How to Make Your Own Nursing Pillow

Store-bought nursing pillows can be expensive and often don't offer a custom fit. Nursing pillows help you get your baby's mouth to just the right level so as not to strain your back. They also give your arms a soft, yet sturdy, place to rest while nursing. Making your own nursing pillow provides you with these benefits while saving you money and ensuring a custom fit.

Instructions

Preparation

1

Take off your belt. Buckle it to where you normally wear it, and place it on a large piece of butcher paper.

2

Trace around the belt with a pencil.

3

From the midpoint of the circle you just made, measure about 9 inches out, and draw a small line.

4

Draw a C shape around the circle using the 9-inch guide. The top and bottom of the "C" should reach almost all the way around the belt circle.

5

Draw a 5/8-inch line around the entire C shape to allow for the seam. (note: The C-shape interior ends at your waist-sized circle plus the 5/8-inch seam.)

6

Cut out the C shape. This is your pattern. Pin it to your chosen fabric. Do this twice so you have two C-shaped pieces of fabric.

Sewing

7

Sew the wrong sides of the two C shapes together leaving an opening of a few inches on the inside curve.

8

Turn the fabric right side out, and fill it with your pillow stuffing. Stuff the pillow as full as you can to prevent future floppiness.

9

Hand stitch the opening closed.