When we prepare to have our babies, some of us tend to have “must-have” lists that are more about panic than purpose. I’ve had my share of baby-focused purchases that ended up in a corner of my garage, but one item, though simple in concept, turned out to be the one thing I absolutely had to have. Whether you are preparing for the birth of your first child or you have already been through the entire process, this should definitely be on your list. Read on to find out the what and why of every new mommy’s must-have item.
Five Uses of a Nursing Pillow
1) Breastfeeding – As the name suggests, a nursing pillow is ideal for the breastfeeding process. These pillows provide your baby with the perfect place to rest while he or she is receiving nourishment from mom, and they also make it easier to keep baby secure and comfortable when nursing for extended periods of time.
2) Supporting Baby While They Learn How to Sit Up – When your baby first learns how to sit up, they are going to need to be supported at all times. The nursing pillow will provide the perfect amount of support for their back, which can help them feel more confident in their newfound ability. You can give the pillow to family members who want to hold your baby when he or she is just learning to sit. People aren’t always well practiced at holding a baby who is learning how to do this, so seating them with the baby and pillow can offer them support, and you peace of mind.
3) Supporting Mother’s Stomach – After your baby is born, your stomach is going to be sore for a while. This is especially true for women who have cesarean sections. Fortunately, a nursing pillow is the perfect size to provide your stomach with support while you are lying alone. In fact, for this reason alone, a lot of mothers opt to buy two nursing pillows–one for baby and one for mom.
4) Enabling Siblings to Help – If your newborn has siblings, they are going to experience a wide range of emotions after your baby comes home. To help them feel connected to the process, you can have young children assist you with nursing and other tasks by letting them bring the pillow to you as needed. You can also encourage your other children to gently touch the baby while they are being nursed to help everyone get used to each other.
5) Provide Comfort While Baby Crawls – If your baby becomes especially attached to the nursing pillow, you can place it in their crib with them at night. The soft touch of the pillow will feel nice against their body, and it will also make them feel more secure because it will smell like you. Be careful though–you should wait until your baby is past the infant stage and can comfortably move their necks, heads, and arms at will before placing pillows in their cribs.
If your baby is almost due or you’re looking for a useful gift for a mom-to-be, consider this recommendation. It’s great for baby, great for mom, and it’s far less likely to end up in that garage corner.
Akilah Richards writes and speaks about parenting and women’s wellness. Oftentimes her books and workshops remind women and mothers to utilize available resources to simplify their lives and minimize their stress. Strategic purchases like a nursing pillow, a quality breast pump, and comfortable bedding can go a long way in managing the various emotional facets of having a new baby.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbybatchelder/3837943231/
