FEEDING PILLOWS: WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST IN ONE
One of the most common complaints I hear from new parents is how stiff and sore they are. Specifically, their neck, shoulders, and back.
So, to all the new parents out there, one of my biggest product recommendations must be a feeding pillow. If I’m honest when I was pregnant with my first, I thought they weren’t that important, and just another one of the many gimmicks that new parents are told they “need.” It seemed like an unnecessary investment alongside all the other 101 things that we’re told we must have.
Why couldn’t you just use normal pillows to prop the baby up?
If you’re sitting well, why would you need a specific and more expensive pillow to help?
Well, how wrong was I! It was only once I became a parent did I realise that other pillows slide away, babies wriggle around, and you very easily lose pillow position when feeding.
Using a feeding pillow can make breastfeeding or bottle feeding more comfortable, and significantly reduce the physical strain on your body.
Benefits of Using a Feeding Pillow
Better Positioning for Baby
A feeding pillow helps lift your baby to the right height, making it easier to achieve a proper latch when breastfeeding. Good positioning can reduce issues like nipple pain and improve feeding efficiency.
Reduces Neck, Shoulder & Back Pain
Holding a baby for long periods can put stress on your arms, shoulders, neck, and back. A feeding pillow supports your baby’s weight so you’re not hunching over or tensing up during feeds.
Encourages Better Posture While Feeding
Instead of leaning forward (which many mums do), the pillow brings your baby to you. This promotes a more upright, relaxed posture and helps prevent ongoing discomfort.
More Comfort During Longer Feeds
Newborns often feed for extended periods. A feeding pillow provides stable, cushioned support, making those longer feeding sessions much more manageable.
Supports Different Feeding Positions
A feeding pillow can assist with a variety of feeding positions, including cradle hold, cross-cradle, and football hold—helping you find what works best for you and your baby.
Helpful Beyond Feeding
Many parents also use feeding pillows for:
- Supporting baby during tummy time
- Helping baby sit more upright (with supervision)
Supports Postnatal Recovery (Including C-Section)
If you’ve had a C-section, a feeding pillow can help keep pressure off your abdomen by positioning your baby more comfortably during feeds.
Final Thoughts from a Pelvic Health Physio
All in all, a feeding pillow can make a world of difference to your comfort and help reduce the risk of neck, shoulder, and back pain during those early months of feeding.
I recommend choosing one that is firm, supportive, and can secure around your waist, as this helps maintain optimal positioning throughout the feed.
Happy feeding!
Pelvic Health & Continence Physio
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