How to make a DIY nursing pillow
The breastfeeding pillow is one of those accessories that if you’ve never tried it you think it’s just a whim but it’s not. That is, mind you, you can breastfeed even without a pillow around, God forbid, but those who have tried it testify that it is very comfortable and that it can make a difference (I, for example, am one of those who never left him at the time).
I’m not here to list you the thousand thousand advantages of a nursing pillow because I imagine you already know them, I’m just saying that if you have some time available and you know how to sew (or whoever) you can make a DIY nursing pillow directly to your home without going to buy it .
To help you and have an idea of how to do it, I made one myself and you can follow my tutorial, although as far as the shape and padding are concerned, you are free to choose the one you want.
DIY nursing pillow: how to make one
Form. I have seen breastfeeding pillows in the most disparate shapes and all very comfortable. I chose to make a ” boomerang-shaped” one with laces that can be tightened according to needs.
This shape is very versatile: if used open it can be useful during pregnancy, if used closed and tied up with the laces it is a comfortable pillow for breastfeeding and a useful nest to support the baby even after weaning
To make the pillow I got a soft cotton machine washable fabric and I spread it on the table.
I cut two identical pieces (the fabric should be doubled, preferably right sides together) according to the measurements that seemed most suitable to me and that I indicated in the photo.
However, the measurements that I used are not mandatory, so the pillow can be made longer or wider as needed.
Once the two pieces were cut, I fixed all the edges with pins
and I went on to sew all around with a simple straight stitch, but leaving the two ends open.
Padding. I used two old washed and clean pillows and I folded them on themselves to form a sort of soft tube and I fixed them by sewing the long sides.
I patiently slipped the pillows into the nursing pillow cover
and with a needle and thread I closed the two ends that I had left open.
If desired, instead of sewing by hand, the openings can be closed with adhesive Velcro. In this way, removing and putting on the lining when it needs to be washed will be faster.
Finally I cut and sewed two laces on the two ends of the pillow, useful for tightening and keeping the pillow more collected.
Stuffing tips
As you have seen, I used two old pillows for the stuffing, but of course you can fill your DIY nursing pillow in other ways as well.
The most practical solution is to use wadding for padding. If you have some at home you can use the one from old pillows, or you can buy it in fabric or haberdashery stores.
However, if you want to make a breastfeeding pillow that is as natural as possible, the most recommended padding is spelled hull which can also be found online and can be purchased by weight.
Good work!
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.