Boppy vs. My Brest Friend: Which Nursing Pillow is Right for You?

Choosing the right nursing pillow can be a game-changer for a new mum, offering comfort and support for a delicate small and soft little newborn during nursing. Two of the most popular options on the market are the Boppy and the My Brest Friend. While both aim to make nursing easier, they have distinct features that cater to different preferences and needs. Let’s dive into a comparison of these two beloved pillows.

Spoiler alert: I’m a huge fan of the My Brest Friend over the Boppy Pillow for nursing! Like by far.

Shape, Size, and Support

The most obvious difference between the Boppy and the My Brest Friend lies in their shape and the type of support they offer.

The Boppy Original is a C-shaped pillow that you place around your waist. It’s designed to bring your baby up to breast height, reducing strain on your back and arms. Its soft, supportive fill makes it versatile, also serving as a prop for tummy time or a sit-up support for older babies.

The My Brest Friend, on the other hand, is a flatter, firmer pillow with a unique wrap-around design that secures to your body with an adjustable strap. This design creates a firm, level surface for your baby, ensuring they stay close and properly positioned. The back support built into the My Brest Friend is also a major plus for many moms, promoting good posture during longer feeding sessions.

In my experience, the flat shape of the My Brest Friend is a game changer! I can lay down the baby and she will lay stable on the flat surface. The “non-flatness” of the Boppy pillow (it’s raised in the middle) made my baby kinda roll towards me when I laid her down to nurse. This made it less stable.

The Security of a Strap and the Convenience of Pockets

One of the standout features of the My Brest Friend is its adjustable strap. This strap is a game-changer; it securely fastens the pillow around your body, preventing it from shifting or creating gaps between you and the pillow. This stability is particularly beneficial in those early weeks when latching can be a delicate dance. You can even stand up and walk around with the pillow still attached, which can be incredibly convenient, especially because you can attach the pillow, and then walk over and pick your baby up to nurse. Placing and adjusting the Boppy pillow one handed while holding your baby is less than optimal when you have a My Brest Friend already well positioned.

Another practical advantage of the My Brest Friend is its built-in pockets. These handy compartments are perfect for stashing essentials like burp cloths, nipple cream, your phone, or even a water bottle, keeping everything you need within arm’s reach during those marathon feeding sessions. This feature may not be a deal breaker though, as you can have a small table by your nursing station with a water bottle and any other necessary supplies.

While the Boppy doesn’t have a strap to secure it or built-in pockets, its open C-shape can be more comfortable for some body types.

Safety First: Important Considerations for Nursing Pillows

While nursing pillows are fantastic tools, it’s crucial to prioritize safety – always. Recent years have brought increased awareness and updated safety regulations regarding nursing pillows.

Never use a nursing pillow as an infant sleep surface. This is the most critical safety rule. Nursing pillows are designed for supervised feeding and support, not for unsupervised sleep. Babies can shift or roll into positions where their airway becomes obstructed, increasing the risk of suffocation.

Always supervise your baby when using a nursing pillow. Ensure your baby’s head and neck are supported, and their airway remains clear. After feeding, always transfer your baby to a safe sleep environment if they fall asleep, such as a crib or bassinet, on their back.

Choosing between the Boppy and My Brest Friend usually comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable and supportive for you and your baby. Both are excellent choices, but if you’re asking me, My Brest Friend hits the mark on all the pillow needs for nursing a newborn.

A nursing pillow is a great addition to a baby registry! Check out this post for other essentials you shouldn’t forget to add to a baby registry.

Wishing you a warm and successful breastfeeding journey. 💛