Words: Alexandra Spencer
It’s pretty amazing when you come across a product that changes the game. For me, those things are milk frothers, pizza scissors and now, 5 months into my becoming-a-mum journey, Hippy Chick’s Nursing and Maternity Pillow.
Like my beloved pizza scissors, I initially dismissed breastfeeding pillows as an unnecessary purchase that I’d probably never use. After all, women have been breastfeeding for hundreds of years without aids, and people have been enjoying pizza without special pizza scissors for… well, you get the jist. But I was very wrong, and have fallen in love a little bit with my new pillow.
What is a breastfeeding pillow?
A breastfeeding pillow does what it says on the tin. It’s a cushion you position on your lap and your baby lies on it to feed. They should make breastfeeding more comfortable for you and for your little one.
What makes Hippy Chick’s breastfeeding pillow special?
When I got the chance to try Hippy Chick’s breastfeeding pillow, I was a little scepitcal. But I did think it might be nice for my little girl to sit on something a little comfier than my awkwardly positioned arms, especially now she seems to be, out of nowhere, absolutely massive. I must admit that months of crouching over her hasn’t done my back any favours, either, so I was also hoping the pillow would help.
The first thing that stood out about this pillow compared to others was its ergonomic shape and handy waist ties. It fits your body and shape, and actually stays in place, taking the pressure off your back. It would’ve been pretty handy when I was pregnant too!
And it’s not just designed for home use; in fact, it makes breastfeeding easy, wherever you are. It comes complete with a carry case and a washable cover that’s simple to put on and take off, so it’s fab for days out and holidays. Global pandemic aside, of course. Having said that, I did take it with me on our 2645th walk to the palk this year and used it to feed my little one. It’s a shame I was sitting on slightly damp grass at the time, but that’s lockdown for you.
Does it work?
I got the pillow in navy and grey, and it’s also available in charcoal and grey. With my baby chomping at the bit for food as it arrived at my door, I decided to get straight to it, and set about tying the pillow around my waist with the handy ties, which can easily adjust to your shape and for comfort.
After laying my little girl down atop this soft and comfy pillow, I thought she might have some issues with actually being comfortable when feeding for a change, but, of course, she loved it! She was drinking away, positioned at the perfect height so that I didn’t have to bend over slightly, easing the pressure on my back and neck completely. It was then that I realised the last 5 months of breastfeeding would have been much easier with a pillow like this one.
Anyone with any experience of looking after a baby will know the feeling of absolute horror that comes with two common issues, especially at my daughter’s age: sleep regression and teething. My baby is unfortunately dealing with both of these absolute pains at the moment, and finding it increasingly difficult to nap during the day as a result. And to my great surprise, the first time I fed her using the Hippychick pillow, she fell asleep. After about 20 minutes of singing that is, but still – the joy!
Suffice to say, it works, and in more ways than one. Actually, not only have I been using it to feed my daughter more comfortably, but she absolutely loves when I sit her up against it. It’s a great learning-to-sit aid, and it’s also pretty handy for tummy time too.
Should I try one?
I’d absolutely recommend trying the Hippy Chick Nursing Pillow, and this is from someone who was, and still is, hesitant when it comes to mother and baby products. It’s more important than ever for us to save money where we can, and avoid purchases that will sit gathering dust.
I love its versatility more than anything. It would have been good support for my bump and poor, poor ankles when I was heavily pregnant, and of course, its main function is a feeding pillow. In the early days of breastfeeding, when you haven’t got a clue what’s going on after either pushing a bowling ball baby out of your vagina or experiencing major surgery with a C-section, anything that helps to make it easier and more comfortable is amazing.
If, like me, you’re a little further along in your breastfeeding journey and not sure whether it’s worth purchasing a pillow, I’d definitely recommend giving it a go, especially if you’re having back or shoulder issues. It can certainly help alleviate the pressure, and make it much easier for your little one to feed. Plus, it’s super handy for learning to sit and for tummy time.
The bottom line
Why I didn’t learn from my pizza scissors that some seemingly unnecessary purchases are actually bloody amazing, I’m not sure. The Hippy Chick Nursing and Maternity Pillow’s a great addition to your breastfeeding arsenal.
Now that I’ve finally made breastfeeding comfortable after a long and back-pain-filled 5 months, if someone could tell me how to get my little girl to use her actual teether rather than chewing incessantly on my boobs, that would be great.