Breastfeeding Pillow

The present application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/945,179 filed on Nov. 12, 2024, entitled “Breastfeeding Pillow,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/598,812 filed on Nov. 14, 2023, entitled “Breastfeeding Pillow,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The present disclosure relates to the field of pillows and cushions designed for nursing, or breastfeeding, an infant.

Breastfeeding pillows are specially designed cushions used by nursing mothers to provide support and comfort during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding sessions. The primary purpose is to help both the mother and the baby maintain a comfortable and ergonomic feeding position. Breastfeeding pillows can be in a “C” shape designed to curve around both sides of the abdomen of the mother and provide a surface on which to place the baby during feeding.

The disclosure includes a breastfeeding pillow including a head portion configured to support a head of a baby, a tail portion located opposite the head portion and configured to support at least one leg of the baby, and a middle portion located between the head portion and the tail portion, the middle portion configured to support a torso of the baby. In some embodiments, the breastfeeding pillow further comprises a foot support extending from an end of the tail portion, wherein the foot support is configured to receive at least one foot of the baby. The foot support may be configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the tail portion and may be configured to at least partially surround the end of the tail portion. In some embodiments, the foot support is configured to provide a surface for the at least one foot of the baby to press against, thereby providing pressure against the at least one foot of the baby.

The breastfeeding pillow may comprise a first side configured to align the baby with a first breast of a nursing mother and a second side configured to align the baby with a second breast of the nursing mother. In some embodiments, the foot support is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the foot support extends substantially perpendicular from the first side, and in the second position, the foot support extends substantially perpendicular from the second side.

The foot support may be configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the foot support extends along a first direction from the tail portion, and in the second position the foot support extends along a second direction from the tail portion, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction. The first direction and the second direction may extend substantially perpendicular from the tail portion.

In some embodiments, the foot support comprises a first end coupled to the tail portion and a second end located opposite the first end. The first end of the foot support may be configured to wrap around the tail portion. In some embodiments, the first end of the foot support wraps around the tail portion in an uneven manner such that the first end of the foot support extends further along an outer edge of the breastfeeding pillow than an inner edge of the breastfeeding pillow. The foot support may also include a stretchable member located between the first end and the second end, and the stretchable member may be configured to maintain a curved shape of the foot support.

The middle portion of the breastfeeding pillow may define a curved shape configured to fit around an abdomen of a nursing mother. In some embodiments, the curved shape reduces an amount of space between the baby and the nursing mother to thereby facilitate physical contact between the baby and the nursing mother. The head portion, the tail portion, and the middle portion may define an apostrophe shape.

In some embodiments, the head portion defines a first height and the tail portion defines a second height that is less than the first height, thereby configuring the breastfeeding pillow to elevate the head of the baby above the at least one leg of the baby. The middle portion may define a third height that is less than the first height and greater than the second height such that the breastfeeding pillow slopes downward from the head portion to the tail portion. In some embodiments, the first height is at least nine inches, the second height is at least three inches, and the third height is at least seven inches.

The foot support may define a height of about five inches and a length of about twelve inches. In some embodiments, the breastfeeding pillow defines an overall length of about twenty inches. The breastfeeding pillow may be sized and configured for use in feeding newborns and infants up to about six months of age.

In some embodiments, the breastfeeding pillow includes a removable slipcover configured to receive and retain each of the head portion, the middle portion, and at least a portion of the tail portion.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

Breastfeeding pillows are specially designed cushions used by nursing mothers to provide support and comfort during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding sessions. One of the key elements of a successful breastfeeding session is the latch maintained by the baby on the mother's nipple and areola-without a deep latch, it can be difficult for the baby to transfer milk, resulting in low milk supply and possible nipple damage, which can be frustrating for both the baby and the mother. To get a good latch, the baby must feel stable. There are three key pressure points on a baby's body that help the baby feel stable, thereby encouraging a strong latch: the hands, the abdomen, and the feet.

Traditional breastfeeding positions, with or without breastfeeding pillows, typically satisfy the pressure points in the hands and abdomen because the baby's hands are usually cupped around the mother's breast, and the baby's abdomen is usually pressed against the mother's torso. However, traditional feeding positions and typical breastfeeding pillows fail to provide pressure against the baby's feet, which can leave the baby feeling not fully supported or stable. For example, babies often kick their legs (or otherwise squirm) around while feeding, which can be an indication of some discomfort or instability.

