Written in partnership with Kate, founder of Little Bird Lactation (Registered Nurse and Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant)
Feeding your newborn is a beautiful way to connect—but it’s also demanding. In those early weeks, you may find yourself feeding every two to three hours, day and night. Having a space that feels calm and supportive can make all the difference, turning endless feeds into an opportunity to rest, recharge, and bond with your baby.
With guidance from Kate of Little Bird Lactation, this article shares how to set up a feeding space that truly supports you—because when you’re comfortable, your baby feeds better too.
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 Gentle Lighting to 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:
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A water bottle to keep you hydrated
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Snacks or lactation bars for quick energy boosts
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Burp cloths and muslin cloths for messes
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Nursing pads to stay comfortable
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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 First: Rethinking Feeding Pillows
Traditional breastfeeding pillows are often too soft, too firm, or the wrong height—leaving your baby poorly positioned and sometimes even contributing to nipple pain or latch issues. Kate emphasises that the pillow’s role is to support you, so you can comfortably support your baby.
Her go-to solution? The Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow. Its three-piece design—two wedges and a long middle cushion—adapts to your body and can be used across the most common feeding positions:
- Cross-Cradle Hold: This position often places most of the weight in your supporting arm and elbow. Use one wedge under your elbow to reduce strain. The long piece can be added if you need extra support—but remember, it’s there to support your arm, not replace it.
- Reclined Feeding: Place a wedge in your lower back to help you lean back comfortably. Then use the long section under your arm to lighten the load on your shoulders and neck.
- Side-Lying Feeds: A lifesaver for night feeds. Tuck a wedge behind your back for stability and place the long pillow between your knees to support hip and pelvic alignment.
Kate’s Instagram reel demonstrates the different 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.
Kate calls the Sleepybelly her “ride or die”—it stayed in her bed every night through pregnancy and postpartum—showing just how versatile it can be.
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:
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A small lumbar cushion behind your back for extra support, the small side wedge from The Sleepybelly is perfect for this.
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A rolled towel under your baby’s head (always supervised) to help with positioning
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A warm blanket or cosy robe to keep you comfortable, especially during night feeds
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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.
