Breast milk is the healthiest and most balanced food for babies, especially newborns.
Indeed, by suckling, the baby stimulates specific glands in the maternal chest, allowing his mother to produce milk perfectly adapted to his needs.
For all this to fall into place, it is essential to get a comfortable position for both baby and mom!
Luckily, though;
Breastfeeding pillows are here to ensure a healthy feeding habit!
In the case of cesarean section, most new moms face difficulties breastfeeding their babies during the early days.
But using a unique pillow allows you to give the bottle or the breast without pressing on the stomach’s scar, making feeding the baby easier for you!
Read this article to get a better idea about:
- What nursing pillow is, and who can benefit from using it?
- The top 5 nursing pillows for C section.
- A detailed buying guide.
- ..and a lot More!
Using a nursing pillow allows you to adopt a natural, optimal, and comfortable feeding sitting, as it supports almost all breastfeeding positions.
- Introduction
- 1 – My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow
- 2 – Babymoov Mom & Baby Pillow
- 3 – PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
- 4 – The TWIN Z Pillow
- 5 – Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow
- Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose Your Nursing Pillow?
- FAQ
- Our Verdict: Best Breastfeeding Pillow For C Section
- Conclusion
Introduction
What Is a Nursing Pillow?
The nursing pillow plays an essential role during the first months of a baby’s life and helps mothers who deliver with a C section hold and feed the baby easily.
Resembling a classic bolster..
..the best nursing pillows offer ergonomic support during breastfeeding, thanks in particular to the curved shape and flexible material.
The main goal of using a nursing pillow is to optimize breastfeeding by helping you both find an ideal posture for each.
In this way, the baby can feed optimally while sufficiently stimulating the breast glands responsible for milk production.
If you had a C section, we highly recommend you get a nursing pillow to make holding your baby more manageable for you.
The best nursing pillow for C section is the one that helps keep the baby’s weight away from the procedure’s position.
Thus, less discomfort and more bonding time!
Who Is The Nursing Pillow For?
Studies show that around 60% of young mothers (under 20 years old) and 80% of older women (over 30 years old) opt for breastfeeding when their child is born.
At the same time, 6 out of 10 breastfeeding women encounter pain of varying degrees during the first days, even during the first weeks of breastfeeding.
The truth is: These pains are often caused by poor positioning of the mother, child, or both.
In the case of C-section delivery, new moms will be uncomfortable sitting straight or moving freely. Thus, using a breastfeeding pillow will ease the breastfeeding process and put both mom and baby in a comfortable setting all the time.
By creating a perfectly adapted cocoon of comfort, breastfeeding occurs in optimal conditions and can easily be extended over time.
Besides, the nursing pillow is not only used for feeding sessions. During pregnancy, women use it to prevent back pain, heavy legs, or uncomfortable sleeping, taking advantage of the support and comfort.
Related: Enfamil Vs. Similac Baby Formula: Which Formula Is Right For My Baby?
How Does a Nursing Pillow Work For Women With C Section?
Nursing pillows have a specific design to provide proper support while feeding the baby.
If you had a cesarean section, you will deal with pain and discomfort moving or holding your baby during the first few days – sometimes weeks – after delivery.
Thus, supporting yourself and the baby using a nursing pillow will help you a lot, I mean A LOT!
Concretely, there are several ways to use this product…
When sitting down for feeding, the nursing pillow accommodates the child by adjusting him to the right height.
The baby position is then natural and customized…
You can also use it as an armrest and back support to relax the whole body while facing your baby’s face and enjoying the particular bonding time.
Once you are done feeding the baby and want to lie down, you can place your baby facing you using the nursing cushion.
By offering a suitable, comfortable position for you both, the best nursing pillow for C section delivery will allow for proper baby feeding and prevent the mommy from having pain and cracks.
Related: 5 Best Bottles For Breastfed Babies
Don’t You Have a Nursing Pillow? Use an Alternative:
The truth is: mothers have breastfed their kids for generations without necessarily having to use any pillows.
It is, therefore, possible to feed your baby without it…
Instead, you can use a traditional bolster when breastfeeding. BUT you won’t get the same support like a pillow specifically designed for this purpose, especially when you had a c section delivery!
Similarly, a young mother can breastfeed without relying on an independent accessory. In this case, it is necessary to learn how to correctly position the baby and wedge his back and yours to avoid any serious problem later on.
Only then does the meal run smoothly… A good body position avoids or delays the appearance of cracks!
Let’s get started with our Top Picks of the nursing pillows for c section deliveries..
1 – My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow
Best Nursing Posture Pillow
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a C shaped pregnancy pillow to support your body and keep the baby in place while feeding, look no further.
Pros
Perfect for post C section moms
It gives you a stable and comfortable feeding position
It comes with a handy pocket for the baby’s small items
Cons
The fabric is not that soft, but it gets better after washing
The My Best Friend Nursing Pillow is very comfortable and has an inherently stable design…
The pillow’s backrest helps maintain good posture while feeding your baby, preventing any possible neck and back pain.