In addition, traditional “C”-shaped breastfeeding pillows are designed to curve around the mother's abdomen but may not be suitable for mothers of all sizes. Often, a gap forms between the center of the pillow and the mother, and the baby can sink into this gap rather than remain in a highly supported position for feeding. An optimal breastfeeding position includes the baby lying about level with the mother's breast, but this level position can't be maintained when the baby sinks too far into a pillow or between the pillow and the mother.

In an effort to encourage stability and comfort while feeding, the breastfeeding pillow disclosed herein includes an angled surface for a feeding baby to lay on and a foot support element intended to provide the baby with a support to press their feet against.

illustrates a breastfeeding pillow(hereafter, “the pillow”) resting on the lap of a mother, with a babylying on the pillow. In some embodiments, the pillowis arranged and configured to position the babysuch that the baby's head is elevated above the rest of the baby'sbody, which may help facilitate swallowing while feeding. The pillowmay include multiple elements configured to stabilize and support the baby, as will be discussed throughout this disclosure. The babymay rest directly on the pillow, as demonstrated in, or the mothermay hold the babywhile the mother's arm(s) rest on the pillow, thereby maintaining the sloped position for the baby.

shows a perspective view of the pillowincluding a head portion, a tail portionlocated opposite the head portion, and a middle portionlocated between the head portionand the tail portion. In some embodiments, the pillowincludes a foot supportextending from the tail portion, as illustrated. The foot supportmay be configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the tail portionand may be configured to at least partially surround the end of the tail portion, as will be discussed further with reference to.

Similar to,shows a perspective view of the pillowbut includes the babylying on the pillow. As demonstrated in, the head portionof the pillowmay be configured to support a headof the baby, the tail portionmay be configured to support at least one legof the baby, and the middle portionmay be configured to support a torsoof the baby.

In some embodiments, the foot supportis configured to receive at least one footof the baby, such that the babymay kick or press at least one footinto and/or against the foot support. As discussed above, the bottom surface of the at least one footof the babyincludes pressure points that, when stimulated, help the babyfeel stable and secure. Including the foot supporton the pillowprovides the babywith something to press against to stimulate those pressure points and increase the baby'ssense of comfort and safety while breastfeeding. In some embodiments, the foot supportis sufficiently stiff (i.e., not flimsy) to maintain its position despite pressure from the babykicking and/or pushing against the foot support. Stated another way, the foot supportmay be firm enough to resist folding, collapsing, flopping, or other unintentional movement during, for example, nursing of the baby.

It should be noted that the pillowmay be sized and configured for use by newborns and young infants from birth to about six months of age. In some embodiments, the pillowis sized and configured for use by infants from birth to about one year of age, or in some cases, from birth to about two years of age. Of course, the exact timeline of use will depend on the comfort and confidence of the nursing mother and the size of the baby, in addition to the baby's strength and ease of breastfeeding. For example, a four-month-old infant may have an easy time nursing and may, by that age, be able to successfully nurse in a variety of positions without needing the specific support provided by the pillow. On the other hand, for example, a premature-born six-month-old infant may be smaller and/or not as strong and may need additional time to master breastfeeding in a highly supported environment, such as that provided by using the pillow. Exemplary dimensions of the pillowwill be provided later in this disclosure.

again illustrate perspective views of the pillow. In some embodiments, the pillowcomprises a first side, as shown in, configured to align the babywith a first breast of the nursing mother. The pillowmay also comprise a second side, as shown in, configured to align the babywith a second breast of the nursing mother. Stated differently, the mothermay be able to flip the pillowto accommodate nursing from either breast. For example, the first sidemay be configured to align with the right breast of the mother, and the second sidemay be configured to align with the left breast of the mother. In some embodiments, the second sideis located opposite the first side.

In some embodiments, the foot supportis configured to move between a first position, shown in, and a second position, shown in. In the first position, the foot supportmay be configured to extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly “upward” from the first sideof the pillow. The foot supportmay also be described as extending along a first direction when in the first position, as indicated in. The first positionmay be ideal for use while breastfeeding when the babyis lying on the first side, such as in the position shown in.

