Best Seating Options for Breastfeeding Mothers

For many new mothers, the challenge of breastfeeding can be a daunting task. Running on little sleep while trying to adjust to the new challenges of caring for a newborn is enough to make anybody exhausted. That is why it is important to find a comfortable place to sit when it is time to feed the baby. Here are the best seating options for breastfeeding mothers and what features to avoid.

Rockers and Gliders

Rocking chairs have long-since been the gold standard of seating for many a new mother and her child. The rocking motion is great for getting the child to relax and usually comes with armrests to help you support your growing child. Try to avoid chairs with sharp points and exposed hardware to keep everybody safe.

While a rocking chair is traditionally used for newborns, the new trend to emerge is the adoption of gliders. These are a new style of rocking chair that slides back and forth parallel to the floor. Gliders have become a popular option because they make it harder for a young child to pinch their fingers. Just like rocking chairs, the gentle motion of gliders can help put the baby at ease and make feeding much easier.

Recliners

Another popular option for new mothers is recliners. What makes these so popular is the ease with which you can close your eyes and rest comfortably in them. This will be especially important for the many feedings that your child will demand in the middle of the night. There is a danger that the baby can become pinned in a recliner and injure themselves, so be sure to always stay alert to prevent a possible catastrophe. One major benefit to a recliner is the built-in leg rest, which is unlike rocking chairs and sofas that often require an ottoman or a coffee table to put your feet up.

Sofas

The last seating option for breastfeeding mothers is to use the couch. This is where it becomes critical to ensure your sofa isn’t exhibiting signs that it needs to be replaced. The thing that makes this option so popular is the additional seating for the rest of the family. It is also easier to pass the baby off to another person if you need to move, whereas this pass-off is more difficult if the mom must first stand up from a glider or recliner. On a sofa, new moms can position pillows to provide additional arm support and help the baby relax. As with recliners, you should avoid falling asleep while holding the baby on the couch. The last thing that you want is for the baby to roll off the couch and injure themselves.