As a green mommy, I like to get as many things as possible organic (and/or sustainably made) for my family… especially my baby. When I was researching breastfeeding pillows, I came upon this groovy pillow which looked great. It’s filled with organic buckwheat hulls (this helps keep baby cool and not over heat I’ve heard) and organic fabrics. Sweet! So, I ordered one before Kamea was born. My husband took an immediate liking to it for sleeping, so I ordered another (this time for Kamea!).
However, I wasn’t sure how much I loved it after using it for a week or so. The issue was that because I was a first time breastfeeding mommy, I was still learning the ropes to breastfeeding. Basically what would happen is… Kamea would latch on and I’d be so grateful that I didn’t take time to get comfortable myself. Hence, neck and back aches and major uncomfortableness while breastfeeding. I also wasn’t great at positioning her on the pillow.. it’s very pliable as you can imagine since it’s filled with buckwheat.
As a tired and anxious new mom, I was (and still am) quite willing to buy whatever I can to make life easier right now (you have something to make my baby more comfy or to make my life easier – I’M SOLD!). Therefore, I started researching other breastfeeding pillow options. I decided to check out the Breast Friend pillow, which I’d heard many great things about. I bought one – of course. After it arrived I put it on and felt downright silly wearing it – lol. It’s like a tu-tu. I still laugh when I put it on. I was also disheartened that it’s not organic and far from sustainable from what I can tell… which I pretty much knew going in. Still, I wanted to try it. After getting used to the Blessed Nest pillow above, the Breast Friend was very stiff. I pretty much had to hold on to Kamea while she was on it because I feared she’d roll off. On the Blessed Nest pillow, she settles right in. However, I did notice that the first few times I used the Breast Friend, it was indeed quite nice on my back. I was excited to experience that. But, as with many things… trade one issue for another. Give up organic, quality manufacturing, and softness for Kamea versus relax my back.
I used the Breast Friend a few times until she had a big spit up and I needed to wash the cover. This looked to be challenging because it’s on there pretty tight. I got it off, washed it, and actually put it on with only a little difficulty (I expected it to be much harder). I have to say though… seeing the material underneath… what is that… foam rubber (eek!)? Anyway, what I found over the following week was that I was getting more comfortable with nursing and as a result, I was getting myself situated first, then grabbing the Blessed Nest pillow, and then getting Kamea settled. The result? I’m happy to report that I’m using the Blessed Nest breastfeeding pillow like a champ and I’m very happy with it. It’s more expensive than the Breast Friend, but it’s SO much nicer… and after we’re done using it for breastfeeding, it makes an awesome pillow for household use.
I also bought their nest egg pillow to keep in the diaper bag for breastfeeding when we’re not at home (I can’t wait to tell you about our extra cool diaper bag in another post!). This little pillow seems like a great idea, but since we’re still homebound I haven’t tried it yet (the only times I take Kamea out are for doctor appointments – it’s super hot in Arizona right now, and I’m just not ready for that. Kamea breastfeeds on demand, and let me just say… she demands it a LOT!). According to the website, “The little extra something to use with your Nesting Pillow or on its own, The Nest Egg gives support for your head, arm, breast, or for a little extra height under baby’s head. It’s small and lightweight enough to take along take along in the stroller or diaper bag, and just the right size for a toddler pillow.” Isn’t it cute?!
Share with us your breast feeding stories, tips, and tricks!