If you had a cesarean delivery, we recommend trying this pillow to prevent any pressure on the scar while bonding with your baby. As it goes around the waist and eliminates the gap between you and the baby’s body and prevents him from rolling in or away while
Overall, the pillow’s design allows you both to maintain an ideal stable position during bottle or breastfeeding.
The best part?
My Brest Friend is the most famous nursing pad manufacturer in the USA and the No.1 recommendation of lactation consultants worldwide.
Besides, you can easily and quickly adjust it and release the buckle with one hand. It also has a removable cover that can be washed in a typewriter and a pocket for small items.
2 – Babymoov Mom & Baby Pillow
Best Travel Nursing Pillow
Bottom Line: If you are pregnant or a new mom and looking for on-the-go baby and mommy support, this pillow is right for you.
Pros
Perfect for on-the-go use
Its Oeko-Tex certified fabric
The cover is removable and machine washable
The design is adaptable and multifunctional
Works as a baby tummy time pillow and pregnancy pillow for back pain
Cons
It comes in one size – it might be bulky for petite moms
The Babymoov Mum & B maternity pillow is super practical due to its compact size and design.
During pregnancy and after childbirth, it accompanies you and your baby daily, at home or on outings!
One cushion for multiple uses…
During pregnancy, many moms-to-be experience pain and discomfort due to the baby’s weight and their changing body. This maternity pillow is designed to relieve these pregnancy ailments and improve your comfort.
In a seated position, place the cushion against your lower back to fill the natural arch of the kidneys and relieve this often painful area.
When lying on your back, place it under your legs to raise them and, thus, improve venous return.
If you are lying on your side, this pillow improves the physiological position by supporting the baby’s weight and keeping you comfortable
Of course, this Babymoov maternity cushion is also very useful from the moment your baby is born.
It allows mum or dad to find the perfect position to carry the baby or feed him, whether bottle or breast. It, thus, prevents you from taking bad postures!
Furthermore, the pillow is made of breathable, Oeko-Tex certified fabric and comes with a small zipped carrying bag to easily accompany all your outings.
Unlike classic maternity pillows, it does not take up space and find its place in the bed or nursing room more easily.
3 – PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
Best U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
Bottom Line: This Semicircular-shaped pillow efficiently supports your body before and after pregnancy and offers exceptional body support for C-section surgery deliveries.
Pros
It offers full-body support with C & U shapes
Versatile and multifunctional design
The cover is comfortable and soft on the skin
You get a travel or storage bag
Affordable price
Cons
It is not flexible, and your body might not adjust to the stiffing quickly
The zipper is hard to deal with and is not the best quality
This large nursing pillow is exceptional because it supports your body throughout and after the pregnancy journey, making it the Best Pillow For C Section Recovery.
Forget the traditional moon or bean shape…
..this nursing pillow has a more anatomical shape that supports your neck, hips, back, and belly, giving you whole-body support that you need all day and night long.
Not only that…
It also supports your child during breastfeeding and fulfills its role wonderfully, offering you the best possible comfort for waking up in shape the next day.
Furthermore, it comes with a detachable part that you can use (separately) whenever you need additional support for you or your baby, especially if you had a C-section delivery.
However, it does not allow for many eccentricities, as it does not bend in all directions like a classic cushion.
Overall, the anatomical nursing and pregnancy pillow has a specific role, and it sticks to it.
The material of this pillow is a soft jersey with a polyfill blend filling that supports your body weight.
In addition, the pregnancy pillow cover is zipper-removable, durable, and machine washable.
4 – The TWIN Z Pillow
Best Twin Nursing Pillow
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a breastfeeding pillow for twins, this versatile pillow is right for you.
Pros
Perfect for twins feeding
Multifunctional design
Easy to clean cover
You can use it like a tummy time mat
Cons
Bulky size
Are you looking for a feeding pillow for twins? Well, if you are reading this, I bet you are, and you are in the right place!
So, this TWIN Z pillow is designed to fit two babies simultaneously, creating a perfect feeding position for both kids and a comfortable setting for mommy.
The best part?
You can use this TWINS breastfeeding pillow in 6 different positions to quickly deal with your babies all day and night long, as it supports you and the twins during breastfeeding, bottle feeding, tummy time, playing, and napping time!
Furthermore, this pillow is recommended by lactation consultants due to the support it offers to the mommy’s back and babies’ bodies.
It is also good to know that most parents who used this pillow agreed that it helps with their babies’ reflexes, making it a lifesaver for some.
Last but not least, the cover is super soft, removable, and machine washable. However, if any accident happens where you need to clean the pillow, use a cloth with mild soap and spot-wash the area.
Overall, It is an absolute “must-have” twin feeding pillow for parents of twins and a perfect gift for the birth of twins.
5 – Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow
Best Adjustable Nursing Pillow
Bottom Line: This butterfly nursing pillow offers multiple feeding positions to keep you and the baby close enough and comfortable while feeding.
Pros
Adjustable three feeding positions to grow with your baby
Supports you both during the feeding session
Compact storage
Cons
The cover is not removable, so you need to wash the whole pillow
It might be too stiff
The Infantino nursing pillow is convenient for positioning the baby at the level of your breast for whatever feeding position you take.
