How Can I Make Breastfeeding More Comfortable for My Back and Neck?

Breastfeeding is such a special time, but let’s be honest, it can also feel really hard on your body. After a few weeks of feeding around the clock, a lot of moms start noticing sore shoulders, a stiff neck, or an aching back. You’re sitting for long stretches, leaning forward, and holding your little one in place… it adds up fast.

So how do you actually make it easier on your back and neck? Here are a few things that can help.

Why it starts to hurt

The main reason most moms get sore is because baby sits too low. If the pillow doesn’t bring them up high enough, you end up bending down to reach them. That hunched over posture is rough on your upper back and neck.

Another issue is when the pillow isn’t firm or stable, so you’re constantly adjusting it. Even tiny shifts make you lean forward or twist in ways you don’t notice until later when everything feels sore. And of course, feeds happen all the time, so even little bad habits turn into big aches.

The importance of pillow height

One of the biggest game changers is simply having your baby at the right level. Most traditional nursing pillows are a little too low, which forces you to bend down.

The Comia pillow was made to lift baby higher up than the usual pillows. That means instead of you leaning down, baby is already in line and ready to latch. It sounds simple but it really helps you sit back straighter and keeps the pressure off your shoulders and neck.

Why a back strap matters

Something else a lot of people don’t think about is how much a pillow moves around. If it keeps sliding or there’s a gap between you and the pillow, you’ll naturally lean forward to close that space.

That’s where a back strap makes a big difference. On the Comia, the strap goes around your waist so the pillow stays snug against your body. You don’t have to fight with it or keep pulling it closer, and you can actually relax instead of tensing up.

A few extra tricks

• Try to sit in a chair with good back support instead of perching on the couch

• Keep your feet flat, a small stool under your feet can help a lot

• Switch sides and positions so your muscles don’t get locked up

• Do some light stretching when you can, even just rolling your shoulders after a feed

Final thoughts

The truth is, making breastfeeding more comfortable is mostly about getting the right support. When your baby is lifted high enough and the pillow actually stays in place, your posture doesn’t have to suffer. The Comia pillow does both, which is why so many parents find it easier on their back and neck than the traditional options.