Why you need a pregnancy pillow!
From Pregnancy to Parenthood: Why You Only Need One Pillow for Both
Finding out you're pregnant is one of life's most exciting moments and it's quickly followed by a very long list of things to research, purchase, and prepare. A pregnancy pillow might not be the first item that comes to mind, but ask any parent who used one and they'll tell you it belongs near the top
Here's what most people don't know until they're in the thick of it: a good pregnancy and maternity pillow doesn't just help you sleep better during those increasingly uncomfortable final months of pregnancy. The right one grows with you, transitioning seamlessly from a pregnancy support pillow to a breastfeeding nursing pillow after your baby arrives, and continuing to earn its place in your home long after that
This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing the right pillow for your pregnancy and feeding journey, including when to start using one, how to use it at each stage, and why the Béaba Big Flopsy stands apart from everything else on the market
Why a Pregnancy Pillow Is Worth the Investment
Sleep during pregnancy is complicated. As your body changes your belly growing, your centre of gravity shifting, your hips widening the positions that used to feel comfortable become increasingly difficult to maintain. Lying flat on your back is discouraged from the second trimester onwards due to the pressure it places on major blood vessels. Your usual sleep position may no longer be possible. And the hormonal changes of pregnancy can make falling and staying asleep more challenging regardless of how you're positioned
A pregnancy pillow addresses these issues by providing targeted support where your body needs it most. A well-designed maternity pillow supports the bump from underneath, cushions the hips and knees, and reduces the strain on the lower back that comes with the changed weight distribution of a pregnant body. The result is a more comfortable, more sustainable sleep position that allows your body to rest properly throughout the night
Beyond sleep, a quality pregnancy and maternity pillow provides support during daytime rest, reading, and relaxation helping you find comfortable positions as your pregnancy progresses and your options narrow
When to Start Using a Pregnancy Pillow
This is one of the most common questions expectant parents ask and the answer is simpler than you might expect: as soon as you feel you need one
For most women, the second trimester is when a pregnancy pillow starts to feel genuinely necessary. By around sixteen to twenty weeks, the belly has grown enough that side sleeping without support can place strain on the hips and lower back. Many women find that a pillow tucked between the knees while lying on their side provides immediate relief
That said, there's no reason to wait until discomfort sets in. If you're finding sleep disrupted in the first trimester due to nausea, breast tenderness, or general restlessness, a maternity pillow can provide comfort and positional support from the very beginning of your pregnancy
The earlier you introduce it into your sleep routine, the more naturally it becomes part of how you rest — which means a smoother transition as your pregnancy progresses and your support needs increase
How to Choose the Right Breastfeeding Nursing Pillow
Not all pregnancy pillows transition well into the postnatal period — and not all nursing pillows provide adequate support during pregnancy. If you're looking for a single pillow that genuinely serves both purposes, there are a few key factors to consider
Length
A longer pillow offers significantly more versatility than a shorter one. A full-length pregnancy pillow can support your entire body from shoulders to knees during sleep, wrap around your back for seated support, and then provide arm and baby support during feeding. Shorter pillows are limited in how many positions they can accommodate comfortably
Fill and Adjustability
The fill material determines how the pillow responds to your body weight and movement. Micropearl fills — small, lightweight beads are particularly effective because they mould to your shape without compressing flat over time. They're also adjustable, meaning you can redistribute the fill to increase or decrease support in specific areas depending on your needs at any given stage
Cover Quality and Washability
A pillow that's used daily through pregnancy and multiple feeds per day after birth needs a cover that can be washed frequently without degrading. Look for removable, machine-washable covers made from breathable, skin-friendly materials particularly important for newborns whose skin will be in regular contact with the fabric
Versatility Beyond Feeding
The best breastfeeding nursing pillows don't stop being useful once your baby is weaned. A well-designed pillow can support tummy time, provide a comfortable prop for a baby learning to sit, and continue serving as a body pillow for the parent long after the feeding stage has passed
Why the Béaba Big Flopsy Is in a Category of Its Own
