Learning how to use breast friend pillow effectively can transform your nursing journey. Officially called the My Brest Friend pillow, this wrap-around support wraps securely around your waist and provides a firm, flat surface for your baby. Many new mothers suffer from back pain and shallow latch simply because they do not position the pillow correctly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from strapping it on to mastering the most comfortable holds, so you can feed your little one without strain.
The My Brest Friend pillow stands out from other nursing pillows because of its structured design. Unlike softer, crescent-shaped pillows, it has a firm foam core and an adjustable backrest that encourages proper posture. When you know exactly how to use breast friend pillow, you protect your neck, shoulders, and lower back while helping your baby achieve a deep, effective latch. Let’s start with why correct use matters so much.
Why Proper Positioning with a Nursing Pillow Matters
Newborn feeding sessions can last 20 to 40 minutes, and without proper support, you will quickly feel the ache in your upper back. A nursing pillow that sits too low forces you to hunch over, straining your spine and compressing your abdominal muscles. This hunching also tilts the baby’s head, making it harder for them to latch deeply. When you use the My Brest Friend pillow as intended, you bring the baby up to the breast, not the breast down to the baby.
Correct alignment helps prevent plugged ducts and nipple soreness because the baby’s mouth naturally covers more of the areola. The firm surface keeps the baby stable, allowing you to free one hand to guide your breast or gently support the baby’s head. Over time, this reduces the repetitive stress injuries many moms develop in their wrists and thumbs. In short, investing a few minutes to learn how to use breast friend pillow the right way pays off in comfort and milk transfer.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the My Brest Friend Pillow
This section breaks down each step clearly. Take your time the first few times you try it, and soon the motion will become second nature.
1. Secure the Waist Strap Correctly
Start by sitting in a comfortable chair with good back support or on a bed with a firm headboard. Unbuckle the large waist strap and wrap the pillow around your midsection, with the flat nursing surface facing up and the curved backrest facing away from you. The pillow should sit at the narrowest part of your waist, right at your natural waistline. Bring the buckle ends together and click them shut, then pull the strap snug. You want it tight enough that the pillow doesn’t slide down when you rest your arms on it, but not so tight that you feel squeezed.
2. Snap the Back Support in Place
Many moms skip this step, but the back support is a game changer. Reach behind you and snap the two short straps that connect the pillow body to the lumbar backrest. This creates a gentle, upright posture cue that keeps your spine elongated. If you are sitting on a soft surface, the backrest may need a cushion behind it, but on a chair, it will naturally press against your lower back. Check that the backrest isn’t twisted, and you’re ready for the next step.
3. Position the Pillow at the Right Height
Now look down at the nursing surface. You should be able to lay your forearm on the pillow without leaning forward. If the pillow rests too low on your lap, your baby will be below the breast, causing you to slump. If it rides too high, your baby may struggle to latch without extending their neck. A good test is to place a rolled burp cloth on the pillow to see if the baby’s mouth lines up with your nipple. Adjust the strap tightness and the pillow’s angle until you achieve that level.
4. Place Your Baby in the Correct Nursing Position
With the pillow secured, pick up your baby and lay them on their side along the flat surface, tummy to tummy. The baby’s hips and shoulders should be parallel to the edge of the pillow, and the baby’s nose should be at the level of your nipple. Support the baby’s head with the hand opposite the breast you are offering. Avoid pressing the baby’s head into your breast, instead guide them gently and let them tilt their head back slightly to open wide. This position encourages a deep, asymmetrical latch that protects your nipples.
Getting the Perfect Latch
Once the baby is in place, use your free hand to shape your breast into a sandwich, compressing the areola slightly. Wait for the baby to open wide, then bring them onto the breast chin first. The baby’s lips should flange outward, and you should see more areola above the top lip than below. If you feel pinching, slip a clean finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth to break the suction and try again. With the Brest Friend pillow keeping the baby steady, you can focus entirely on the latch without wrestling with a slipping pillow.
Common Breastfeeding Positions with Your Brest Friend Pillow
The My Brest Friend pillow works beautifully with several nursing holds. Switching positions throughout the day helps drain all milk ducts evenly and prevents clogged ducts. Here are the most effective holds and how to set them up on this pillow.
Cradle Hold
In the cradle hold, your baby lies on their side with their head in the bend of your elbow on the same side as the breast you’re using. Place the baby on the pillow so their body is fully supported, with their bottom tucked against your belly. Use your opposite hand to shape the breast. The firm surface of the pillow keeps the baby’s head at the right height, reducing the urge to cradle the baby’s body with your arm. This frees your arm to gently support the baby’s neck or simply relax.
