You can learn how to use a Boppy pillow for nursing by merely positioning it and your little one in place. Remember that the Boppy pillow is a useful addition to your nursing sessions to help you and your baby feel more comfortable. It should be easy to use this nifty pillow, regardless of your breastfeeding position.
This article should also guide you on how to use the Boppy pillow for bottle-feeding. You can teach a fellow caretaker to feed your little one and allow them to bond. After all, feeding your baby is a task and an opportunity to get to know your baby better.
How To Use A Boppy Pillow For Nursing And Bottle-Feeding
Positioning for breastfeeding
Step #1. Get situated
Breastfeeding your little one can be more comfortable and safe using a Boppy pillow. The La Leche League International recommends finding a position with back support and having your baby’s hips flexed when you have him close to you. Aim to have your baby’s mouth and nose facing your nipple and check so that your breast doesn’t press onto his chin.
Step #2. Check the placements
Take advantage of the Boppy Pillow’s shape and place it around your hip. You can then lay your little one over the pillow so that both your tummies are against each other. However, note that this is a general guideline in positioning your little one for breastfeeding with the Boppy pillow.
Step #3. Modify accordingly
Remember that different types of nursing positions will suit your baby as he grows. The Boppy pillow can help raise your baby for better latching during the cradle hold. This position is excellent for newborns, but you can also support your baby with the pillow to the sides if he’s in the football hold position.
Positioning for bottle-feeding
Much like all nursing pillows, even caretakers can use the Boppy pillow when bonding with their little one. Perhaps you’re unavailable, and you need someone to bottle-feed your baby. You can help him get settled using the Boppy pillow.
Step #1. Placing
The caretaker can use the Boppy pillow to support the baby as they bottle-feed him. It can feel intimidating for some people to hold a baby, so instead, have your caretaker use the Boppy pillow. Ask them to wrap the pillow around their waste and find a comfortable position with their back supported.
Step #2. Supporting
Like using the Boppy pillow for breastfeeding, the caretaker will rest the baby on his back on the pillow. However, they must cradle your baby’s head and upper torso. Their arm shouldn’t feel strained because they can rest them on the pillow.
If your baby experiences spit-ups or you want to avoid colic, you can also encourage paced feeding with the Boppy pillow. In this practice, you want to mimic the milk flow while nursing, but with bottle-feeding. Lift your baby at a 45-degree angle using the Boppy pillow.
How To Select A Breastfeeding Pillow
Perhaps the most significant factor to consider is the breastfeeding pillow’s shape or design. It should complement your own body type so that it will be comfortable to use. The most common styles of breastfeeding pillows are U-shaped and O-shaped.
These shapes are meant to fit around your torso and support your baby’s head and neck during nursing. Find the pillow with a size that fits your midsection, and if you can comfortably lay your arm over it. C-shaped breastfeeding pillows are excellent for most body types, but you can get the O-shaped ones if you want additional support or pressure relief.
Nursing Tips For New Moms
A newborn can have seven to eight feeds in a day. Some good signs that your baby is comfortably feeding are when he has settled afterward and is generally alert when awake. You can expect to change up to six diapers, and your baby will also have at least one loose bowel each day after meconium has passed.
Ideal position
If you are a new mom, it can be daunting when breastfeeding your newborn. The Royal Women’s Hospital recommends finding a comfortable position that supports both you and your baby. To start, hold your baby close so that he is facing your chest.
Encouragement
Place him on his side so that his nose is aligned with your nipple. Since your baby can’t use his neck muscles yet, you want to support your breast so your baby can latch safely. If your baby is not opening his mouth, you can use your nipple to touch his lips and then bring him chin first.
Reposition
His lower lip should be off-center the areola, and your baby will start nursing. You can always reattach your little one if either of you feels comfortable as well. Just use a clean finger to break the seal with his gums to your breast.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding can be a fantastic bonding experience for mom and baby. However, you can make it more comfortable and relaxing by learning how to use a Boppy pillow for nursing. Start by finding a well-supported position, and then wrap the pillow around you.
Lay your little one on the pillow according to your desired breastfeeding position to help him with latching. The pillow will help raise your little one during nursing. Furthermore, any caretaker can also use the pillow in a somewhat similar manner for bottle-feeding or paced feeding to keep your baby from experiencing colic and spit-ups.