"I Thought a Regular Pillow Would Do. I Was Wrong." - Why a Feeding Pillow is a Must-have

“I didn’t buy one the first time. I won’t make that mistake again.”

When I was pregnant the first time, I didn’t buy a feeding pillow.

I thought, how different can it be from the pillows at home? I learned the hard way- with sore arms, cramped neck, and a back pain that felt like I aged 10 years in 2 weeks.

I constantly found myself bending forward to make sure my breast reached the baby’s mouth. My arms would ache from holding the baby up during long feeds. I tried stacking regular pillows, adjusting angles, even switching chairs but nothing gave good support.

Why Feeding Positions Matter More Than You Think

Oscar Feeding Pillow- My personal fav

Feeding pillows are most helpful when sitting upright- which is also the most commonly recommended position for feeding, especially in the initial days.

Feeding positions like the cross cradle hold and football hold are among the most effective and recommended for good latch and milk transfer. But they require proper posture and support for both you and your baby.

Trying to do these positions without a feeding pillow is tough. For football hold, you'd realistically need to stack at least three regular pillows to get the right support, and even then, the height and firmness may not work. You’ll likely end up holding the baby in your arms or bending forward, both of which can lead to postural strain and pain.

A feeding pillow solves all of the above.

The only position where they’re not very useful is side-lying, which is great for night feeds or recovery, but not usually the first method taught or used in hospital settings.

So for most moms, especially during the day or when feeding in public spaces or visitors’ rooms, a feeding pillow makes sitting and feeding much more practical and pain-free.

What Makes a Feeding Pillow Different

A good feeding pillow is firm, shaped to curve around your waist, and unlike regular pillows can be strapped securely to your body, keeping it in place and allowing you to set it at exact height you need.

If you have a chair with armrests, it is even better as you can rest the sides of the pillow on the armrests, creating a natural, stable platform that supports you and your baby comfortably.

And here’s something I didn’t expect the first time:

With a proper setup, one hand is completely free. You can support your breast, sip water, or just take a breath without feeling like you’re about to drop your baby.

What I Did Differently the Second Time

For my second delivery, I didn’t make the same mistake.

The feeding pillow was one of the first things I packed in my hospital bag. I knew exactly how much relief and support it would bring, especially in those first exhausting days after birth.

Bonus Uses After Breastfeeding

• Tummy time support

• Supervised assisted sitting

They’re one of those rare things that remain useful beyond just the first few weeks.

Final Thoughts: Small Purchase, Big Relief

Wakefit Feeding Pillow

You don’t need every baby product. But some of them? They genuinely change your experience.

Feeding pillows don’t just make breastfeeding easier, they help protect your posture, reduce pain, and give you some freedom during long feeding sessions.

Take it from someone who skipped it the 1st time and regretted, and who packed it the 2nd delivery time:

A feeding pillow is a small thing that makes a big difference.