Very comfortable design that helps reduce tension in the muscles of your back, neck, and arms.
The best part?
This nursing pillow is adjustable on three levels, allowing you to use it from birth and adjust it as the baby grows.
Very flexible design..
..the pillow allows you to breastfeed the baby in the position of the cradle hold (also called Madonna) and reverse Madonna or in the football position.
This last position is particularly suitable for women who have had a cesarean section, limiting the pressure on the surgery scar.
When you raise the cushion to the maximum, you can feed the baby upright, which is recommended for babies suffering from acid reflux and regurgitation.
Space-saving nursing pillow..
..the cushion folds in half when breastfeeding is finished with a tie to keep it folded, making it easy to deal with all the time.
Last but not least, this is a machine washable feeding pillow, but make sure to adjust the setting to the gentle cycle and low tumble dry.
Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose Your Nursing Pillow?
Here are some crucial points to check before making your purchase decision:
The Filled Materials:
Go for pillows with malleable materials that are very flexible and easy to adjust. Thus, you can give the shape you want to your cushion and maintain it. Opt for materials labeled Oeko-tex and Toxproof, two labels certifying against toxic products.
Microbead nursing pillows are lightweight, flexible, and easier to maintain. Keep in mind, though; the microbeads must have a diameter less than or equal to 1 minute to be more comfortable and less noisy.
Versatile Design:
Multipurpose pillows give you support during pregnancy and after delivery.
So, we recommend you pick a design that works as a feeding cushion, baby seat, and mommy support.
Besides, pick a cute and matching pillow for your decor…
Your cushion will take center stage in the baby’s room and your living room, your bedroom…
..rabbits and ribbons are cute, but not everywhere!
Instead, get a sober color model that matches any seat pattern, or buy several interchangeable covers to make it fit anywhere.
Practical Size:
Practicality is a key for proper feeding…
The nursing pillow should be long enough for your hands to rest on it when you rest your head in the center of the cushion.
Note: Some brands specify the dimensions from the center of the cushion, others from the ends.
Expecting twins? Check your cushion’s length. It must be able to go around your waist and be held in place by ties to breastfeed your two toddlers.
Easy To Clean:
Look for a washable and rechargeable nursing pillow…
To avoid buying a pillow for each pregnancy, opt for a pillow that you can refill and wash whenever needed.
Related: Preparing And Storing Baby Milk Bottles: Step By Step Guide
FAQ
Q1: What is a nursing pillow?
Nursing pillows are special pillows suitable for all pregnant women who have just given birth and are looking for additional support so baby-and-mommy bonding time goes smoothly.
Q2: Can I use a nursing pillow after C-section?
Yes! If you want to protect the c-section scar while feeding your baby, we recommend using a nursing pillow. It supports your hands, legs, and back and the baby’s body, which keeps you both comfortable during the feeding period.
Q3: What position should I sleep in after a C section?
The Specialty Surgery Center recommends that patients who have had any surgeries sleep on their backs, and the C-section deliveries are NO exception. Thus, the best position for you after delivery is to lay down on your back. You can, of course, support your back using a nursing pillow.
Our Verdict: Best Breastfeeding Pillow For C Section
As you can see, Mommy, a nursing pillow might be necessary for you to smoothly deal with your baby’s needs – especially during the first few weeks and months.
Getting a comfortable, practical nursing pillow for C section recovery is crucial. Most new moms tend to enjoy feeding, sitting, and playing with their infants with the support of these nursing pillows.
This article reviewed the best-selling nursing pillows for C-section deliveries and compared them in terms of versatility, comfort, support, and ease of cleaning. Considering both; the parents’ feedback and product description.
Thus, you need to go through each of the pillows’ reviews, pros, and cons and pick the one that matches yours and the baby’s needs.
Read on to see the comparison results..
Related: Warm It Up: Here Are The 10 Top Baby Bottle Warmers
| Product | Rating out of 5 |
| My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Babymoov Mom & Baby Pillow | ⭐ 4.25 |
| PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow | ⭐ 4.0 |
| The TWIN Z Pillow | ⭐ 3.75 |
| Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow | ⭐ 3.5 |
Conclusion
This is the last part of the C-section nursing pillows review..
We include different shapes, types, and brands of nursing pillows to give you an idea of the various options available in the market.
They all provide the appropriate support that you need after the c-section delivery. However, each pillow brings something unique to the table.
Thus, your choice must be according to your needs and situation…
Now, look at our Top Pick, Best Value, and Editor’s Choice options.
- The Top Pick goes to: My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow
- The Best Value goes to: Babymoov Mom & Baby Pillow
- The Editor’s Choice goes to: PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
I hope you find these picks helpful for your postpartum recovery and fourth-trimester feeding time.
Don’t forget to enjoy your bundling time when your kids are tiny; they grow up so fast.. Trust Me!
Related: Say Goodbye To Baby Colic: Here Are The 6 Best Anti-colic Baby Bottles