The second positionmay be useful to move the foot supportout of the way while breastfeeding if the motherdoes not want to use the foot supportwhile the babyis lying on the first side. The second positionmay be described as the foot supportextending perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly “downward” from the first side. The foot supportmay also be described as extending along a second direction when in the second position, as indicated in. The second direction may be opposite the first direction. The second direction may also be opposite the first side. The first direction and the second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the tail portion. In some embodiments, the ability to move the foot supportbetween the first positionand the second positionfacilitates the use of both the first sideand the second sideof the pillow.

are similar to, but show the second sideof the pillow, and illustrate the foot supportin the first positionand the second positionrather than the first positionand the second position. In some embodiments, in the first position, the foot supportis configured to extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly “upward” from the second side, as shown in. The foot supportmay also be described as extending along a first direction when in the first position, as indicated in. Accordingly, the first positionmay represent the ideal positioning of the foot supportfor breastfeeding with the babylying on the second sideof the pillow, assuming the babyuses the foot support.

As discussed with reference to the second position, the second positionmay be useful to move the foot supportout of the way while breastfeeding if the motherdoes not want to use the foot supportwhile the babyis lying on the second side. The second positionmay be described as extending perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly “downward” from the second side. The foot supportmay also be described as extending along a second direction when in the second position, as indicated in. The second direction may be opposite the first direction. The second direction may also be opposite the second side. In some embodiments, the first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular to the tail portion.

It should be noted that the first positionand the second positionmay be substantially the same position. Further, the second positionand the first positionmay be substantially the same position. This may be understood because the foot supportextending “upward” from the first side, as in the first position, is the same as the foot supportextending “downward” from the second side, as in the second position. Similarly, the foot supportextending “upward” from the second side, as in the first position, is the same as the foot supportextending “downward” from the first side, as in the second position. Accordingly, “flipping” the foot supportbetween the first position,and the second position,may accomplish moving the foot supportout of the way and/or preparing the pillowfor use on the other side.

It should also be noted that the foot supportmay define substantially the same stiffness in the first position,and the second position,. Stated differently, whether in the first position,or the second position,, the foot supportmay “feel” the same and may exhibit substantially equal ability to maintain its position despite pressure from the at least one footof the baby.

shows a partial view of the pillow, including the tail portionand the foot support. In some embodiments, the foot supportis coupled to an endof the tail portion. In some embodiments, the tail portioncomprises the foot supportsuch that the foot supportmay be considered an extension of the tail portion, rather than a separate element attached to the endof the tail portion. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the foot supportis coupled to the tail portionof the pillow. For example, at least a portion of the foot supportmay be coupled to the tail portionvia stitching, while another portion of the foot supportextends from the tail portionas a continuation of the tail portion.

The foot supportmay be configured to at least partially surround the endof the tail portion, as shown in. In some embodiments, the foot supportwraps around the endof the tail portionin an uneven manner such that the foot supportextends further along an outer edgeof the pillowthan an inner edgeof the pillow, as demonstrated in. This may enable greater physical contact between the babyand the mother, as the inner edgeof the pillowis the edge closest to the abdomen of the motherduring feeding. Accordingly, when the foot supportextends further along the outer edge, there is less room along the inner edgefor the foot supportto be located between the motherand the baby, which may prevent or minimize skin-to-skin contact. In other embodiments, the foot supportmay wrap around the tail portionin an even manner such that the foot supportextends substantially equally along the outer edgeand the inner edgeof the pillow.

In some embodiments, the foot supportdefines a first endcoupled to the tail portionand a second endlocated opposite the first end, as indicated in. The first endmay be located adjacent to the tail portion. The foot supportmay also include a stretchable memberlocated between the first endand the second end. In some embodiments, the stretchable memberextends substantially an entire length of the foot support. The stretchable membermay extend less than substantially an entire length of the foot support. In some embodiments, the stretchable memberis comprised of a flexible and elastic material located within an interior portion of the foot support. It should be noted that the stretchable memberis not limited to being comprised of “elastic” (the noun meaning “cord, tape, or fabric, woven with strips of rubber”) material, but may be comprised of “elastic” (the adjective meaning “able to resume its normal shape spontaneously after contraction, dilatation, or distortion”) material. The stretchable membermay include a continuous member (e.g., a continuous piece of material) or multiple members (e.g., multiple pieces of material).

