The nursing pillow comes in the form of a slightly curved duffel bag. This form has been specifically studied for breastfeeding. Arranged around the mother like a buoy, the nursing pillow serves as an armrest while keeping the baby in a good position, his head at breast level. The baby thus installed on the cushion, the back and the arms of the mother are relieved. And it’s not just a question of comfort: a good position of the baby at the breast is essential for a good sucking itself guaranteeing, with breastfeeding on demand, an efficient lactation. Indeed, the baby’s sucking stimulates receptors around the nipple, which in turn will stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary complex which will then secrete hormones. Some will trigger the lactation maintenance reflex, while others will stimulate the milk ejection reflex (1). A good position of the baby at the breast is also essential to prevent cracks and pain (2).

The use of this pillow is not, however, limited to breastfeeding. From pregnancy, it can help the mother to find a comfortable position, especially the last weeks of pregnancy and during the night.

The filling must be firm enough to ensure good support for the baby, while being comfortable and flexible enough to adapt well to the mother’s body. There are cushions filled with foam, but fillings made from polystyrene microbeads, cork granules or spelled balls are more malleable. Cork and spelled have the advantage of being natural, but in use, polystyrene microbeads are lighter, less noisy and easy to maintain (some are washable). Be careful, however, to choose them without toxic products (phthalates in particular). Over time, the filling may soften. Some brands offer microbead refills to replenish the cushion.

For hygiene reasons, the cover must be machine washable. It can be cotton, cotton-polyester, bamboo viscose; honeycomb, terry cloth, colors, printed; with antibacterial, anti-mold, anti-mite treatment, etc.

The price is also an important selection criterion. It varies, depending on the models and places of sale from 30 to 90 € (30 to 70 $ in Canada), knowing that the most expensive products generally last better over time.

Note: there are special twin breastfeeding cushions, larger to accommodate both babies at the same time.

The breastfeeding pillow can be used in different breastfeeding positions: as a Madonna (or lullaby), the most classic breastfeeding position, or as an inverted Madonna. In both cases, the nursing pillow is placed around the mother’s tummy and the baby is placed on it. It can facilitate feedings, provided it is used wisely, which is not always the case, estimates the Leche League (3). Particular care should be taken to ensure that the baby’s head is at the correct height, the baby’s face facing the breast, the nipple and mouth aligned, the baby’s head slightly deflected. Otherwise, the mother will have to bend over which can cause lower back pain. The baby risks pulling on the breast with the mouth, which promotes the appearance of cracks.