Best Pillow for Nursing in Bed

For nursing mothers, finding ways to get comfortable while breastfeeding can be challenging at first. The key to success, regardless of where you’re nursing, is enlisting a nursing pillow or support aid that works well for both you and your baby. You may have tried a pillow for nursing in bed—but we don’t always have the leisure of nursing in bed.

And while there are advantages to nursing in bed, your nursing pillow that you use for nursing in bed should offer support for any and every nursing location. For moms on the go, we created Tushbaby: a hip seat baby carrier that can double as a breastfeeding pillow in bed, on the couch, or anywhere you need to feed. With the help of a nursing pillow like the Tushbaby, you can alleviate the strain that often comes from holding your baby while nursing.

There are many nursing positions you can try out to find your comfort zone, like (of course) lying in bed. Not only can this position provide your baby with a comfy place to lay, but you’ll also get the opportunity to really kick your feet up and have a relaxing breastfeeding experience. Read on as we review how to use a nursing pillow to successfully and safely breastfeed your baby while lying in bed, and which positions are good to try while nursing in bed.

How to Choose the Best Pillow for Nursing in Bed

Advantages of nursing in bed

Aside from the ultimate win of laying in your cozy bed, there are many advantages to nursing while lying down that mothers may not be familiar with. Here are just a few:

Mastitis or clogged duct relief: Clogged ducts are very common for breastfeeding mothers and can cause discomfort and tenderness in your breasts. When pressure builds up from a clogged duct, trying different feeding positions, like lying in bed, can help promote the emptying of that breastmilk.
Postpartum recovery: No matter your birthing experience, you’ll likely have some recovery time to get through. While recovering from an episiotomy, c-section, or vaginal birth, sitting for any period of time can be less than ideal (as you can imagine). Nursing in bed can be a great way to keep yourself comfortable during feedings and allow your body to heal without added stress or pressure on healing sites from sitting.
Relieve body strain: With all the time mothers spend nursing, their arms, backs, and shoulders are bound to need a break. Aside from using your Tushbaby for added breastfeeding support, nursing while lying in bed is also a great way to take some of that stress off your body.

Disadvantages of nursing in bed

While there are many advantages to nursing while lying down, safety should always be top of mind when nursing in bed. Here are a few things you can do to keep your baby safe while nursing in bed:

Keep a clear space: Extra pillows, bedding, stuffed animals, clothes, etc. can create additional risk for suffocation.
Stay awake while nursing: Falling asleep during nursing can put your baby at risk of choking and being smothered by you or extra clothes/fabrics in the bed.
Keep a close eye on the baby: As with any nursing position, staying alert can ensure that you quickly recognize if your baby is in a compromised or dangerous position.
Proper positioning: Just because you’re lying down doesn't mean you can throw safe breastfeeding posture out the window. Be sure you’ve got the proper support and back pillow for nursing in bed so that you don’t put unnecessary strain on your body.

What is the most comfortable way to breastfeed in bed?

Now that we’ve discussed safety, let’s review some common ways you can breastfeed in bed. These two positions can help you achieve a safe and comfortable nursing experience while lying down:

Laying on your side: Also referred to as ‘side-lying,’ this position is where the mother lies on her side with her head rested on her arm or a pillow for support. This position can also be beneficial for mothers with larger breasts to avoid additional weight on their chests.
Laid back: In this position, the mom will lie on her back instead of her side. Rather than laying fully back, it’s best to be reclined or propped up with some pillows. Having a back pillow for nursing in bed can help keep your back fully supported so as not to strain your lower back.

What kind of pillow should I use while breastfeeding in bed?

With so many nursing pillows to choose from on the market, you may be wondering what kind you should be using while breastfeeding in bed. There really is no one right answer—each mom and baby has unique needs, and it may come down to preference.

The most important consideration when looking for the best pillow for nursing in bed is that you’ve got the best support. And for the mommas that do it all, we know you’re looking for versatility too. The Tushbaby can provide you with the support you need to comfortably achieve various nursing positions (not just lying down), and can be used on the go as a carrier too.

Back support pillow for nursing in bed

When it comes to a back support pillow for nursing in bed, look no further. The Tushbaby carrier was designed to save your back, whether you’re nursing on the go or relaxing in your bed.

You can use the Tushbaby as a headrest in the side-lying position, or strapped around your waist while lying back to nurse your baby: just wrap your Tushbaby high and tight above your waist, stash some burping towels in one of the five storage pockets, and kick your feet up! And when you’re ready to go back to household duties, you’ve got your carrier prepped to bring your baby with you for all-day support.

Do you need a nursing pillow for breastfeeding in bed?

As we’ve mentioned, you’ll want the support of a pillow for nursing in bed. A nursing pillow can be used for your head while in the side-lying position or for propping yourself up in the laid-back position. In either position, a nursing pillow for nursing in bed can help you achieve safe breastfeeding posture. If you feel your baby needs extra support, you can use a nursing pillow to support them as well.

The Tushbaby can be used to support mom and baby while breastfeeding in bed. Plus, when feeding time is over, simply strap it high and tight above your waist, stand up, and place your baby on the memory foam-lined seat across your torso. Your arms and upper body will thank you for the added support that Tushbaby provides by distributing your baby’s weight evenly across your body. Because at Tushbaby, we’re here to support moms in everything they do.

Other mommy must-haves by Tushbaby are . . .

The Pod: A sleek, stylish, and zippable case for your baby’s pacifier that easily clips onto just about anything.
Totebaby: Because us moms don’t always have the leisure of being in bed, get the ultimate vegan leather tote bag with practical storage and removable baby tote features.
Fold-up Changing Pad: Accidents happen, and we moms come prepared. You’ll love our foldable changing pad that can fit in your pocket or one of the storage pockets on your Tushbaby.

So, are breastfeeding pillows worth it? In our opinion, it’s a definite yes—especially when they can be so much more than just a breastfeeding pillow, like Tushbaby.

Go from breastfeeding in bed to an afternoon stroll. . . all with your #1 supporter on your side. Shop Tushbaby now!