My Brest Friend nursing pillow is designed to help new moms breastfeed comfortably by providing firm, back-supporting support. This guide walks you through step-by-step positioning, different feeding holds, and practical tips to make nursing easier. Whether you are a first-time mom or refreshing your skills, mastering this pillow can transform your breastfeeding experience.
If you have just welcomed a new baby into the world, you already know that feeding time can be both magical and exhausting. Your back aches, your arms get tired, and finding a comfortable position feels impossible. That is exactly where My Brest Friend nursing pillow comes in. It is one of the most popular nursing pillows on the market, and learning to use it properly can make a huge difference in your day-to-day comfort.
Many nursing pillows look similar, but My Brest Friend has a few unique features that set it apart. It has a firm, flat surface for baby, a wrap-around design that supports your back, and a secure strap to keep everything in place. In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about using this pillow like a pro — from unboxing to mastering different nursing positions.
Key Takeaways
- Secure the strap first: Always fasten the side strap before positioning the pillow on your lap to keep it stable during feeding.
- Flat side up for baby: Place baby on the flat, firm side of the pillow rather than the cushioned side for proper latch support.
- Use back support: The pillow wraps around your waist and supports your lower back, reducing arm and shoulder strain.
- Try multiple holds: Experiment with cradle, cross-cradle, and football holds to find what works best for you and your baby.
- Keep baby safe: Never use the pillow for sleep or prop baby up without supervision, as it is a nursing aid, not a sleep space.
- Clean regularly: Machine-wash the cover and spot-clean the pillow to maintain hygiene throughout your nursing journey.
- Transition over time: Use the pillow through the newborn stage and gradually wean off as your baby gains head and neck control.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
How do I know if My Brest Friend is positioned correctly?
The pillow should sit snugly around your waist with the flat surface bringing baby’s mouth level to your nipple. Your back should feel supported, and you should not need to lean forward to reach your baby.
Can I use My Brest Friend for bottle feeding?
Yes, absolutely. The pillow works just as well for bottle feeding. It supports baby at the right angle and reduces strain on your arms and shoulders during bottle feeds.
Is My Brest Friend safe for newborns?
Yes, it is safe for newborns when used correctly. Always stay with your baby, ensure they are positioned on their side facing you, and never use the pillow as a sleep surface.
How tight should the strap be?
The strap should be snug enough to keep the pillow stable but not so tight that it restricts your breathing or causes discomfort. You should be able to slide a finger between the strap and your body.
Can I use the pillow after a C-section?
Yes, the football hold is especially recommended after a C-section because it keeps baby’s weight away from your incision. The back support also helps you maintain a comfortable upright posture.
📑 Table of Contents
Understanding the Design of My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
Before you start using the pillow, it helps to understand what makes it different. Unlike softer, cushier nursing pillows, My Brest Friend provides a firm platform that keeps your baby at breast height without you having to hunch over.
The Firm Flat Surface
The top of the pillow is designed to be firm and flat. This is intentional. It gives your baby a stable surface so they do not sink in or roll off easily. When learning how to use a nursing pillow for breastfeeding, keeping baby stable is one of the most important factors for achieving a good latch.
The Wrap-Around Back Support
One standout feature is the back support piece. It wraps around your waist and clips in place, which means the pillow stays put even if you need to shift slightly. This wrap-around design helps you maintain better posture and takes pressure off your lower back and shoulders.
The Safety Strap
My Brest Friend includes a side strap that helps secure the pillow around your body. Always clip this strap before you place the baby on the pillow. It adds an extra layer of stability and gives you peace of mind, especially during those early weeks when everything feels new and uncertain.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Nursing Pillow
Getting set up correctly is the foundation of a comfortable feeding session. Follow these steps every time to ensure proper positioning.
Step 1: Sit in a Comfortable Chair
Choose a chair with good back support. A rocking chair or a sturdy dining chair works well. Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footstool. Good posture starts from the ground up.
Step 2: Wrap the Pillow Around Your Waist
Position the pillow so the flat side faces up and the back support piece rests against your lower back. Bring the ends around your sides and secure the strap on the opposite hip. The pillow should sit snugly but not feel tight.
Step 3: Adjust the Height
The top of the pillow should bring your baby’s mouth level with your nipple when they are lying on it. If the pillow feels too low, you can add a regular cushion under it. If it feels too high, loosen the strap slightly and let it settle lower on your waist.
Step 4: Place Baby on the Pillow
Lay your baby on their side, tummy facing yours, with their mouth at nipple height. Their ears, shoulders, and hips should form a straight line. Support your baby’s head and neck with your hand as you guide them to latch.
Mastering Different Nursing Positions
One of the great things about My Brest Friend is that it supports multiple feeding positions. Trying different holds can help you find the most comfortable setup for both you and your baby.
The Cradle Hold
This is the most common position. Lay baby across the pillow with their head resting in the crook of your arm on the side closest to you. Your forearm supports their back, and the pillow takes the weight off your arm. This hold works well for most moms once latching is established.
