If you're preparing for your baby's arrival, you've probably come across both pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows. While they might seem similar, these two products serve very different purposes.
Understanding the difference can help you make informed decisions about which one (or both!) you need for your pregnancy and motherhood journey.
Quick Answer: The Main Difference
Pregnancy Pillow: Designed to support your body while sleeping during pregnancy
Nursing Pillow: Designed to support your baby during feeding (breastfeeding or bottle feeding)
Now let's dive deeper into each type.
What Is a Pregnancy Pillow?
Purpose
Pregnancy pillows are designed to help you sleep comfortably during pregnancy by supporting your changing body.
Design
Common shapes include:
- C-Shaped: Curves around your body for back and belly support
- U-Shaped: Wraps completely around you for 360° support
- Wedge: Small triangular pillow for targeted support
Size
Large and full-body (typically 140-150cm long), designed to support your entire body while lying down.
When to Use
- During pregnancy (all trimesters)
- While sleeping at night
- For daytime rest and relaxation
- Can be used postpartum for recovery
Key Benefits
- Relieves back, hip, and pelvic pain
- Promotes side sleeping (recommended during pregnancy)
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces swelling in legs and feet
- Supports growing belly
What Is a Nursing Pillow?
Purpose
Nursing pillows are designed to support your baby at the correct height during feeding, reducing strain on your arms, shoulders, and back.
Design
Typically C-shaped or crescent-shaped with:
- Firm, supportive filling
- Flat top surface for baby to rest on
- Adjustable strap to secure around your waist
- Compact size that wraps around your midsection
Size
Smaller and more compact (typically 60-70cm), designed to wrap around your waist while sitting.
When to Use
- During breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- For tummy time (0-3 months)
- To help baby learn to sit (4-6 months)
- While propping baby up for interaction
Key Benefits
- Brings baby to breast level for proper latch
- Reduces arm, shoulder, and back strain during feeding
- Promotes better posture while nursing
- Makes feeding more comfortable for long sessions
- Multi-functional for baby development activities
Side-by-Side Comparison
Primary Use:
Pregnancy Pillow: Sleeping support
Nursing Pillow: Feeding support
Size:
Pregnancy Pillow: Large (140-150cm)
Nursing Pillow: Compact (60-70cm)
Position:
Pregnancy Pillow: Lying down
Nursing Pillow: Sitting up
When Needed:
Pregnancy Pillow: During pregnancy
Nursing Pillow: After baby arrives
Firmness:
Pregnancy Pillow: Medium-firm
Nursing Pillow: Very firm
Price Range:
Pregnancy Pillow: ₹1,500 - ₹3,000
Nursing Pillow: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000
Can You Use a Pregnancy Pillow for Nursing?
Short answer: You can, but it's not ideal.
Why it's not perfect:
- Too large and bulky for comfortable feeding
- Often too soft - baby may sink in
- Doesn't bring baby to the correct height
- Difficult to position properly while sitting
- No waist strap to keep it in place
When it might work:
- For occasional bottle feeding while lying down
- As a temporary solution until you get a nursing pillow
- For propping baby up during supervised play
Can You Use a Nursing Pillow During Pregnancy?
Short answer: Not really.
Why it doesn't work:
- Too small to support your full body
- Too firm for comfortable sleeping
- Wrong shape for pregnancy support needs
- Doesn't provide back or leg support
Do You Need Both?
Ideally, yes. Here's why:
During Pregnancy
A pregnancy pillow is essential for:
- Better sleep quality (crucial for your health)
- Pain relief and comfort
- Supporting your changing body
After Baby Arrives
A nursing pillow becomes invaluable for:
- Comfortable feeding sessions (you'll feed 8-12 times per day!)
- Preventing back and shoulder pain
- Proper latch and positioning
Budget-Friendly Approach
If you need to prioritize:
During Pregnancy (Months 1-9)
Priority: Pregnancy Pillow
You'll use it every single night for months. Quality sleep is crucial for your health and baby's development.
Before Baby Arrives (Month 8-9)
Add: Nursing Pillow
Get it before delivery so it's ready when baby arrives. You'll use it multiple times daily from day one.
What to Look for in Each
Pregnancy Pillow Checklist
- ✓ Appropriate size for your bed
- ✓ Shape that suits your sleeping style (C or U)
- ✓ Medium-firm support
- ✓ Breathable, washable cover
- ✓ Hypoallergenic filling
Nursing Pillow Checklist
- ✓ Firm support (baby shouldn't sink in)
- ✓ Adjustable waist strap
- ✓ Flat top surface
- ✓ Easy-to-clean cover
- ✓ Appropriate height for your body
MaternEase Recommendation
For the best pregnancy and postpartum experience, we recommend:
Second Trimester: Invest in a quality pregnancy pillow (C-shaped or U-shaped)
Third Trimester (Month 8): Add a nursing pillow to your registry or purchase
This ensures you have the right support at the right time without unnecessary expense.
The Bottom Line
While pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows might look similar, they serve completely different purposes:
- Pregnancy pillows = Sleep support during pregnancy
- Nursing pillows = Feeding support after baby arrives
Both are valuable investments that address specific needs at different stages of your motherhood journey. Rather than trying to make one work for both purposes, having the right tool for each job will make your life significantly more comfortable.
Ready to get both? Explore our complete collection of pregnancy and nursing pillows with free shipping across India and easy returns.