I am currently breastfeeding my second child. I breastfed my first for a little over a year. I have researched a lot of nursing pillows since that was what I was going to be spending a lot of my time doing. For my first child I decided to go with the Gia Nursing Pillow because I read that the boppy pillows didn’t provide enough support and that babies sink in the pillow easily, causing you to hunch over, etc. I liked that it was designed by lactation consultants and there was a raised side, and of course because of the low price! Once I used it for a while, I didn’t like having to switch it every single time I switched sides, and I found that my baby sunk in the pillow just as much as she would on a boppy pillow. I also didn’t use a cover for it since it was machine washable, and my wedding ring was constantly snagging the stitching all over the pillow. So now, it is being used to prop my baby up, although it’s trickier than a boppy pillow since both sides aren’t the same. With my second child I wanted to invest more into breastfeeding supplies, since that is something very important to me, so why not make it easier on the mom? :) I researched pillows again when I was pregnant to see what other options were out there. I was interested in the Kushies pillow, since it was foam, the baby wouldn’t sink, and I wouldn’t have to switch sides every time. I was weary that it wasn’t machine washable, wasn’t waterproof, and honestly there wasn’t a cover that I loved. If it’s going to be sitting on my couch, and I’m going to be looking at it all the time, I wanted to love it! My husband suggested I get the Brest Friend pillow because of the back support. That was pretty much the deciding factor. I was weary again because the pillow itself wasn’t machine washable, and all the reviewers were saying it was a pain to wrap around you and buckle while your baby was waiting to eat. After using it for almost a month now, I am so glad I bought it! I took the advice of some reviewers and immediately used the plastic packaging as a “waterproof” layer under my soft cover before I even used it. This way I wouldn’t have to worry about a gross foam pillow underneath, since I plan to use this for a while! Placing the plastic packaging underneath does make it a little crinkly, but it’s very minimal compared to knowing your pillow will be protected and clean for your baby. I only really notice the “crinkle” as I’m buckling it around my stomach. My baby sits high (I do the cradle hold), doesn’t move, the material of the cover is really nice and soft, and the raised head supports are a nice touch! Now the only thing that would make this better would be if I had a nursing stool -- but crossing my legs does the trick. Buckling it while your baby is hungry is not that big of a deal--it only takes 5 seconds, and you’re ready to go. I’m thankful for the back support it provides! I haven’t used the pocket yet. I kind of wish it wasn’t there because I don’t use it, but I’m sure it’s helpful for those who use nipple cream, or want to keep something small in there. Looks wise, I don’t really care for it. But again, not that big of a deal when you look at the positives! I had a lot of trouble breastfeeding my first and sought help from a lactation consultant. She was highly against all nursing pillows, claiming none give you the best position your baby needs for the perfect latch. I can totally see where she is coming from. She used waterproof pillows that you use in the hospital after delivery, and would fold them in half, push and shove them until they gave me the best support. I did like using those, and they probably do give you better support and positioning than any “nursing pillow” out there, but I like that every time I buckle the Brest Friend pillow around my waist, I am going to have the same results without any “pushing or shoving”. Quick and easy--very important for me while I’m taking the pillow off and on, off and on, all day long! I hope this is helpful for all you moms out there! Breastfeeding is hard work, and even harder if you don’t have the right tools and support. Let me know if you have any questions…I would love to help!