Best Breastfeeding Pillows for Comfort and Support (Doula-Approved)
If you’ve ever tried to hold a baby in the same position for 20 minutes (or longer), you know that comfort becomes non-negotiable. Whether you’re breast/chest feeding, bottle feeding, combo feeding, pumping, or simply holding your baby while you rest, the right pillow can be a game-changer.
And here’s the thing — a “breastfeeding pillow” isn’t just for feeding. These support pillows can help during pregnancy, through the newborn stage, and well into toddlerhood. Think of them as body-support tools that protect your posture, reduce strain, and give you a more sustainable setup for the long haul of parenthood.
Why You Might Want a Support Pillow
During Pregnancy: To support your bump while side-lying, relieve hip and back strain, or prop yourself up in bed.
While Feeding (Any Method): Brings baby to your body’s level instead of you hunching down, reducing shoulder, neck, and back pain.
Postpartum Recovery: Especially helpful for c-section healing, pelvic floor recovery, or if you’re sore and need extra core support.
Everyday Baby Holding: Sometimes you just want your arms free to sip tea, scroll your phone, or breathe without your biceps burning.
My Favourite Support Pillows
1. Luna Lullaby Nursing Pillow ⭐ My #1 Pick
This is the pillow I recommend to almost every family I work with. It’s big, soft, and angled just right for comfort — supportive enough to hold your baby securely but cozy enough to snuggle into. The squishiness is a big deal: it molds to your body and fills any gaps between you and your baby, which makes positioning more secure and reduces strain. Works beautifully for breast/chest feeding, bottle feeding, and even pregnancy side sleeping.
2. Boppy Nursing Pillow
A classic crescent-shaped pillow that many parents love, especially if they prefer something firmer and more structured. It’s lightweight, easy to use in different spots, and transitions well to tummy time or sitting support. Personally, I find firmer pillows can leave small gaps between your body and your baby, which can make positioning less stable — but for some parents, that firmness feels supportive and secure.
3. Snuggle Me Organic Feeding + Support Pillow
A softer, more flexible crescent pillow with a low profile and a little more “give” than the Boppy. It’s comfortable for feeding, works in various positions, and is easy to tuck under an arm or squish into the right spot. Bonus: machine-washable covers in pretty colours.
4. DIY & Everyday Hacks
Two firm bed pillows, a folded blanket, or even a travel neck pillow for arm support — all can work in a pinch. Perfect for making any chair, bed, or couch into a quick feeding station.
Why I Prefer Soft Pillows (Personal Doula Insight)
For me, a soft pillow wins almost every time. You can squish it into the gaps between your body and your baby so you’re both well-supported and in a comfortable position. Softer pillows adjust to your unique body shape and your baby’s size, helping prevent awkward angles or muscle strain. Firmer pillows can be great for some, but I’ve found that softness tends to offer a more secure and adaptable fit.
Choosing the Right One for You
Body shape & comfort preferences – Make sure the pillow height matches where your baby will be in relation to your chest or lap.
Feeding position – Side-lying, cross-cradle, football hold… some pillows work better for certain positions.
Washability – Babies spit up. Covers you can toss in the laundry are essential.
Home setup – If you’ll be feeding in bed, get something softer and more flexible. For couch or chair feeding, firmer may be better.
Portability – Will you carry it from room to room or keep one in each main spot?
Doula Tips for Making the Most of It
Tuck a burp cloth between pillow and baby to save yourself a mid-feed laundry run.
If your baby is smaller or premature, layer a folded blanket for extra height.
Switch sides often to keep your body balanced and prevent muscle strain.
Don’t be afraid to use your pillow for YOU — under your knees in bed, behind your back on the couch, or to support your arms while holding baby.
Finding the right support pillow is about making those long feedings, late-night snuggles, and postpartum naps as comfortable as possible — for you and your baby. It’s one small tool that can have a big impact on your body’s recovery and your day-to-day comfort.
💛 If you’re looking for more hands-on feeding support — whether breast/chest feeding, pumping, bottle feeding, or combo feeding — my Virtual Postpartum Support Packages can help you feel more confident and comfortable.
This blog was written by Alix, a dedicated doula in Montreal, Canada, and the founder of TENDER.LY. She provides expert pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and infant feeding support to help families feel confident and cared for. Whether you're preparing for birth, navigating the fourth trimester, or looking for feeding guidance, Alix offers compassionate, personalized support.ut
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