Some of our favorite ways to use the Nesting Pillow and Nest Egg
Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 12:29AM The following post was written by Code Name: Mama. Thank you ladies for sharing how much you love our Nesting Pillow!
I am in love with the Nesting Pillow from Blessed Nest. I received it in the second trimester of my pregnancy with Ailia, and it has been used nightly - and now daily - ever since. It's not only a phenomenal nursing pillow, it also provides wonderful support during pregnancy. I decided to share some of our favorite ways to use the Nesting Pillow and Nest Egg (the smaller pillow available from Blessed Nest). Be sure to visit Code Name: Mama and Natural Parent Network this Saturday, January 7 - we'll be opening up a giveaway so that you can win your own Nesting Pillow from Blessed Nest! Enjoy the pictures! And feel free to share your own favorite Nesting Pillow or Nest Egg positions in the comments.
17. Nursing Support (Cradle Hold)
Of course! Use this pillow the same way you'd use any nursing pillow, but this one is even better since you can reposition the pillow thanks to the insides full of buckwheat hulls. Read more at Blessed Nest's website.
Cradle Hold
16. Knee Relief and Back Support
Tuck the Nesting Pillow behind your back and put the Nest Egg in between your knees for support during pregnancy.
Knee support and back relief
15. Squatting Support
Practice your squats with the Nesting Pillow underneath your tush for support. Why squat? "Squatting stretches the calves of your legs so that getting into a good pushing position will be easier. . . . In contrast to lying on her back, a woman in a squatting position allows gravity to help move the baby through the birth canal." There are many more reasons to practice squatting every day - pregnant or not - read about them at Birthing Naturally, and find out how at Aligned and Well.
Squatting support
14. Nap Time for Baby
We wedge the Nesting Pillow behind Ailia's back during her naps. Like Kieran, Ailia does not like to sleep on her back, she prefers to sleep on her side. This gives her support and lets us tilt her somewhat backwards while lying on her side.
Naptime for baby
13. Big Pillow
If you're stuck in bed with lots of pillows behind your head, use this one!
Big pillow
12. Massage Support
Prenatal massage is so relaxing, but you'll need plenty of support on either side of your growing belly. Check out Prenatal Massage Techniques for tips, and use the Nesting Pillow for support.
Massage Support
11. Knee Relief
Put the pillow squarely between your knees for back and leg relief.
knee and leg relief
10. Newborn Nursing
The Nesting Pillow is great to use with newborns, see instructions at the Blessed Nest Perch.
Newborn nursing
9. Yoga Help
There are several yoga positions you might appreciate some soft support for - this is a picture of me using the Nesting Pillow to help me in Child's Pose.
Yoga Help
8. Child Pillow- Nest Egg
The Nest Egg makes a perfect pillow for your little one!
Nest Egg Child Pillow
7. Front Support and Knee Relief
If you'd rather have support on your belly side, you can either use the Nesting Pillow between your knees and curve it up in front of your belly, or use the Nest Egg for your knees and the Nesting Pillow for your stomach.
Front Supporrt and Knee relief
6. Naptime for Baby + Beanbag Prop
Reminder: Never leave a baby unattended with anything loose such as blankets or pillows until they are over the age of two.
When I was a baby, my mama had a frog beanbag that she would slowly set on my back in place of her hand as I drifted off to sleep. With Ailia, if we can manage to lay her on her side, we attempt to slip the Nest Egg against her belly so that she doesn't realize that we're not lying right next to her. Obviously we are careful not to put it near her face, and we're vigilant while she is sleeping that she does not pull it up.
Nap time for baby and bean bag prop
5. Hugs for a Sleeping Child
Give some back support to the big brother or sister by hugging them with the Nesting Pillow during naptime or nighttime.
Hugs for a sleeping child
4. Nursing (Football Hold)
The Nesting Pillow makes nursing in the football hold incredibly easy!
Footbal Hold
3. Arm Support for Older Sibling
Big brothers and sisters always want to hold baby, but they may need a little help. Use the Nesting Pillow as a way to prop up little arms so that baby heads are held up properly.
Arm support for older sibling
2. Co-Sleeping
Ailia, like Kieran, sleeps cuddled up on my chest. In order to keep her up there, I have to prop my arm on a pillow - the Nesting Pillow is ideal!
co-sleeping support
1. Awesome Baby Photo Prop
And my favorite way to use the Nesting Pillow? Well, it's my favorite way for posterity's sake anyway - use the pillow for super sweet baby pictures. Check out Miss Ailia when she was only a week old! 
How do you use your Nesting Pillow? _________________________ Dionna is a lawyer turned work at home mama of her amazing son, Kieran, and a beautiful new daughter, Ailia. You can normally find Dionna over at Code Name: Mama where she shares information, resources, and her thoughts on natural parenting and life with a little one.
breastfeeding, co sleeping, review
Reader Comments (3)
Great post and ideas... I don't think I could've survived the early weeks of BFing without my nesting pillow, especially since I had to work really hard (read: needed two free hands!) to get my baby to latch correctly and the firm placement of the pillow provided the needed support. I have one more idea to add to your list, though - the pillow is great for propping up a supported sitter when they're still a little too wobbly on their own : )
Thanks Sarah! I haven't had the Nesting Pillow long enough to learn that one yet, but I'm glad you told me - I'll keep it in mind :)
Heather originally designed the Nesting Pillow for my little one and me! ( Yes, I'm bragging) I had a wiggly non latcher. But the football hold was her favorite and mine. She snuggled in to a comfortable position, I could snuggle her and all was well! I just started Yoga and my tail bone hurts while in some positions so excited to experience it hands on. 8 Years later we all use them as sleeping and lap top pillows.
If a cute Kittie or puppy is near, they will use it to cuddle up as well! Ask Murphy ( the Blessed Nest star doggy)