Nursing pillow: what it's for and how to use it safely

In the first weeks with a baby, a feeding can take quite a while — and happen many times throughout the day and night.

In this situation, finding a comfortable position makes a difference.

A nursing pillow is an accessory designed to help support the baby and reduce some of the effort needed to hold your arms, shoulders and back in the same position during a feeding.

It isn't essential and doesn't solve breastfeeding difficulties on its own, but it can be a great ally for some families.

What is a nursing pillow for?

Its main purpose is to provide support while the baby feeds.

It can help to:

• bring the baby closer to the breast;
• support part of the baby's weight;
• reduce strain on your arms;
• make certain breastfeeding positions easier;
• provide more comfort during long feedings.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) mentions pillows as a possible support to position the baby at breast height and reduce arm effort during breastfeeding.

The main point is this:

the pillow should help bring the baby to the breast — not make the mother hunch over toward the baby.

Does it improve the latch?

It can help indirectly.

A comfortable position makes it easier to keep the baby close to your body and well aligned.

But the pillow alone doesn't guarantee a good latch.

During breastfeeding, check whether:

• the baby's body is facing the person breastfeeding;
• head and trunk are aligned;
• the baby can reach the breast without having to turn their neck too much;
• the mother doesn't have to lean forward or tense her shoulders throughout the feeding.

If there is persistent pain, cracked nipples, latching difficulty or trouble gaining weight, it's worth seeking professional help.

How to position the pillow?

The shape depends on the model, but it usually goes around the waist or on the lap of the person breastfeeding.

Before you start:

1. sit in a comfortable position;

2. support your back well;

3. keep your feet supported;

4. place the pillow close to your body;

5. lay the baby on the support;

6. bring the baby to the breast.

The ideal height is one that lets you keep your shoulders and arms relaxed, without leaning forward throughout the feeding.

An armchair or chair with good back and arm support can also make the position more comfortable.

Can the pillow be useful after a C-section?

For some mothers, yes.

Since the abdominal area may be sensitive during recovery, certain positions help reduce direct pressure on the incision.

A pillow can help hold the baby higher or make it easier to use positions where the baby's body doesn't rest directly on the abdomen.

The AAP even mentions pillow support as especially helpful in some positions after a C-section.

Comfort varies from person to person, so try different positions.

What about breastfeeding twins?

This is exactly where a larger pillow can make a big difference.

There are models made specifically for breastfeeding twins, usually:

• wider;
• firmer;
• with support around the body;
• able to hold two babies at the same time.

A commonly used position is one with a baby on each side of the body, legs pointing backward.

This kind of support can make simultaneous breastfeeding easier once the mother and babies are comfortable with the technique.

At first, though, it may be easier to learn each baby's latch individually before trying to feed both at the same time.

Do I always have to breastfeed twins together?

No.

Some families prefer to breastfeed both at once to save time.

Others alternate.

And sometimes the strategy changes from one feeding to the next.

One baby may:

• feed faster;
• have a different latch;
• need more help;
• wake up at different times from their sibling.

The best arrangement is the one that works for your family and allows both babies to be fed properly.

The pillow doesn't have to hold the baby on its own

Even with a firm pillow, keep an eye on the baby's position.

It's a support, not a restraint device.

The head and neck need to stay in a position that allows the baby to breathe and feed comfortably.

Avoid positions in which:

• the chin is pressed too far down against the chest;
• the face is pressed against the pillow;
• the nose or mouth is covered;
• the baby keeps slipping into the gap between the pillow and your body.

If you need to adjust your position, keep one hand protecting the baby.

**No.**

This is one of the most important precautions.

Nursing pillows are not safe surfaces for babies to sleep on.

The soft, sloped shape can allow the baby to:

• sink their face into the fabric;
• get stuck in an unsafe position;
• have their nose or mouth blocked;
• slide into a position that makes breathing difficult.

Safe sleep guidance is to place the baby on their back on a firm, flat surface made for sleep, with no pillows or other soft objects.

What if the baby falls asleep while feeding?

It happens a lot.

If the baby falls asleep during or right after a feeding, move them to their safe sleep space as soon as possible.

Don't leave the baby sleeping alone on:

• a nursing pillow;
• a sofa;
• an armchair;
• an adult bed;
• any other soft surface.

The AAP recommends that, after feeding, the baby be placed on their back in their own crib or bassinet before the adult also falls asleep.

Take special care with nighttime feedings

Sleep deprivation is very common in the first months.

And that's exactly why it's important to think about safety before the feeding starts.

If you're extremely sleepy, avoid breastfeeding on:

• a sofa;
• a very soft armchair;
• a recliner.

Falling asleep with the baby in these places greatly increases the risk of sleep-related accidents.

Have the crib or bassinet ready so you can put the baby down as soon as the feeding is over.

Can I use the pillow to prop the baby up sitting?

Some packaging advertises other uses, such as support for the baby to lie on their tummy or sit up.

Be careful with these uses.

The pillow should not replace:

• supervision;
• the floor or a firm surface for activities;
• equipment suitable for a specific purpose.

If you use it as support during awake playtime, stay close and attentive.

Never use it as a restraint or leave the baby alone on it.

How to choose a good pillow?

There's no single model that's best for everyone.

Firmness

A pillow that is too soft may sink too much.

It needs to give enough support to keep the baby at the right height during the feeding.

Height

A pillow that is too low may force you to lean forward.

One that is too high may put the baby above a comfortable position.

There are models that are:

• C-shaped;
• U-shaped;
• straighter;
• made specifically for twins.

The choice depends on the body of the person breastfeeding, the position used and where feedings usually take place.

Removable cover

Milk, drool and small spit-ups are part of the routine.

A removable, washable cover makes cleaning much easier.

Size

Before buying, check whether the pillow fits comfortably:

• in the armchair;
• on the sofa;
• on the bed where feedings may sometimes happen;
• around your body.

This is especially important with the large models for twins.

You don't need to buy one before knowing whether you'll use it

The pillow shows up on almost every baby essentials list, but that doesn't mean every family needs one.

Some mothers love it.

Others prefer:

• regular pillows for support during feedings, while awake;
• the armrest of the armchair for support;
• positions without a pillow.

If your budget is tight, this is an item where it may make sense to wait and first find out which positions work best.

If every feeding causes:

• back pain;
• neck tension;
• severe nipple pain;
• difficulty keeping the baby in position;
• a constant need to reposition the baby,

don't try to solve it just by adding more pillows.

It's worth having the latch and positioning checked by a trained professional.

Small adjustments can make a huge difference.

Seek guidance if there is:

• persistent pain during feedings;
• cracked or bleeding nipples;
• frequent latching difficulty;
• a baby who repeatedly comes off the breast;
• very difficult feedings;
• concern about weight gain;
• a feeling that the baby can't remove milk properly.

Pediatricians, nurses, obstetricians and breastfeeding specialists can help.

An accessory for support — not an obligation

A nursing pillow can make the first weeks much easier.

For some mothers, especially mothers of twins, it can become one of those items used several times every day.

For other families, it will hardly make a difference.

And both experiences are normal.

The goal isn't to manage to use a particular accessory.

It's to find a position in which the baby can feed properly and the person breastfeeding can stay comfortable.

Nilu tip: before buying a pillow, think about where you'll most likely breastfeed. The combination of chair, pillow height and the baby's position usually matters more than simply choosing the prettiest model. 💛

Reference sources

• American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — breastfeeding positions and support.
• American Academy of Pediatrics — recommendations for safe infant sleep.

This content is for educational and informational purposes and does not replace an individual breastfeeding assessment or guidance from health professionals.