One of the newest products for breastfeeding mothers is a nursing pillow, a firm, semi-circular support designed to cover you lap and raise your baby up to breast level. Some pillows also provide support for mom’s lower back.
Nursing pillows are great for first time moms who need to focus more attention on getting baby latched-on correctly and less attention on positioning baby’s body. Nursing pillows are also great for mothers of twins, preemies or a babies with low muscle tone. Still other mothers enjoy the convenience of having a special pillow reserved for breastfeeding.
Nursing pillows are available from La Leche League International, many lactation consultants, and from stores that sell breastfeeding products, fashions, nursing bras, and baby slings.
One problem with some nursing pillows is they encourage baby to lie completely flat. To facilitate digestion and keep milk out of the middle ear, babies should usually be fed propped up at least at a 30 degree angle.