How to Set Up a Pregnancy Pillow for Nursing Support After Birth
Yes, your pregnancy pillow can be repurposed as a nursing pillow after giving birth. With a few adjustments, you can set it up for optimal comfort, posture support, and easier breastfeeding — without buying a new pillow.
Table of Contents
After I gave birth, I quickly realized that comfort is everything during those first few weeks of nursing. My arms were sore, my back hurt, and I didn’t want to spend more money on yet another pillow. So I found a way to reuse what I already had — my pregnancy pillow.
With the right setup, a good pregnancy pillow can be a lifesaver for breastfeeding moms. It gives you support, helps the baby stay in position, and reduces the strain on your neck, back, and shoulders. Here’s how I made it work — and how you can too.
Why Use a Pregnancy Pillow Instead of Buying a Nursing Pillow?
Most nursing pillows are small and designed for short feeds, but I found them limiting. My U-shaped pregnancy pillow like this one on Amazon gave me full back support, helped me sit upright, and kept the baby propped securely against me.
If you already have a C-shaped or U-shaped pregnancy pillow, there’s no need to spend more. You just need to learn how to position it the right way — and I’ll walk you through that now.
How I Use a U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow for Nursing
What worked for me was sitting in bed or on the couch, placing one side of the U-pillow behind my back and wrapping the other side around my waist like a soft harness. The baby would lay across the front section, supported at just the right height for breastfeeding.
This U-shaped pillow on Amazon gave me full-body comfort while nursing — and I could even fall asleep without repositioning.
How I Use a C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow for Nursing
With a C-shaped pillow like this one, I curved it around my side like a large nursing pillow. I’d sit with the open side to my back, and the curved end supporting the baby’s weight across my lap. It was perfect for football hold or cradle position breastfeeding.
This setup helped me nurse for longer without sore arms, especially during night feeds.
Support for Bottle Feeding Moms Too
Even when I wasn’t breastfeeding, I still used my pregnancy pillow for bottle feeding. It gave my arms a break, helped me stay upright, and made bonding time more comfortable. This is especially useful if you’re healing from a C-section or feeling weak.
Best Positions for Using a Pregnancy Pillow While Nursing
What worked best for me:
- Cradle Hold: Curve the pillow under your arm and across your lap.
- Football Hold: Tuck the pillow behind your back and under your elbow.
- Side-Lying Position: Lay one side of the U-shaped pillow under your head and between your knees, then position baby at your breast on the bed.
All of these can be done with this affordable pregnancy pillow from Amazon.
Don’t Forget Your Back and Neck
What surprised me was how much my neck and shoulders ached during those first few days. A full-body pregnancy pillow supports your spine and posture better than a traditional nursing pillow.
I used this ergonomic U-shape pillow to lean back into during long feeds — total game changer.
Use a Blanket for Extra Lift
If you need more height under your baby, don’t stack extra pillows. Instead, fold a soft blanket and place it under the pillow area across your lap. It gives a gentle lift without sacrificing comfort or sinking the pillow.
Create a Nursing Station
I set up a little space with my pregnancy pillow, a burp cloth, water bottle, and snacks. Everything I needed was within reach — no extra cost, just smart planning. You can pair your pillow with a side caddy like this one to stay organized.
Pillow Maintenance After Birth
You’ll want to wash your pregnancy pillow cover more frequently now. Spit-up and milk spills are inevitable. Most pillows on Amazon come with removable, washable covers, like this one, and trust me — that’s a feature you’ll use a lot.
A Real Mom Tip: Don’t Limit It to Just Nursing
I used my pillow even when I wasn’t feeding — for naps, for propping the baby up, and even as a barrier on the bed when co-sleeping safely. It’s one of the few items I kept using long after the newborn stage.
One thing I didn’t expect was how helpful the pregnancy pillow would be during cluster feeding nights. My baby wanted to nurse constantly, and having full back and arm support allowed me to rest while still holding her close. I leaned back into my U-shaped pillow and placed her safely across my lap without strain.
Some moms use traditional nursing pillows, but they’re often too low for taller women like me. That’s where my C-shaped pregnancy pillow made a big difference. I adjusted it by tucking a small rolled towel under one end for just the right height — no extra gear needed.
If you’re healing from a C-section, soft and stable support is critical. I couldn’t have managed those first two weeks without my pillow. Instead of pressing against my incision, it wrapped around gently and gave me a comfortable place to hold my baby without pain.
During nighttime feeds, I used my pregnancy pillow for side-lying nursing. I placed the longer arm under my head and hugged the other side between my knees. The baby would lie at breast level, and I could nurse safely while staying mostly horizontal. I recommend this versatile pillow from Amazon that worked perfectly for that setup.
I noticed that placing a burp cloth or muslin swaddle over the top of the pillow made cleanup way easier. Instead of washing the whole pillowcase every time there was a spill, I just tossed the cloth in the hamper. This little trick kept my pillow clean and saved me time.
Another thing I did was alternate sides when nursing. I’d switch the pillow’s position every few hours to keep the weight distribution balanced. It also kept the pillow from flattening on one side, which happens fast if you always lean the same way.
I used my pregnancy pillow as a lounger for supervised baby naps during the day. I’d form it into a donut shape and lay her in the middle while I folded laundry or read next to her. Of course, I never left her unattended — but it gave both of us a break.
The design of most U-shaped pillows supports both your upper body and your legs. That alignment helps reduce back pain and hip discomfort — which is a huge plus for moms still recovering from birth. I loved this pillow with breathable fabric for hot days when I needed airflow and comfort.
When my baby had gas, I’d hold her upright and rest my arms on the pregnancy pillow while patting her back. That took the pressure off my wrists and shoulders. I never realized how heavy a newborn feels after 10 minutes until I had that support in place.
For moms tandem nursing twins, a full-body pillow is way more practical than two separate nursing pillows. It wraps around you, holds both babies at the right height, and allows your back to relax. This extra-large option on Amazon is worth checking out if that’s your situation.
I also found that storing the pillow near the bed in a clean basket kept it from getting dirty between feeds. You’d be surprised how quickly dust and pet hair settle into it if you leave it on the floor. A simple clean surface goes a long way in preserving its life.
Lastly, I still use my pregnancy pillow today — and my baby’s a toddler. Whether I’m reading in bed, relaxing on the couch, or recovering from a long day, it’s still my favorite go-to comfort tool. It’s one of the few baby items that’s actually worth keeping long-term.