Does a Nursing Pillow Help with Latching?

Breastfeeding isn’t always as easy as it looks in those dreamy Instagram posts. I remember the first time I helped a new mum in the neonatal unit—a beautiful baby girl just wouldn’t latch, and her exhausted mum was at her wits' end. 

I could see the frustration in her eyes, and I understood that she wanted the very best for her baby but was struggling. So, we gave a nursing pillow a try, and it made all the difference. This is why I want to share some insights today on whether a nursing pillow can help with latching, based on my experience both in nursing and in our family business, Butterfly Maternity.

Yes, a nursing pillow can help improve a baby's latch by providing support and positioning the baby in a way that encourages an effective latch. The right positioning is essential for a proper latch, and a nursing pillow helps keep the baby at breast level without you having to tire out your arms or shoulders. This support can make the breastfeeding process more comfortable for both mum and baby.

What Is a Nursing Pillow?

A nursing pillow is specially designed to help you comfortably hold your baby during breastfeeding. Unlike regular pillows, a nursing pillow is firm and shaped to support your baby at the ideal height for feeding. 

This helps reduce the strain on your arms, shoulders, and back, making it easier to achieve a good latch. Nursing pillows provide stability, which is crucial for ensuring your baby can latch effectively and feed comfortably.

Can a Nursing Pillow Help Improve Latching?

When a baby latches correctly, both mum and baby benefit—it reduces nipple pain and ensures your baby is getting the milk they need. But achieving that perfect latch often comes down to positioning, which is where a nursing pillow can make a world of difference. By elevating your baby to the right height, a breastfeeding pillow keeps them secure, allowing you to focus on guiding their latch without straining your arms and shoulders.

At Butterfly Maternity, we don’t offer a traditional nursing pillow, but our pregnancy pillow, when paired with our specially designed nursing cover, effectively transforms into a supportive breastfeeding pillow.

This setup provides the stability and elevation needed to help your baby latch comfortably, giving you a versatile solution that adapts as your needs change. In my experience, having the right support helps many mothers find a comfortable position, ultimately leading to more successful breastfeeding sessions.

How to Use a Nursing Pillow to Support Latching

Using a nursing pillow effectively starts with the right positioning. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Get Comfortable: First, sit in a comfortable spot—ideally a chair that provides good back support.
2. Position the Pillow: Place the nursing pillow across your lap. Make sure it is positioned at the right height so your baby can easily reach your breast without you having to lean over.
3. Place Your Baby on the Pillow: Lay your baby on the pillow, facing you, with their body aligned straight and their nose at the level of your nipple.
4. Adjust as Needed: You may need to adjust your baby’s head slightly to ensure a proper latch. Make sure both of you feel comfortable and relaxed during this process.

The trick to getting a good latch is that your baby should take in as much of the areola as possible—not just the nipple. By having the right support, you’ll have more control, making latching easier and reducing the chance of nipple pain.

Can You Use a Pregnancy Pillow as a Nursing Pillow?

In general, pregnancy pillows can sometimes double as nursing pillows, but it really depends on the design. A good pregnancy pillow offers enough support and versatility to comfortably help during breastfeeding, although not all pregnancy pillows are ideal for latching support. 

Some pregnancy pillows may be too bulky or lack the firmness needed for a stable breastfeeding surface, making them less effective.

How to Use the Butterfly Maternity Pillow as a Nursing Pillow

If you have our Butterfly Maternity Pillow, you’re in luck—it’s designed to be versatile and can easily transition into a nursing pillow. Simply twist the pillow to form a wedge shape and then secure it with our specially designed cover. 

 

This creates a stable surface that elevates your baby to the right height, helping with latching and making feeding sessions more comfortable for both of you. Our pillow’s flexibility makes it perfect for mums looking to get more out of their maternity products.

Check out our store here.

When Might a Nursing Pillow Not Be Helpful?

While nursing pillows are great for most mums as soon as they get home from the hospital, they might not be ideal for everyone. If you have a larger bust or a smaller baby, a nursing pillow might not align well, leading to discomfort. Some mums prefer to manually position their baby for a more tailored fit, especially in the early days when every feed seems a little different.

In these situations, adjusting your positioning or trying alternative breastfeeding techniques can help. Consult a lactation specialist if you find that the pillow doesn’t suit your needs.

A nursing pillow is a great tool, but there are other ways to help your baby latch successfully:

• Experiment with Different Holds: Try different breastfeeding positions, such as the football hold or cross-cradle hold. These positions can work better with or without the use of a pillow, depending on what feels most comfortable for you and your baby.
• Ensure a Calm Environment: Create a calm and quiet space for breastfeeding. Reducing distractions can help your baby focus better on latching and feeding, which often makes a big difference for both of you.
• Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact: Skin-to-skin contact can encourage your baby’s natural rooting reflex and help them feel secure, making it easier for them to latch. Try spending time skin-to-skin before or during feeding sessions.

Breastfeeding can sometimes be a learning curve for both mum and baby. Combining a supportive environment, skin-to-skin time, and finding comfortable positions can help make the experience smoother.

FAQs about Nursing Pillow's and Latching

Can a nursing pillow help reduce back and shoulder pain during breastfeeding?

Yes, nursing pillows can reduce the strain on your back and shoulders by elevating your baby to breast height, making feeding more comfortable.

Do I need a nursing pillow for latching if my baby latches well without one?

If your baby is latching comfortably without extra support, you may not need a nursing pillow, but it can still provide extra comfort for longer feeding sessions.

Can I use a nursing pillow for tummy time?

Absolutely, nursing pillows can be repurposed for tummy time, helping your baby build neck and core strength while keeping them safely elevated.

What age is appropriate to stop using a nursing pillow?

You can stop using a nursing pillow once your baby has developed stronger neck and core muscles and is able to latch comfortably without added support, typically around 4-6 months.

Can a nursing pillow be used for bottle feeding?

Yes, nursing pillows are also helpful for bottle feeding, allowing you to hold your baby comfortably and maintain an ideal feeding position.

How do I clean a nursing pillow and cover?

Most nursing pillow covers are machine washable, while the pillow itself may need to be spot cleaned or wiped. Always check the care instructions for proper cleaning.

Closing Thoughts

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful, albeit sometimes challenging, journey. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way—just what works best for you and your baby. A nursing pillow can be a wonderful tool to support you, especially in those early days of figuring out latching and getting comfortable with feeds. 

If you're looking for the perfect companion for breastfeeding, our family-run business, Butterfly Maternity, offers a versatile pregnancy pillow and a specially designed nursing cover to give you all the support you need. 

Check out our store to see how our products can make your breastfeeding journey a bit easier. We’ve got your back—and your bump!