In some embodiments, the stretchable memberis configured to maintain the curved shapeof the foot support, as illustrated in. The stretchable membermay maintain the curved shapeby providing tension along the length of the foot support. Further, the stretchable membermay provide structure to the foot support, which may help the foot supportremain upright when in the first positionor the first positioninstead of simply “flopping” over under the force of gravity. The structure provided by the stretchable membermay also help the foot supportwithstand pressure from the at least one footof the baby. In some embodiments, the stretchable nature of the stretchable memberenables the movement of the foot supportbetween the first positionand the second position, as shown inand, likewise, between the first positionand the second position, as shown in, respectively.

In addition to the stretchable member, the structural integrity of the foot supportmay be maintained by at least one segmentof the foot support, as shown in. In some embodiments, the foot supportincludes multiple segments, which are formed by seamssewn between the first endand the second endof the foot support. Each segmentmay help keep the filler material of the foot supportin place, thereby helping the foot supportstay “stuffed” and maintaining the shape of the foot support. Keeping the foot supportfilled may, in turn, preserve the stiffness of the foot supportand further prevent collapse or other unintentional movement of the foot support.

shows a top view of the pillow. In some embodiments, as discussed with reference to, the foot supportis configured to at least partially surround an endof the tail portion.also illustrates that the middle portionof the pillowmay define a curved shape. In some embodiments, the head portionand the tail portionare asymmetrical with respect to the curved shapeof the middle portion. Stated differently, if the pillowwere reflected along an axis running substantially parallel with the length of the pillow(see), the reflections on each side of that axis would be mirror images of one another, rather than being identical, as would be the case if the pillowwere symmetrical.

In some embodiments, the curved shapeis configured to fit around the abdomen of the nursing mother. The curved shapemay be configured to reduce the amount of space between the babyand the motherto thereby facilitate and promote physical contact between the babyand the motherwhile nursing. For example, the curved shapemay define a gentle curve rather than a more pronounced “C” shape to reduce the chance of a gap forming between the pillowand the mother, into which the babycould sink. In addition, the more open and gentle curve of the curved shapemay enable the pillowto be used by mothers of different sizes, because the curved shapeis not as restrictive and enclosed as a more pronounced “C” shape pillow. In some embodiments, the curved shapecontributes to the overall apostrophe shapeof the pillow. Stated another way, the head portion, the tail portion, and the middle portionmay define the apostrophe shape. In some embodiments, the apostrophe shapedefines a substantially rounded apostrophe shape.

illustrates another top view of the pillowand indicates the different widths of different portions of the pillow, which may be attributed to the apostrophe shape. For example, in some embodiments, the head portiondefines a first width, and the tail portiondefines a second widththat is less than the first width. Further, the middle portionmay define a third widthless than the first widthbut greater than the second width.

In some embodiments, the first widthis about 14 inches (about 35.5 centimeters), the second widthis about 7 inches (about 18 centimeters), and the third widthis about 10 inches (about 25.5 centimeters).also indicates the lengthof the pillow, which may be about 20 inches (about 51 centimeters). These values are intended as non-limiting examples, and the actual dimensions may be different than what is explicitly stated in this disclosure. For example, the width and/or length measurements of each of the first width, the second width, the third width, and the lengthmay independently range+/−about 5 inches (about 13 centimeters) from the stated dimensions.

shows a side view of the pillowand indicates the different heights of different portions of the pillow. In some embodiments, the pillowdefines a tapered shape, as illustrated in, where the head portiondefines the greatest height and the tail portiondefines the lowest height. For example, as shown in, the head portionmay define a first height, the tail portionmay define a second heightthat is less than the first height, and the middle portionmay define a third heightless than the first heightbut greater than the second height.

In some embodiments, the first heightis at least nine inches (about 23 centimeters), the second heightis at least three inches (about 7.5 centimeters), and the third heightis at least seven inches (about 18 centimeters). Further, the foot supportmay define a height of about five inches (about 13 centimeters) and a length (i.e., distance curved around the tail portion) of about twelve inches (about 30.5 centimeters). These values are intended as non-limiting examples, and the actual dimensions may be different than what is explicitly stated in this disclosure. For example, the height and/or length measurements may range+/−about 3 inches (about 7.5 centimeters) from the stated dimensions.

In some embodiments, the pillowis comprised of filler material, such as polyester fiberfill, foam padding, feathers, or the like encased in a fabric cover. Substantially the entirety of the pillow, including the head portion, the tail portion, the middle portion, and the foot supportmay be comprised of the fabric cover with varying amounts of filler material. These varying amounts may contribute to the different heights identified inand the slopeillustrated in.

