A well-positioned nursing pillow means baby is at the right height and your arms can rest. Badly placed, it slips and forces you to lean forward. Here is how to use it, step by step, and the positions where it helps the most.
Getting comfortable before the feed
- Sit comfortably, with your back well supported against the backrest and your feet flat on the floor or resting on a small stool.
- Place the pillow around your waist, with the thickest part on the side where baby will feed.
- Fasten the clip belt and adjust it so that the pillow sits snugly against you, without being tight.
- Put the strap over your shoulder: it stops the pillow from tipping forward.
- Position baby on the pillow, tummy to tummy with you, head at breast height. The pillow helps you support baby, close against you.
If baby is too low, don't lean towards them: raise them with the small support cushion or a folded towel.
The positions where the pillow helps the most
The cradle hold
This is the most classic position: baby lies on their side on the pillow, with their head in the crook of your elbow. The pillow supports their whole body and your arm only has to guide them.
The cross-cradle hold
Baby is in the same position, but it is your opposite hand that supports the back of their neck. Handy in the first few days to better guide latching on: the pillow keeps baby at the right height while your hand guides them.
The rugby ball hold
Baby lies on their side, along your flank, with their feet towards the backrest. Often preferred after a caesarean or for larger breasts, this position requires stable support at the side: a pillow that stays fastened at the waist is then very practical.
Bottle feeding
The pillow is also useful for bottle feeding: baby is held in a semi-upright position and your arm no longer gets tired. We cover this in detail in our article nursing pillows and bottle feeding.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaning towards baby: baby comes to you, thanks to the pillow.
- A pillow that wobbles: tighten the belt and adjust the strap.
- Letting baby fall asleep on the pillow: a nursing pillow is not a sleeping surface. Once the feed is over, lay baby back down on their back in their cot.
Which pillow for hands-free breastfeeding?
Our pillows are designed for these adjustments: a clip belt and shoulder strap on The Essential, plus a small support cushion on the 3-in-1 Total Comfort. Free delivery in France.
If you experience pain or difficulties while breastfeeding, ask your midwife or a lactation consultant for advice.