me. I think I'll be getting good use out of the pillows even after bf. So I got pillows that multitasks, if you see what I mean.

[Orangedaisy]

Can't live without mine-just a v shaped one from Argos. The v bit is a handy ipad prop too

[teaandbiscuitsforme]

I got a cheapy one from Asda, used it with both DD and DS. I still use it for every feed when we're not lying down with DS and he's almost 4 months. Can't remember when I gradually stopped using it with DD but it was also useful when she was first sitting.

[JugglingMum17]

I got the c shape nursing pillow and have used it loads with DS1. I used it for breastfeeding and I found that he would sleep on there (supervised of course) and that was the only place he would sleep if he was not held.

I also used it for tummy time for DS1 and when he was sitting up, I put it in front of him when he was sitting in the corner of the corner sofa and I put toys in front of him so he could reach them and when he was sitting on the floor I put it behind him so when he fell he would fall on the nursing pillow. Before DS1 was born I used it whilst pregnant as support on my back.

I have used it whilst breastfeeding DS2 and I will use as outlined above with him.

Although it can be seen as a waste of money if you use it loads then it's great value for money.

I got the one from the bounty pack vouchers it's not hard and it's not soft. My sis in law got a pink one maybe from mothercare or toys r us and I thought it was too firm and I honestly did not see her use it much.

I have used it for a lot of things and I think it's great.

I know somebody who used it for breastfeeding and she had a c section and she said it helped in covering her stitches so baby did not hit her stitches.

Keep us updated whether you got one and whether you think it's useful

[JugglingMum17]

I've also used it to rest my plate on when eating dinner on the sofa lol

[JaneCope]

Another vote for mybreastfriend. Have used it with all three dc, for a year each, and wouldn't be without it. Love it because it attaches to you and therefore you can move around a bit while keeping the baby in the same position. I didn't have it for the first six weeks with dc1 and really hated how restricted you were once you started feeding and dc1 was comfy, especially when you'd left the remote out of arms reach... Hasn't eliminated back ache though.

[Northgate]

I have a c- shaped breastfeeding pillow - Widgey one IIRC.

It's now being used for it's second breastfed baby and I have found it extremely useful for breastfeeding at home. I know not everyone needs one, but I've found it so useful to help me keep baby in a good position without tiring out my back and arms. And as a pp said, if you end up with a c-section, they help to protect your stitches when feeding.

My youngest DC is 5 months old and I'm still using the pillow for every sitting up feed at home. I used it till almost a year with my older breastfed child, plus it was also used to help prop him up when he was learning to sit, and to help with tummy time. I've definitely had my money's worth out of this pillow!

[JugglingMum17]

Yeh it was great for being able to move and baby was still in same position on pillow as pp has mentioned.

I also found that if I needed to put baby down I could just pick up pillow with baby on it and place on the sofa (in the corner of the corner sofa and all supervised) and baby would still remain asleep which was awesome

[JugglingMum17]

But if you really did not want to spend the money then a nice fluffy pillow does the same thing because at a hotel stay last weekend I used their pillow and it was very fluffy and did the same thing as nursing pillow hahah

So maybe if you are unsure about spending money on nursing pillow just get a nice chunky pillow from the shop and it can be used on the bed after. The hotel one seemed like goose down pillow and obviously you may have to be careful if baby is newborn.

Maybe check what nursing pillows have inside by looking at labels and get a normal fluffy bouncy pillow

[MrsD28]

I have the exact pillow from that Amazon link and it has been absolutely essential (have been breastfeeding for almost a year now). Until about two months ago DS would only nap on my lap - at least with the pillow I could have my arms free and read a book / look at mumsnet on my phone. I have two pillows actually - so if he is sick on one I always have the other.

[MoodyOne]

I have a cheap C shaped one from Amazon , my done is 16 weeks and I wouldn't do without it at Home x

[MrsKCoulter]

My Brest Friend was essential for me. I had a C shaped one but it was useless (I use it to help my baby sit now though). You clip the Brest Friend round your back so it actually fits, with the C shaped one there was always a gap the baby fell down! I constantly recommend it to people. It seems expensive but it's worth every penny.

[MrsKCoulter]

Though, I only used it for a few weeks until the baby was bigger, so if you could borrow one that might work. Depends on the baby obviously.

[Sparklyuggs]

Thanks everyone, will a think. I'm waiting to find out if I need a c section or not and that might influence my pillow choice.