The Cross-Cradle Hold
In this position, you use the opposite arm to support baby. If baby is nursing from your right breast, your left arm supports them. This gives you more control over their head and is especially helpful for newborns or babies who are still learning to latch properly. The how-to guides for other nursing pillows often recommend this hold for early-stage breastfeeding as well.
The Football Hold
Tuck baby under your arm like a football, with their legs pointing behind you and their body supported by the pillow. This position is excellent for moms who have had a C-section because it keeps baby’s weight off your abdomen. It is also great for nursing twins simultaneously.
Side-Lying with Pillow Support
Some moms also use My Brest Friend to support side-lying feeds. While the pillow is designed primarily for upright nursing, you can place it behind your back for lumbar support while nursing in bed. Always ensure baby is in a safe position and never leave them unattended.
Tips for Maximum Comfort and Better Latch
Small adjustments can make a big difference. Here are practical tips that experienced moms and lactation consultants recommend.
Bring Baby to the Breast, Not Breast to Baby
Instead of leaning forward to bring your nipple to baby, use the pillow to bring baby up to you. Leaning forward strains your back and can cause a shallow latch. Keep your spine neutral and let the pillow do the heavy lifting.
Use a Footstool
Elevating your feet slightly changes the angle of your lap and can help baby settle more securely on the pillow. A small ottoman or even a stack of books works in a pinch.
Support Your Breast if Needed
If your breasts are larger or engorged, use your free hand to support your breast from underneath while baby latches. The C-hold or V-hold technique works well here. The pillow handles the weight of baby, so your hand can focus on shaping the breast for a deeper latch.
Switch Sides Smoothly
When switching breasts, you can simply shift baby to the other side of the pillow without getting up. Loosen the strap slightly, rotate the pillow, and re-secure. This saves time and energy, especially during cluster feeding sessions.
Safety Guidelines Every Mom Should Follow
Your baby’s safety is always the top priority. Keep these rules in mind every time you use the nursing pillow.
Never Use It as a Sleep Space
My Brest Friend is a nursing aid, not a sleep aid. Never place baby on the pillow for naps or sleep, whether supervised or not. Babies can roll into dangerous positions quickly. If baby falls asleep during feeding, transfer them to a safe sleep surface immediately.
Stay with Baby at All Times
Always keep your hands on baby while they are on the pillow. Even with the strap secured, a determined wiggler can shift position faster than you expect. Active supervision is non-negotiable.
Check the Strap and Clips Regularly
Over time, clips and straps can wear down. Inspect them regularly for signs of damage. A loose strap means the pillow can shift unexpectedly, which puts baby at risk.
Keep the Pillow Clean
Babies are messy, and nursing pillows take a beating. Wash the removable cover frequently and spot-clean the pillow insert as needed. If you want to keep things fresh between washes, consider having a spare cover on hand. For detailed cleaning instructions, check out our guides on washing pillow covers to keep everything hygienic.
When to Start and Stop Using the Nursing Pillow
Knowing when to transition away from the pillow is just as important as knowing how to use it.
Start from Day One
Begin using My Brest Friend right from the first feeding if possible. It helps establish good positioning habits early and prevents the back and shoulder pain that comes from hunching over.
Transition Around 4 to 6 Months
As your baby gains head and neck control, starts sitting up, and becomes more active during feeds, you may find the pillow less necessary. Many moms naturally start nursing without the pillow around the 4 to 6 month mark. There is no rush — use it as long as it helps.
Use It Beyond Breastfeeding
The pillow can also support bottle feeding, prop baby up for supervised tummy time, and serve as a comfortable lounging spot. Some moms even use it for their own back support during pregnancy. Versatility is one of the best features of this design.
Conclusion
Learning how to use My Brest Friend nursing pillow properly is one of the best things you can do for your breastfeeding journey. It supports your back, keeps baby at the right height, and frees up your hands so you can focus on achieving a good latch. Start with the basics — secure the strap, position baby correctly, and experiment with different holds. Over time, using the pillow will become second nature. Remember to always prioritize safety, keep the pillow clean, and transition away from it when the time feels right. You have got this, mama.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash My Brest Friend cover?
Wash the cover at least once a week, or more often if there are spit-up leaks or spills. Having a spare cover makes rotation easy and keeps things hygienic.
Can I use My Brest Friend while lying down?
The pillow is designed for upright nursing, but you can use it behind your back for lumbar support during side-lying feeds in bed. Always ensure baby is in a safe, supervised position.
What if my baby is too small for the pillow?
For very small newborns, you can roll a small blanket and place it under baby’s head side of the pillow to fill the gap. As baby grows, you can remove the extra padding.
Does My Brest Friend work for twins?
Yes, many twin moms use the football hold on each side simultaneously. It takes practice, but the pillow’s wide surface and back support make tandem feeding more manageable.
When should I stop using the nursing pillow?
Most moms transition away from the pillow around 4 to 6 months when baby gains better head control. However, there is no strict timeline — use it as long as it provides comfort and support.
Can I use My Brest Friend during pregnancy?
Some moms find the wrap-around design helpful for back support during pregnancy. However, it is primarily designed for nursing, so a dedicated pregnancy pillow may offer more comprehensive support.