Written in partnership with Kate, founder of Little Bird Lactation (Registered Nurse and Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant)
Feeding your newborn is pretty amazing, but let’s be real it’s also exhausting! Especially in those first few weeks when you’re feeding every two to three hours, sometimes even more frequently, day and night.
Having a feeding space that’s comfy and supportive can totally change the game, turning those frequent feeds from a slog into a chance to relax and bond. Whether it’s a quick daytime feed or a marathon late-night session, setting up a cozy, nurturing spot that fits your needs is a must.
With tips from Little Bird Lactation and lactation consultant Kate, this guide will show you how to create a feeding space that works for you, day and night.
1. Start With the Right Chair: Your Comfort Foundation
Your feeding chair is the cornerstone of your comfort during those long feeding sessions. Choose a chair that offers firm, upright back support to help you maintain good posture and avoid slouching, which can lead to back and neck pain. Your feet should rest flat on the floor or be supported by a footstool to reduce strain on your lower back and hips.
Avoid deep, soft couches or beds that encourage you to slump or hunch forward, as this can cause discomfort and poor feeding posture. A well-chosen chair helps you stay relaxed and focused on your baby, reducing fatigue and tension.
If you want to elevate your comfort further, consider pairing your chair with supportive accessories like a small lumbar cushion or the Pregnancy Pillow. Originally designed for pregnancy, this pillow’s adaptable three-piece design offers excellent lumbar support, helping you maintain a healthy posture during feeding.
Most Sleepybelly customers use the long piece pillow to support feeding long after the baby arrives, which makes it a great value choice.
2. Use Soft, Sleep-Friendly Lighting: Protect Your Sleep Cycle
Night feeds can be particularly challenging because bright lights can overstimulate both you and your baby, making it harder to settle back to sleep. To create a calm, soothing atmosphere, opt for dimmable warm lights or red/amber night lights, which are gentler on the eyes and less likely to disrupt melatonin production.
Motion-sensor lamps are a smart choice for night feeds, lighting your space only when you move, so you don’t have to fumble in the dark or turn on harsh overhead lights. This subtle lighting helps keep the mood peaceful and supports a smoother transition back to sleep for both you and your baby.
3. Keep a Feeding Caddy Nearby: Convenience at Your Fingertips
When you’re juggling a sleepy baby and your own tiredness, convenience is everything. Create a feeding caddy or basket stocked with all your essentials so you don’t have to get up mid-feed. Some must-haves include:
-
A water bottle to keep you hydrated
-
Snacks or lactation bars for quick energy boosts
-
Burp cloths and muslin cloths for messes
-
Nursing pads to stay comfortable
-
Your phone, a book, or a remote control for entertainment during longer feeds
Having these items within arm’s reach means fewer interruptions and more comfort, especially during those long or late-night sessions.
4. Support Your Body, Not Just the Baby: The Right Pillow Makes All the Difference
One of the biggest challenges new mums often face during breastfeeding is finding proper support—not just for their baby, but for their own body. Traditional feeding pillows tend to focus on propping the baby up, but this can leave mums hunched over or awkwardly positioned. Poor alignment like this can lead to nipple pain, shallow latch, and discomfort.
Lactation consultant Kate from Little Bird Lactation explains it perfectly in her blog, “Rethinking Breastfeeding Support: Why Your Pillow Should Support You”. She emphasises that the pillow’s job is to support you so you can comfortably support your baby.
Her preferred solution? The Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow, originally designed for pregnancy but incredibly effective for postpartum feeding too. Its adaptable three-piece design—two soft wedges and a longer middle section—makes it versatile enough to support a variety of feeding positions:
-
Reclined Position: Place one wedge behind your lower back for lumbar support, helping you lean back comfortably during long cluster feeds. The long middle section fits under your arm holding the baby, reducing shoulder and neck strain and making your baby feel lighter in your arms.
-
Cradle Hold: Depending on your chair and body shape, use the long section or a wedge under your elbow to prevent fatigue and maintain a gentle, secure hold. This improves alignment at the breast and encourages a better latch.
-
Side-Lying: For those lifesaving overnight feeds, tuck a wedge behind your back for stability and place the long section between your knees to support your hips and pelvis alignment—especially important in the early postpartum period.
Kate’s Instagram reel beautifully demonstrates these uses, showing how Sleepybelly supports mums through the many feeding positions needed day and night. By choosing a pillow that supports your body first, you’re setting yourself and your baby up for a more comfortable, successful feeding experience.
5. Add Small Comfort Touches: The Little Things Matter
Sometimes, it’s the small extras that make the biggest difference in your comfort and wellbeing during feeding:
-
A small lumbar cushion behind your back for extra support, the small side wedge from The Sleepybelly is perfect for this.
-
A rolled towel under your baby’s head (always supervised) to help with positioning
-
A warm blanket or cosy robe to keep you comfortable, especially during night feeds
-
A noise machine or calming playlist to create a soothing atmosphere and drown out distractions
These touches help create a nurturing space that supports both you and your baby’s wellbeing, making feeding a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion: Comfort and Care Go Hand in Hand
Feeding your baby is demanding work — physically and emotionally. Prioritising comfort and good posture in your feeding space can ease the strain and make feeding a more enjoyable experience for you both. Tailor your setup to your unique needs, and don’t hesitate to try different supports, lighting, and small comforts until you find what works best.
For ongoing practical feeding support and expert advice, follow Little Bird Lactation on Instagram and explore Kate’s insightful blog via her website.
Remember, creating a comfortable feeding space is just one way to nurture yourself as you nurture your baby. Alongside this, consider how Sleepybelly’s maternity essentials — like their adjustable pregnancy pillow and breathable maternity pyjamas — can support your body through pregnancy and beyond, helping you rest better and feel cared for every step of the way.
