Breastfeeding mums : 5 things you should know when choosing a breastfeeding cushion

A. Breastfeeding cushion: what is it for?
A.1. During pregnancy
A.2. During delivery
A.3. After the birth
B. Criterion no. 1: breastfeeding cushion size
C. Criterion no. 2: breastfeeding cushion shape
D. Criterion no. 3: Breastfeeding cushion filling
D.1. Polystyrene microbeads
D.2. Spelt balls
D.3. Cork and pellet chips
E. Criterion no. 4: breastfeeding cushion cover
F Criterion no. 5: breastfeeding cushion cost
G. A little help from Calmosine when breastfeeding
G.1. Passion flower
G.2. Fenugreek
G.3. Rose hip
G.4. Biotin (Vitamin B8)
G.5. Magnesium

Unlike what its name suggests, a breastfeeding cushion is not only useful for breastfeeding your baby!

During pregnancy

The breastfeeding cushion is often the best friend to mums-to-be to relieve different types of pain.

If you have heavy legs, you can place the cushion under your slightly bent knees to regulate your blood circulation.
You can also place it under your feet if they are swollen.

If you have backache and you have difficulty sleeping, you can lie on your side and place the fully unfolded breastfeeding cushion between your legs.
This position will help you keep your back straight and avoid overarching.

If you feel you have or you have tension in your stomach, you can use it under your bottom or even your stomach. A breastfeeding cushion is malleable and you can do what you want with it!

During delivery

The breastfeeding cushion can be very useful for finding a position which relieves the lumbar spine and back muscles, which are subjected to significant strain during labour.

After the birth

The breastfeeding cushion has a suitable name! You can use it as an arm rest, while holding your baby in the right position, with their head at breast height. An important posture so as not to place too much strain on your arm and back, but also to ensure proper suction and to prevent cracks and painful nipples from breastfeeding.

It can also be very useful for naps! Lying comfortably and securely your baby can go to sleep anywhere. Once they are able to sit, the breastfeeding cushion can support their back so they don’t fall over backwards.

As you can see the breastfeeding cushion is versatile. It is therefore important to choose the right one. So which criteria should be taken into account to make the best possible choice?

Breastfeeding cushions come in different sizes. If you want to use it for several purpose (such as those cited above), we recommend you choose a fairly large size: 140 cm is the ideal size for all those uses. When choosing, take the time to hold it to make sure it is not too large and too difficult to carry around with you on a daily basis.

Like the sizes, breastfeeding cushions come in different shapes. Choose the shape the best suited to your needs:

• U-shaped breastfeeding cushion

The most common shape, used for breastfeeding or resting baby.

• Long breastfeeding cushion

It is a little like a bolster. Its main advantage is that it is malleable and can therefore serve several purposes.

• C-shaped breastfeeding cushion

It is a little like a travel cushion. You know the one you place under your head to relax the neck? It is shorter than a U-shaped cushion and this breastfeeding cushion is particularly recommended for resting your head during pregnancy.

A very important criterion, since the breastfeeding cushion filling has an influence on its comfort, ease of handling, cleaning and cost. There are several types of filling:

Polystyrene microbeads

This is the most common filling on the market. These microbeads have the advantage of being lightweight and cheap. They are not natural however and the cushion can sag faster as the microbeads are so light.

Spelt balls

This cereal is most often organic, with no harmful substances for health. The material is however noisy and fairly heavy. This is a disadvantage when carrying it around but an advantage for ensuring baby is stable.

Cork and pellet chips

This is a 100% natural and non-noisy filling. It may have a slight odour however, unlike the other two.

For obvious hygiene reasons, it is highly recommended to choose a breastfeeding cushion with a removable, machine-washable cover. Minor accidents such as vomiting or salivating are inevitable. It is essential to wash the cushion regularly given your baby is in direct contact with it. It is also advisable to opt for a soft and comfortable material.

Prices can vary depending on the shape, size and composition of the breastfeeding cushion. To find the one to suit your budget, compare them in different shops or on different websites according to what you want to get out of your breastfeeding cushion. The same also applies for all types of accessories to make breastfeeding a non-stressful experience.

To give you a little extra help during breastfeeding, you can also count on Calmosine Breastfeeding. This food supplement was developed with the help of midwives to help mums ensure they have enough milk, but also to recover from fatigue and prevent them falling apart.

Calmosine Breastfeeding contains plants grown and harvested by farmers committed to an environmental quality and protection programme.

Passion flower

A plant from the Passifloraceae family traditionally used to promote relaxation, especially when feeling stressed. Passion flower helps restore calm by easing tension, sensations of nervous fatigue and irritability.

Fenugreek

A plant from the Fabaceae family known for a long time to improve lactation. It helps stimulate and maintain milk production for efficient breastfeeding. Fenugreek also promotes recovery after the birth.

Rose hip

A plant from the Rosaceae family used for centuries to combat fatigue. Rose hip promotes vitality on a daily basis.

Biotin (Vitamin B8)

Keeps skin and mucous membranes healthy.

Magnesium

Reduces fatigue and contributes to normal nervous system function (psychological functions).