It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the pillowis filled with an amount of filler material sufficient to support the baby, even though the filler is able to be compressed. Stated differently, the pillowmay be considered similar to an “overstuffed” cushion, with a large amount of filler material inside, giving the pillowa generally rounded appearance that is substantially firm (e.g., not overly compressible) to the touch, while still being soft enough for the comfort of the babyand the mother. The amount of filler material may be sufficient to maintain the headof the babyin a position substantially level with the mother'sbreast, rather than sinking into the pillow. The varying amount of filler material in different portions of the pillowmay also be sufficient to maintain the angled position of the baby, as shown in.

shows another side view of the pillow, and illustrates the slopeof the pillow. As previously discussed, the pillowmay define an angled shape such that the pillowis configured to elevate the headof the babyabove the rest of the body. The elevated position of the headmay help facilitate swallowing by using gravity to move milk down the baby'sesophagus. In some embodiments, the slopeis less than 45 degrees (wherein the slope is measured against a horizontal axis of the pillow, such as for example a horizontal centerline). For example, the slopemay be between 25 and 35 degrees. The slopemay be between 35 and 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the slopeis less than 25 degrees. The slopemay be any angle suitable to safely support the babywhile aiding with swallowing during feeding.

is similar tobut shows a top view, rather than a front perspective view, of the babylying on the pillow. In particular,illustrates how the at least one footof the babyfits into the pocket-like area created by the tail portionand the foot support, to thereby press against the foot support.also demonstrates the positioning of the babyon the pillow, with the headresting on the head portion, the torsoresting on the middle portion, and at least one legresting on the tail portion.

In some embodiments, the pillowfurther comprises a slipcover, as shown in. The slipcovermay be removably coupled to the pillowvia the openingillustrated in. In some embodiments, the slipcoverincludes a means for fastening, such as elastic or a similar stretchable material, used to keep the openingsecurely tight and closed over the pillow. The slipcovermay include another fastening means such as, but not limited to, a zipper, at least one snap, at least one button, hook-and-loop fastener, and the like. The openingmay be a simple opening without a fastener to secure it in a closed position, similar to a traditional pillowcase.

In some embodiments, the slipcoveris configured to receive and retain each of the head portion, the middle portion, and at least a portion of the tail portion, as demonstrated in. In order to preserve the ability to move the foot supportbetween the first position,and the second position,, the slipcovermay not be configured to receive and retain the foot support. In some embodiments, the slipcovercomprises a stretchable material, such as a knit fabric, configured to conform to the shape of the pillow, including the foot support. In such a case, the foot supportmay be able to move between the first position,and the second position,while covered by the slipcover.

illustrates a top perspective view of the pillow. In some embodiments, as shown in, the head portionincludes a headrest. The headrestmay be configured to further elevate the headof the babyabove the surface of the pillow. The headrestmay be integrated into the pillow, for example, located within an interior portion of the pillow. In some embodiments, the headrestis removably coupled to the pillowvia a headrest pocket, as demonstrated in.shows the headrestpartially removed from the headrest pocket, but it should be noted that during normal use, the headrestmay be located substantially fully within the headrest pocket.

The headrest pocketmay be fixedly coupled (e.g., sewn) to the head portionof the pillow. In some embodiments, the pillowincludes two headrest pockets, one on the first sideand one on the second side. The headrestmay comprise a small cushion configured to fit inside the headrest pocket(on either the first sideor the second side). Accordingly, the pillowmay include multiple headrest pocketsand a single headrest, as the headrestmay only be used on one side of the pillowat a time.

In some embodiments, the pillowdoes not include the headrest pocket, and the headrestis removably coupled to the pillowwith different means including, but not limited to, the following: hook-and-loop fastener, at least one snap fastener, at least one button, and combinations thereof. The headrestmay be removably coupled so that the pillowcan be used without the headrest. In some embodiments, the headrestis restably coupled to the pillowwithout any fastening means.

The pillowmay be comprised of substantially natural materials, such as cotton, wool, linen, hemp, and the like. In some embodiments, the filler material comprises polyester, foam, or the like. The pillowmay be able to be washed in a standard laundry washing machine. In some embodiments, the pillowincludes a strap, buckle, or similar fastening element to secure the pillowaround the motherto prevent movement of the pillow.