How to use your
Bumpnest maternity pillow
Everything you need to know about setting up, positioning, and caring for your 3-piece maternity pillow from the first trimester through to the fourth.
The system
How the 3-piece system works
Most maternity pillows are one fixed shape. The Bumpnest is different — three separate pieces that connect via velcro and can be arranged in multiple configurations depending on what your body needs that night.
Piece 01
The long body piece
One long, adjustable piece that provides support for your back, bump, and knees. Designed for hip alignment while side sleeping, it forms the foundation of every configuration.
Piece 02
The wedges
Two wedges for targeted support. One attaches to the long body piece or the other wedge via velcro. Position one under your bump, one behind your back, or combine them for extra lift.
Piece 03
Additional support pillow
A small pill-shaped pillow for additional support wherever you need it most. Tuck it behind your back, nestle it under your bump, or use it on its own for targeted relief.
All pieces attach via velcro, so you can build the configuration that works for you and adjust it as your body changes week to week.
Sleep positions
5 ways to use your Bumpnest
The system is designed to support at least five distinct positions, each suited to different stages of pregnancy or personal preference.
Long body piece with both wedges attached. Back, bump, and knee support in one setup.
Long body piece with back wedge. Prevents rolling onto your back while sleeping on your side.
Single wedge under the belly for targeted lift. Minimal setup for lighter support needs.
Support pillow added behind the back or bump for extra fill wherever you need it most.
Reconfigure for nursing, recovery sitting, or newborn positioning after birth.
Getting started
Setting up for the first time
Takes about five minutes. Once you find your preferred configuration, adjusting each night becomes second nature.
Unpack and air out
Remove all pieces from the packaging and leave them to expand for at least 2 hours before first use. The filling needs time to reach its full shape after being compressed for shipping.
Give the filling a good massage
Before use, knead and squeeze each pillow firmly with your hands to help the filling distribute evenly. This breaks up any compressed clusters and speeds up the fluffing process significantly.
Connect the pillows
Use the velcro tabs to attach the wedges and support pillow to the long body piece. Try a few different configurations to find what feels right. There is no single correct setup. The best position is the one that feels supportive without any forced pressure.
Position on your bed
Lay the long body piece along your side. The back wedge sits between you and the mattress behind your spine, while the bump wedge supports the weight of your belly from beneath. Your knees should rest naturally on the lower section for hip alignment.
Fine-tune as you go
Everyone's body and bump sits differently. Shift the wedges forward or back, add the support pillow where needed, and don't hesitate to detach pieces entirely on nights you want a simpler setup. The system is meant to adapt to you.
Trimester guide
How to use it at each stage
Your support needs change a lot between 12 weeks and 40. Here is how to adapt your configuration as your bump grows.
First trimester
Weeks 1-12
Building the habit early
- The long body piece alone is often enough at this stage
- Start sleeping on your side now — it is easier to build the habit before your bump is large
- The support pillow can help with restlessness when tucked behind your lower back
- Keep the setup simple and add pieces as your body changes
Second trimester
Weeks 13–27
Your bump is growing fast
- Introduce the bump wedge as your belly starts to pull forward
- Sleeping on your left side improves circulation to the placenta
- Reposition the wedges weekly as your bump drops lower
- Round ligament pain? The bump wedge takes weight off those ligaments overnight
Third trimester
Weeks 28–40
Maximum support needed
- Use the full configuration every night — both wedges and the support pillow
- The back wedge helps prevent rolling onto your back, which matters from 28 weeks
- Add the support pillow behind your back for extra resistance if needed
- For reflux or breathlessness, try elevating your upper body slightly with the long body piece
Care instructions
Washing and maintaining your Bumpnest
The slip cover and pillow inserts have different care requirements. Make sure you know which is which before washing anything.
Slip cover
- Machine wash separately on a delicate cycle at 30°C / 85°F
- Tumble dry low on delicate
- Cool iron if needed
- Do not dry clean
- Bleach only when necessary
Pillow inserts
- Use a commercial-size washer and dryer
- Wash on a delicate cycle at 30°C / 85°F
- Tumble dry low on delicate
- Add a sneaker or tennis ball wrapped in a pillowcase to the dryer to help maintain shape
- Use non-chlorine bleach only if needed
- Do not iron or dry clean
FAQ
Common questions
Is it safe to use a maternity pillow in the first trimester?
Yes, and it is actually a good time to start. Building side-sleeping habits early is easier before your bump grows significantly, and the pillow can help with first-trimester discomfort like restlessness and sore hips.
Should I sleep on my left side or right side during pregnancy?
Either side is completely fine and encouraged. Switching between your left and right throughout the night is perfectly normal. The main thing to be mindful of from around 28 weeks is avoiding sleeping flat on your back for extended periods.
Can I use the pillow after birth?
Absolutely. The pieces can be reconfigured for postpartum recovery, nursing support, or comfortable sitting during extended feeding sessions. The support pillow in particular is useful for positioning a newborn during feeds.
Ready to sleep better?
Free shipping on orders over $100 across Australia. Includes the full 3-piece Bumpnest system.