Cross-Cradle Hold
This hold offers more head control and is ideal for newborns still learning to latch. Lay the baby on the pillow along your forearm opposite the breast you are feeding from. For the right breast, your left arm supports the baby’s neck and shoulders, and your left hand cradles the base of the baby’s skull. The firm pillow supports the baby’s lower body, so you only need to direct the head. Use your right hand to hold the breast and guide the latch. Once the baby is attached well, you can switch to a cradle hold without moving the pillow.
Football Hold
The football hold is a favorite for C-section recovery because it keeps pressure off the incision. Position the pillow slightly toward the hip of the side you’re nursing on. Lay the baby on their back along the pillow with their legs tucked under your arm, like a football. The baby’s head should be at breast level. Use your hand to support the neck and guide the baby onto the breast from below. The wrap-around design of the My Brest Friend pillow ensures the baby won’t roll away, which is especially helpful for moms of twins or premature babies.
Adjusting the Pillow for Your Body Type
Bodies come in all shapes, and the My Brest Friend pillow is designed to accommodate them with a few tweaks. A one-size-fits-all strap and firm foam let you customize the fit, but you may need to experiment to find your sweet spot.
For Petite Moms
If you have a short torso, the pillow may feel bulky at first. Try tightening the waist strap as much as possible while still being comfortable. Some moms add a thin, non-slip mat between the pillow and their lap to prevent sliding. You can also sit on a folded towel to raise your hips slightly, which naturally tilts the pillow upward. The key is to keep the nursing surface parallel to the floor, not angled downward toward your lap.
For Plus-Size Moms
The waist strap extends generously, but you may need an extender if you wear a larger size. Check the manufacturer’s website for an extender strap if the included one feels too snug around your waist and back. Instead of fastening the strap tightly, focus on securing the pillow just enough so it doesn’t rotate. You can also flip the back support piece upward if it creates pressure points. The goal is a stable platform that sits above the belly, not on it.
Cleaning and Care Tips
Breast milk leaks and spit-up are inevitable, so knowing how to keep your pillow fresh matters. The My Brest Friend pillow comes with a removable, machine-washable cover. Unzip it gently, pull out the foam insert, and wash the cover in cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry to prevent shrinking. Never wash the foam core itself, as water breaks down the dense foam and leads to lumpiness.
For daily cleaning, keep a stack of burp cloths nearby and lay one over the nursing surface during feeds. If the pillow develops a milky smell, sprinkle a little baking soda on the foam, let it sit for an hour, and vacuum it off. Always let the cover dry completely before putting it back on. A second, spare cover is a worthwhile investment for those cluster-feeding weeks when you don’t have time for laundry.
When comparing cleaning routines and overall durability, many moms find this pillow easier to maintain than other nursing pillows. If you’re curious about which models rank highest overall, take a look at our list of top-rated nursing pillows. You might also be interested in how to use a Boppy pillow with a younger baby if you have both types at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use the My Brest Friend pillow for bottle feeding?
Absolutely. The flat, stable surface is excellent for bottle feeding because it supports your arm and keeps the baby at a slight incline. Position the baby in a cradle hold and use the pillow to rest your elbow, just as you would while nursing. This can help prevent wrist fatigue during long bottle feeds.
- How do you put on the Brest Friend pillow by yourself while holding the baby?
It takes practice, but many moms master the one-handed buckle. Set the pillow on a chair or the bed, place the baby in the center of the nursing surface, then sit in front of it and wrap the straps around your waist. Buckle the strap with one hand while the other keeps the baby from rolling. Some parents prefer to strap the pillow on first, then pick up the baby, which is easier when you’re still getting the hang of it.
- Is the My Brest Friend pillow washable?
The cotton slipcover is fully machine washable. The foam interior is not washable, but you can spot-clean it with a mild detergent and a damp cloth. Allow it to air dry thoroughly before reassembling. For heavy soiling, consider purchasing a waterproof liner that fits between the foam and the cover.
- What is the difference between My Brest Friend and a Boppy pillow?
The Boppy is a U-shaped pillow with a softer fill, while the My Brest Friend has a firm foam core, a wraparound strap, and an adjustable lumbar backrest. The Brest Friend’s flat surface prevents the baby from rolling into the gap between your body and the pillow. Both have loyal followings, but the right choice depends on your body shape and feeding style. For more help with positioning and latch, you can find expert advice from La Leche League International on their breastfeeding positions page.
Conclusion
Mastering how to use breast friend pillow is one of the simplest ways to make breastfeeding more comfortable and sustainable. When you secure the waist strap at the right height, snap the back support, and align the baby’s mouth with your nipple, you eliminate the hunching that leads to back pain and a shallow latch. Experiment with the cradle, cross-cradle, and football holds until you find the positions that feel most natural for your body.
Remember that your comfort directly affects your baby’s ability to feed well. A stable, firm surface helps them stay calm and focused. Keep your pillow clean, adjust the fit as your postpartum body changes, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant if latch issues persist. With consistent practice and the right setup, nursing sessions can become a relaxing, bonding experience instead of a struggle.