How to Reuse Your Pregnancy Pillow Postpartum (Creative Ideas)
If you’re like me, your pregnancy pillow became your nightly best friend during those long months of discomfort. But once the baby arrives, you’re probably wondering—now what? Do I just store it away or toss it?
Good news: you don’t have to say goodbye to it just yet. In fact, I found so many ways to reuse my pregnancy pillow postpartum, and honestly, it became even more useful than I expected. Here’s how I did it—and how you can, too.
Table of Contents
Use It as a Nursing or Bottle-Feeding Support
Right after delivery, I realized my U-shaped pillow gave amazing support while breastfeeding. I wrapped it around me like a big donut and laid my baby on it. It was softer and more stable than most nursing pillows I tried. If you’re bottle-feeding, it’s just as helpful—it holds the baby at a comfy angle without straining your arms.
For me, this setup beat the traditional nursing pillow. I was already used to the feel of it, and my back was grateful.
Turn It Into a Postpartum Recovery Nest
Those first few weeks after giving birth can be brutal on your back, hips, and tailbone. I kept using my pregnancy pillow for sitting and resting on the bed. It helped me elevate my legs and lean back gently while breastfeeding or scrolling through late-night feeds.
Even if you’re not dealing with a C-section, the body still needs support. I personally added a small memory foam wedge pillow from Amazon underneath for even better alignment.
Create a Baby Lounger (Supervised Only)
Another clever way I reused my pillow was by making a makeshift baby lounger during supervised awake time. I’d place the C-shaped pillow on the bed and nestle my baby inside while I changed clothes or brushed my teeth.
Of course, I never used it for unsupervised naps or sleep, but for short, safe moments, it was a lifesaver.
Set Up a Cozy Reading or Relaxation Spot
I moved my pillow to the nursery rocking chair and used it as lumbar and arm support during story time. It also doubled as a comfy cushion while reading or working on my laptop in bed.
If you’re still waking up for nighttime feedings, this support makes everything easier.
Use It as a Leg and Knee Support at Night
Even months after giving birth, I found myself tossing and turning. So I started using the pillow again—placing it between my knees to keep my hips aligned. It made a big difference in reducing lower back pain from carrying and lifting a newborn all day.
Turn It Into a Floor Cushion or Lounge Chair
I got creative and folded my U-shaped pillow into a chair shape—perfect for sitting on the floor while playing with my baby. Add a cute cover, and it blends into your living room like a cozy lounge pillow.
Make It a Decorative Daybed Pillow
I didn’t want to throw my pillow away, so I bought a neutral-colored pregnancy pillow cover from Amazon and placed it as a long pillow on my guest bed. It looked chic and served as an extra cushion for visitors.
Use It for Tummy Time or Baby Support (With Caution)
I used it during supervised tummy time—laying baby’s chest over the pillow for short bursts. It helped them build neck strength gently. Just be sure you’re always watching and never use it when baby could roll off.
Keep It in the Car or Travel Bag
For road trips, I rolled up my wedge pillow and tucked it behind my back while driving. If you’re flying, a small C-shaped pillow fits well in your carry-on for lumbar support.
Donate It or Gift It to Another Expecting Mom
And when you’re truly done with it, don’t just toss it—gift it. One of my friends was pregnant, and I passed mine along with extra covers. She was beyond thankful. These pillows aren’t cheap, and reusing them means less waste and more love.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let It Collect Dust
Just because your pregnancy is over doesn’t mean your pillow is useless. With a little creativity, you can get even more comfort out of it postpartum—and that’s something every new mom deserves.
Another clever reuse? I started using my pregnancy pillow as a full-body support for stretching in the mornings. Postpartum aches are no joke, and lying over the pillow helped open up my chest and realign my posture after long nights of feeding.
Some nights when sleep was hard to come by, I brought my pillow to the couch and wrapped it around myself while watching TV. It felt like a calming hug, especially on emotionally rough days when my hormones were everywhere.
If you’re a side sleeper like me, you know how hard it is to stay comfortable after giving birth. I still sleep with the pillow between my knees and behind my back. It’s not just for pregnancy — it helps with alignment even now.
Once my baby started sitting up, I used the C-shape to create a soft sitting ring around them. It kept them cushioned during those wobbly learning stages. Of course, I always supervised, but it made floor time less stressful for me.
I also keep the pillow in the nursery as a comfy spot to sit while folding baby clothes or pumping. Standing all the time isn’t sustainable, and the pillow turned the floor into a peaceful little rest zone.
Sometimes I’d place my baby’s changing mat on top of the pillow on the bed. The added height and softness helped my back during quick diaper changes, especially in the middle of the night.
A fun surprise? My partner started using the pillow while gaming or working at home. He said it was the best back support he’d ever had. So now it gets more use than ever — just not by me!
I’ve even used the pillow to prop up my feet while rocking the baby. Elevating your legs helps reduce swelling — and we all know how common that is after delivery.
For anyone doing postpartum yoga or light workouts, the pillow makes a great soft bolster for certain poses. I used it for modified child’s pose, seated stretches, and to relax in savasana.
One day I had a headache and just needed a dark, cool room and quiet. I curled up with my old pregnancy pillow and felt like I was wrapped in a cocoon of peace. It’s not just physical support — it’s emotional comfort too.
If you’re healing from a C-section, don’t underestimate how valuable a big soft pillow can be. I used mine as a barrier against accidental bumps or kicks from the baby when they were squirming next to me in bed.
Lastly, if you have pets, you’ll laugh — my cat completely took over the pregnancy pillow as her new bed. It became a cozy napping spot for her (which also kept her off mine!).