Nursing cushions - Useful or just a waste of money? Any recommendations?

ooobedoo

I used a 'mybrestfriend' when my daughter was in the scubu, excellent, would of been perfect had I been producing enough milk, it makes it so you can't get the best latchign on position. I donated it to the local breastfeeding group not mse if it helps somebody else feed for longer, then good.

Strapped

I didn't have one with son no.1, had an emergency c-section and a horrible time trying to work out how to breastfeed and juggle pillows and baby while not really being able to move, drugged and dog tired. With no.2, I bought one of the really long ones that helped me sleep better ante-natally and (after another emergency c-section, oops) I found a god-send in hospital. The one I had was filled with beans, quite loosly, so you could shape it however you wanted and get baby settled at the right height to feed without needing to fully sit up, then just nestle them in and cover with a blanket for a rest. Personally, I loved it and would thoroughly recommend.

Cissi

I had a V-cushion with both of mine and LOVED it, wouldn't have wanted to do without. BFing was unfortunately a huge struggle for us (never got enough milk), and this meant seemingly never-ending sessions, which would have been a lot more uncomfortable without the cushion. I also found it useful for bottle feeding which we ended up having to do in part from early on. Like everyone else has said, they're also great when baby starts to sit.

I was lucky and managed to borrow one each time - don't be afraid to ask around if you have friends who have older children! They're pricey, but you do get a lot of use out of them, so I'd have bought one if I'd had to.

freyasmum

I didn't use one and didn't notice a difference. If I did need to use something I used a sofa cushion during the day and at night I lay straight on the bed and lay dd next to me and fed her lying down.

Lx

selby

I have a 'Boppy' and would greatly recommend it - I've used it to breastfeed my eldest and it is now servicing my second child. I find it invaluable - a normal cushion or pillow will not provide the same firmess/support. It's basically a 3/4 doughnut shaped firm cushion that you stick around your waist not the V-shaped pillows for back support (I've got one of those as well!) Obviously, you can do without it but the amount of 'wear' I've got out of it, in hindsight, it became an essential babygear item for me. Remember, you'll spend a lot of time breastfeeding initially and with a 'Boppy' or similar cushion, you can do it and read/email simultaneously (at least that's what I do).

clairey_em

Hello! :hello: my baby was due on tuesday and is not showing any signs of arriving yet, so I know how you feel about being bored!!

I've bought one, after much deliberating about the cost, from argos because so many people have said they are really useful, for breast or bottle fed babies. Infact one person said out of all those sort of things the nursing pillow was the best buy, so I thought I'd go for it. But having got it, I now think that a plain old v shaped cushion is much the same and would have been perfectly fine and about a quarter of the cost. Although the nursing cushion is all lovely and fleecy...!

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and labour, hope your bubs isn't naughty like mine and refuses to come out!

claire x

taliwillow

Hello,

Thank you all so much for your replies although I admit they did make me feel a little confused as after the first few replies I though 'I don't need one, it's just a waste of money' and was quite happy with that. Then the next few replies were much more in favour of the nursing pillows so then I was just as confused as when I started. My thoughts now are that the girls at work have asked me what I would like as a gift when the baby eventually decides to arrive (yes shes still in there and I am desperate to get her out!!!), so I figured as I have absolutely everything else that I need (at least I think I have) maybe I could ask them for a nursing cushion. So now I just need to decide if I want the v shaped cushion or a widgey type. So many decisions!

Thanks again.

Taliwillow

thrifty_sue

Have just bought a 'boppy' nursing pillow for my second baby due in Feb 08. It seems very well made and I'm sure will be well used. I got it off ebay for £5 + P&P, which I thought was a bargain.

jo_b_2

I wouldn't waste money on a proper maternity/nursing cushion.

You can get a much similar thing from Argos HERE for £5.99

It does the same job for much less!

pookienoodle

I didn't buy a b/feding piloow as i thought it would be a waste of money.
I had a c section and had real difficulties feeding my son.
hubbie bought me one( quite a posh one called my breast friend) it was a real godsend.
I nursed my son much more easily.
every mum is different but I would say give it a go.