Is a Nursing Pillow Worth It? Do You Really Need One?
Short answer: You don't strictly need a nursing pillow, but most breastfeeding parents find one worth it. A firm pillow holds your baby at breast height so your arms, back and shoulders don't do all the work. You'll likely use it most in the first few months. It's for supervised, awake feeding only, never for sleep.
Looking for one? Good places to start: the My Brest Friend Deluxe ($88.99) or the My Brest Friend Super Deluxe (from $98.99), which adds extra padding. Free tracked shipping anywhere in Canada, no minimum.
What a nursing pillow actually does
Newborns feed often. The CDC says 8 to 12 times in 24 hours is normal in the early days. Without support, you end up leaning forward or holding your baby up with your arms for every one of those feeds.
A good nursing pillow does three things:
- Raises your baby. It brings baby up to your breast, so you don't lean down to them.
- Takes the weight. Your arms guide your baby instead of holding them up.
- Keeps you upright. Less hunching can mean fewer sore shoulders and a sore neck.
My Brest Friend wraps around your waist and clips at the back, so it doesn't slide away mid-feed. The firm, flat foam keeps baby level instead of letting them sink. It also has built-in back support, and the Super Deluxe adds extra padding.
Is it worth it for you?
| Your situation | How much a pillow helps | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First baby, learning to latch | A lot | Makes the same good position easy to repeat at every feed |
| Caesarean birth | Often a lot | Keeps baby's weight off your arms; check the strap sits comfortably and ask your nurse about positions |
| Back, neck or wrist pain | A lot | Less leaning and lifting at every feed |
| Twins | A lot | Hard to support two babies with arms alone; My Brest Friend makes a twin model |
| Bottle feeding | Some | Can support your arm and baby while you hold them and the bottle |
| Experienced parent, older baby | A little | Many parents need less support once feeds are shorter and baby is bigger |
How long do you use a nursing pillow?
My Brest Friend says its pillows support babies up to 18 months and about 20 pounds. In practice, most parents lean on it hardest in the first three or four months. That's when feeds are long, frequent and still a bit awkward.
You'll know it's time to stop when you reach for it less, your baby can sit comfortably in your lap to feed, or they pass the 20 pound mark. There's no rule that says you have to stop at a certain age.
Should you bring it to the hospital?
If you already own one, pack it. Hospital pillows are usually regular bed pillows, and they shift around. Using your own pillow in hospital lets you practise your setup while nurses and lactation staff can help. My Brest Friend says its pillows are a top choice for lactation consultants and hospitals.
Put the cover through the wash when you're home, and keep a spare cover if you can.
When you might skip it
Some parents feed comfortably lying on their side or in a laid-back position and never miss a pillow. Others find bed pillows work fine. If feeding already feels easy and pain free, you may not need one. If you're sore, tired or struggling with latch, a firm pillow is one of the simpler things to try. Our guide on how to use My Brest Friend walks through setup step by step.
Which one suits you
- A good starting point: the Deluxe. Firm, flat foam, back support and a strap that clips at the back.
- If you want more cushioning: the Super Deluxe adds extra padding.
- Comparing brands? Read My Brest Friend vs Boppy.
- Checking fit? See the My Brest Friend size guide.
Safety first
A nursing pillow is for supervised, awake feeding only. Always hold your baby while they're on it. Never let your baby sleep on a nursing pillow, and never leave them on one unattended. Health Canada says soft products like nursing pillows are not safe places for a baby to sleep. If your baby dozes off, move them onto their back in their own crib, cradle or bassinet. More in our nursing pillow safety guide. This is general information, not medical advice. If feeding hurts or isn't going well, talk to your health care provider or a lactation consultant.
FAQ
Are nursing pillows worth it?
For most breastfeeding parents, yes. A firm pillow brings your baby up to breast height so you're not hunching or holding their full weight with your arms for every feed. That matters when you're feeding 8 to 12 times a day in the early weeks.
Do I really need a nursing pillow?
No, it's not essential. You can breastfeed with bed pillows or rolled towels. A nursing pillow just makes good positioning easier to repeat, especially at night, after a caesarean or with a baby who needs help staying at breast height.
How long do you use a nursing pillow?
My Brest Friend says its pillows support babies up to 18 months and about 20 pounds. Many parents use one most in the first few months and less once baby is bigger and feeds are quicker.
Should I bring a nursing pillow to the hospital?
It's worth packing if you already have one. Hospital pillows vary and aren't made for feeding, and practising with your own pillow while nurses and lactation staff are around can help you set up at home.
Can my baby sleep on a nursing pillow?
No. Health Canada says nursing pillows are not safe places for a baby to sleep. If your baby falls asleep while feeding, move them onto their back in a crib, cradle or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress.
Where to buy in Canada
Adorling is an authorized Canadian retailer of My Brest Friend nursing pillows and LANACare organic merino wool nursing pads. You're buying genuine products from a Canadian team, with free tracked shipping anywhere in Canada and no minimum order. Browse nursing pillows or nursing pads and breast care.