The Béaba Big Flopsy was designed to be the only pregnancy pillow, maternity pillow, and breastfeeding nursing pillow you'll ever need and it delivers on that promise in every meaningful way
170cm of Full-Body Support
At 170cm in length, the Big Flopsy is genuinely full-body in its coverage. During pregnancy, it wraps around your body to support your bump, back, hips, and knees simultaneously no need for multiple pillows or repositioning through the night. After birth, that same length provides ample support for your arms, back, and baby during breastfeeding sessions, regardless of whether you're seated on the sofa, propped up in bed, or settled in a nursing chair
Adjustable Micropearl Fill
The Big Flopsy is filled with extra-light, odourless, and completely non-toxic micropearls that mould to your body shape and redistribute with movement. Unlike traditional foam or fibre fills that compress over time and lose their supportive quality, micropearls maintain their structure through extended daily use meaning the pillow performs as well on day three hundred as it did on day one
The micropearl fill is also adjustable. You can shift the fill towards areas where you need more support and away from areas where less is needed, making the Big Flopsy genuinely adaptable to the different positions and stages of your pregnancy and feeding journey
Oeko-Tex Certified Cover
The Big Flopsy's removable cover is made to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 an internationally recognised certification that ensures the fabric has been tested for harmful substances and is safe for contact with sensitive skin. The cover is breathable, soft against the skin, and fully machine-washable, making it easy to maintain hygiene through pregnancy and the regular use that comes with daily breastfeeding
Designed to Last
Unlike pillows that are purchased for a single stage and then stored or discarded, the Big Flopsy is designed for long-term use. Its quality construction and durable materials mean it remains supportive and comfortable from early pregnancy through the newborn period, the full feeding journey, and beyond
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
How do I use a maternity pillow during pregnancy?
The most common way to use a maternity pillow during pregnancy is to lie on your side with the pillow positioned along the length of your body. Place the lower section between your knees to align your hips and reduce lower back strain, and wrap the upper section around your belly for bump support. You can also use the pillow behind your back to prevent rolling onto your back during sleep, or in front of you for support while sitting or reading
How do I use a nursing pillow for breastfeeding?
To use a breastfeeding nursing pillow, position it across your lap or around your waist while seated. Place your baby on top of the pillow at breast height, supporting their body along the length of the pillow. This raises your baby to the right level without requiring you to hunch forward or hold your baby's full weight with your arms reducing strain on your back, shoulders, and wrists during feeds. The Big Flopsy's length means it can also be used to support your back while you're positioned in bed or on a sofa
When should I start using a pregnancy pillow?
Most women find a pregnancy pillow most beneficial from the second trimester onwards — typically around sixteen to twenty weeks when the growing belly begins to affect sleep comfort and positioning. However, there is no minimum stage at which a pregnancy pillow is appropriate. If you're experiencing discomfort or disrupted sleep earlier in your pregnancy, a maternity pillow can provide comfort and support from the very first trimester
Can I use a pregnancy pillow for nursing after birth?
Yes and this is one of the key advantages of a full-length pregnancy and maternity pillow like the Béaba Big Flopsy. Its length and adjustable fill make it equally well suited to supporting both mother and baby during breastfeeding, providing arm support, back support, and a comfortable surface for your baby to rest on during feeds
How do I clean a nursing pillow?
The Béaba Big Flopsy features a removable, machine-washable Oeko-Tex certified cover that can be laundered regularly without affecting the pillow's quality or shape. Remove the cover, wash according to the care label instructions, and replace once dry. The inner pillow itself should be spot cleaned as needed and aired regularly to maintain freshness
One Pillow, Every Stage
The pregnancy and early parenting journey is full of products that promise to make life easier but only deliver for a short window of time. The Béaba Big Flopsy is the rare exception a genuinely versatile, beautifully made pregnancy pillow, maternity pillow, and breastfeeding nursing pillow that earns its place in your home from the very first weeks of pregnancy and continues to be useful long after your baby has grown.
Explore the Béaba Big Flopsy and the full range of nursing and maternity pillows at Béaba Australia
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