Nursing stool - WTF?

McKenna81

I'm registry stalking, and I've come across something called a nursing stool: https://www.target.com/Medela-Nursing-Stool/dp/B000056JIH

Perhaps I shouldn't be skeptical. But doesn't it seem like the same basic effects could be achieved with a regular footstool and maybe some pillows? I dunno....maybe I'm just feeling b!tchy. I'm sure lots of baby care products are worth their weight in gold, especially during those first couple months when moms are exhausted and sore and hormonal. But it seems like a lot of this sh!t just gets slapped with an "obstetrician recommended" or "ergonomic" label and poof, it triples in price.

criticalmass

It does seem pointless since most gliders come with an ottoman, just one more gimmick to register for.

ladysingstheblues

But it's ergonomic!!!!!!

sam19

I don't understand the point of it. Is it a foot rest? Am I supposed to sit on THAT? Do you have it over your lap and lay the baby on it (on a pillow of course)?

Dunkin

I never got one, I have a footstool at home anyways... I never used that either.  But a friend had one, and I used it at her house once - it was comfortable to use - so not worth me going out and buying one though.

ceg2483

Seems pretty darn ridiculous to me.  I guess I'd contemplate getting one if my glider didn't have an ottoman.

There are WAY too many "must haves" for babies nowadays...the consumerism is getting ridiculous.

ljlkm

Actually, I love mine.  I don't like the ottomans that go with the gliders (I'm not nearly coordinated enough to get them both rocking at the same rate), but I do need my feet raised a little bit--both to prop up the nursing pillow and to give me something to "push off" of when I'm rocking.  It could absolutely be done with a regular ottoman (if I had one, but I don't) or a stack of pillows (if I had extras, but I don't), but the nursing stool was only $25 and works perfectly.

gris~gris

The lactation consultants at our hospital don't recommend the glider ottomans for BFing. They suggest that a smaller stool leaves you in a better position. But, yeah, you don't NEED a nursing stool.

sarahtx57

an ottoman doesn't work as a nursing stool because you have your legs up on it.

the point of a nursing stool is to give you more of a lap to support the baby. I thought it was do dumb to use it but when the nurse brought it to me at the nicu, it helped so much!!!!!!!1

BUT, yes a regualar stool works just as well as one labeled "nursing"

TimsMayBride

ljlkm:

Actually, I love mine.  I don't like the ottomans that go with the gliders (I'm not nearly coordinated enough to get them both rocking at the same rate), but I do need my feet raised a little bit--both to prop up the nursing pillow and to give me something to "push off" of when I'm rocking.  It could absolutely be done with a regular ottoman (if I had one, but I don't) or a stack of pillows (if I had extras, but I don't), but the nursing stool was only $25 and works perfectly.

I concur.  I didn't have room for the ottoman and although it doesn't look like much it actually puts my lap in a much better position.  I have short legs and they barely touch the floor when I'm situated in the glider.

McKenna81

sarahtx57:

an ottoman doesn't work as a nursing stool because you have your legs up on it.

the point of a nursing stool is to give you more of a lap to support the baby. I thought it was do dumb to use it but when the nurse brought it to me at the nicu, it helped so much!!!!!!!1

BUT, yes a regualar stool works just as well as one labeled "nursing"

Ahhh. Okay, that makes more sense, actually. My foot stool (or ottoman or whatever) might actually be way too high, I guess. So even with a Boppy or Breast Friend, it helps to have your feet a little elevated? I guess I'll learn all of this during my lactation class.

lkich

Best advise I've heard so far was all you need is your boobs and diappers

ljlkm

lam2lak:

Best advise I've heard so far was all you need is your boobs and diappers

If you feel like practicing EC, you don't even need diapers.

IselaCid

Actually they work a whole hell of a lot better than the average ottoman or stool.  They're at the perfect height and are at a slight angle.  I didn't realize how great they were until I used them at my nursing support group.  It's really not a gimmick, they are actually very helpful.

chankins14

ljlkm:

Actually, I love mine.  I don't like the ottomans that go with the gliders (I'm not nearly coordinated enough to get them both rocking at the same rate), but I do need my feet raised a little bit--both to prop up the nursing pillow and to give me something to "push off" of when I'm rocking.  It could absolutely be done with a regular ottoman (if I had one, but I don't) or a stack of pillows (if I had extras, but I don't), but the nursing stool was only $25 and works perfectly.

This.  I didn't like the feel of the ottoman with the glider but the stool felt natural & comfortable.  And it was a lot cheaper than the matching ottomon for my glider.

ksayles

The LC at my MW's office rec'd the nursing stool over an ottoman that comes w/the glider. The reason being that your legs are at the same level as your hips which won't help to have the baby at the right level.