Are you a new mom wondering when to stop using breastfeeding pillow? We all know that breast milk is the best baby food, but it can be a hard job.
Investing in a nursing pillow can help you cope with the process, but a time will come when you may have to put it away.
This article answers your question about when to stop using breastfeeding pillow, what you can do once you no longer need it for nursing, and other related questions.
What is a Breastfeeding Pillow?
A breastfeeding pillow is a pillow designed specifically for breastfeeding mothers. It comes in all kinds of styles and designs, and its sole purpose is to help support your baby in the proper position for breastfeeding.
When To Stop Using Breastfeeding Pillow?
There are no definite rules as to when to stop using breastfeeding pillow. However, most 4-to-6-month-olds have more stamina; once your baby attempts to creep or crawl, there is no need to use a nursing pillow.
Using a nursing pillow is a personal decision and is not required for good breastfeeding techniques.
Different nursing positions may be more comfortable and effective for some moms.
Unlike car seats, there are no hard and fast rules regarding when you should stop using breastfeeding pillows. It all depends on individual personal preference and comfort level.
Here are some things to consider before transitioning:
1. How Big is Your Breastfed Baby?
The need for a nursing pillow will likely decrease as your baby grows. As your newborn baby grows, the nursing pillow is an effective way to position your baby high enough to reach your breast, reducing the strain on your supporting arm.
You may find the pillow unnecessary when your baby can hold their head up independently and control their movement.
But even when your little one no longer needs it, some babies might prefer nursing this way because they’re used to it.
2. What is My Body Type?
While nursing pillows do not come in a specific size, they are not universal. While one brand may work well for your BFF, it may not work.
Here is a list of some things that may impact the fit of the pillow and how long you may need it for support:
- For tall moms: You will need a larger pillow to lift the baby higher and closer to your nipple. With your height, you may require more support than a shorter woman who can rest her baby on her lap. Additionally, this need will lessen as your baby grows and becomes more independent.
- If you’re a small mom: Try pillows of different heights. As your baby grows, you may find that thicker pillows lift him too high.
- If your midsection is thicker: Pillows with belts and smaller openings may be less comfortable. In addition, they may be harder for you to put on, especially when you are a newborn and when you are rarely hands-free.
These situations may change as your postpartum body changes, and your baby grows.
3. Is It Helping or Hurting?
It’s a good idea to reevaluate the fit of your pillow periodically during this time because your baby and body are constantly changing.
Nursing is not something you should do by default. Check your posture, how your body feels, and your baby’s latch to find out if your nursing pillow is offering proper support. You don’t want your pillow to encourage poor nursing.
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides a breastfeeding checklist to assist moms in determining if they are successfully breastfeeding.
Keep in mind that if the pillow is not well suited to you or your baby, it could make you awkwardly position your body, leading to latching issues and sore nipples.
Other Ways To Use Your Nursing Pillow
When it’s time to stop using the breastfeeding pillow, you don’t have to feel that it’s gone for good. The nursing pillow can help you in other ways as you spend time with your child.
Here are some helpful ways you can use the pillow as your baby grow:
To prop you up in bed
I usually used the nursing pillow behind my back as an additional support cushion to keep me upright (especially on the bed).
If you’re recovering from normal delivery and find sitting uncomfortable, the hole in the pillow relieves pressure while you’re sitting.
For Snuggle Support
Using a nursing pillow under your arms can help to support your arm so you can enjoy the snuggle rather than the muscle pains while nursing on the couch.
Some older kids enjoy holding their new baby sibling independently while using the nursing pillow for support (with adult supervision).
For Back Laying
The curved pillow can form a cozy little nest for your baby to sleep in. your baby’s lower back and bum are cradled by the hole, while the pillow supports his upper back and neck. Your baby can also observe their surroundings!
Please keep in mind that this is only recommended for times when your baby is awake. Nursing pillows are not a secure sleeping space.
For Supported Sitting
Just place your baby in the nursing pillow’s hole and wrap it around his back to provide support and extra cushioning if (when) he falls over.
For Tummy Time
You can place your baby on their tummy on the curve of the nursing pillow and drape their arms over the front of it once they are old enough to hold their head up.
This allows them to move around more than regular tummy time because they can play with toys in front of them.
Although some babies as young as two to three months old may lift their heads for brief periods of time, they can grow tired easily.
Most babies at the age of four-to-six-month have more stamina, and using the nursing pillow for tummy time is completely ok. You don’t need to use the pillow once your baby can crawl.
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FAQs
What Can I Do With My Pillow When I’m done Breastfeeding?
We do not recommend passing this breastfeeding product on to other mothers due to its personal nature. You can recycle your nursing pillow along with the rest of your recyclables.
Some mothers use their nursing pillow to support their own activities, such as sewing, while others use it as a play pillow for their child’s learning.
How Do I Wash My Nursing Pillow?
Firstly, remove the slipcover from your nursing pillow by unzipping it. To protect the zipper, zip the cover closed before washing.
Squeeze out as much air as possible before you put the pillow in a washer. Then wash the pillow and slipcover on the delicate cycle with cold water and an extra spin.
Can I Use A Regular Pillow To Nurse?
You can use any pillow as long as it is comfortable for your body type and nursing position.
According to Tori Hamilton, a registered nurse and lactation consultant in Kincardine, Ontario, she says “My top priority is the comfort of the breastfeeding mom.”
She suggests that moms find nursing-friendly areas in their homes, such as a corner spot on the couch and a glider in the baby’s room, and stock them up with a few pillows.
What Is The Recommended Weight Limit For My Baby To Use My Brest Friend?
The recommended weight limit can support babies up to 18 months and about 20 pounds.
Do I Need A Pillow For Bottle Feeding?
According to one expert, parents should watch their babies’ bottles as they take a sip. Sleeping next to your child’s bottle may appeal to a time-pressed new parent.
Doctors pop the bottle, encouraging babies to drink more liquid by pumping it out of the jar.
How Do I Bottle Feed With A Nursing Pillow?
Rest your back comfortably in the proper position. Wrap the Boppy around your waist and across your lap.
Place your baby on the Boppy, centering them on the back of the board. If your baby’s head and torso are cradled, your arms should be touching the ground.
Is A Boppy Necessary For Breastfeeding?
Yes, it can support breastfeeding during nursing holds, but it can also be placed in a bottle if necessary. The ability to prop your baby for tummy time while providing sitting support is a great feature of this prop.
When using the Boppy, never leave your baby unattended, and never use it while your baby is sleeping.
Why Shouldn’t Babies Sleep With Boppy Pillows?
Pillow-like products in infant beds can cause suffocation, so they are not recommended for infants.
As a result, because babies sleep frequently – and suffocation is so dangerous and deadly – those Boppy lounger products should not be used.
Can A Boppy Pillow Be Used For Bottle Feeding?
Breastfeeding and using your baby by hand will be beneficial, as will tummy time, sitting, and rocking. You should not leave your baby on a Boppy Pillow or a Boppy Newborn Lounger for more than a few minutes.
Wind Up
We hope this article has given an in-depth discussion to answer when to stop using breastfeeding pillow.
As your baby grows, there will be signs that may make you question whether it’s time to ditch the pillow.
We suggest you reevaluate every couple of months as your body changes and your baby grows while keeping these few tips in mind – How big is your baby?
Your body type and the kind of support you need? How do you feel about breastfeeding?
Once you’ve decided to let go after reading this article, you can transition to using the pillow in other creative ways with your baby!