Sitting cushions come in all different shapes and sizes, traditionally these were known as donut cushions or ring cushions but science has proven that the donut shape isn’t always the best, the right cushion for you is based on your individual needs (not what suits the majority). Most cushions help with pains associated with giving birth vaginally, symptoms that they can help with include pain in the coccyx, pain associated with perineum tears / episiotomies, bruising from the birth, vaginal varicosities, back pain and sciatica.
Have a look at out Top 5 sitting cushions here:
Everlasting Comfort Donut Pillow
What we love about it:
- The memory foam makes this a really soft but not unstable cushion.
- The cushion can be taken apart and used with or without the hole section (continue to use once your symptoms are better, especially if you’re worried about them coming back). Have a look at more images here.
- Non-slip materials underneath so it can be used on any surface safely.
- OEKO-TEX products are tested for harmful substances and made in safer workplaces with reduced environmental impacts.
What it’s best for:
Houdian Inflatable Donut Cushion Pillow
What we love about it:
- It may not be the prettiest cushion to look at but the price might tempt you in.
- Because the cushion is filled with air, you can make it as firm as you like.
- It is really easy to transport around with you as it folds up really small (when deflated).
- It’s really easy to clean.
- It’s cheap.
What it’s best for:
- Vaginal Varicosities
- Perineum soreness
- Pain after episiotomy
Supportiback seating cushion
What we love about it:
- It has an ‘edgeless’ design, which stops you feeling like you’re ‘wedged-in’ to one position – relieving pressure in other (non-affected) areas.
- Good density for weight distribution.
- It is award-winning
- The Ergo-Pur foam is made from 99.75% Hevea Milk & is treated with Organic caster oil, making it more eco friendly.
What it’s best for:
Medipaq Freedom Wedge Cushion
What we love about it:
- Although it’s not a donut / ring, the wedge shape can make prolonged sitting easier.
- The sloped design can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and pelvis bones.
- There is a full gap for the coccyx (often there is only a small cut-out).
- The wedge shape can encourage a better sitting posture.
What it’s best for:
The Valley Cushion
What we love about it:
- The VALLEY® Cushion has a central channel, running from front to rear, the depth of which can be altered by independently inflating each side of the cushion.
- The cushion is shaped to allow most of a person’s weight to be supported on the outer edge of each sit bone.
- There is actual research to back it’s use: during their research 90% of mothers stated that the cushion relived soreness to the extent that they did not feel the need to take any analgesia or could reduce what they were taking.
- They are a small UK based company looking to make a difference to people in pain.
- The cushion can be hired or bought.
What it’s best for:
- Severe pain in the perineal area following a traumatic birth.
- Pain after episiotomy.