ClevaMama Therapeutic Body & Bump Maternity Pillow review

What were your first impressions of the ClevaMama Therapeutic Body & Bump Maternity Pillow?

First impression? That it’s massive! The pillow arrives in a huge box that barely fits through the door, but as it’s body length and U-shaped, it’s understandable. The clear plastic storage bag is sturdy and would be good for transporting it about, but I can’t see myself taking it many places as it’s quite hefty.

How easy is it to set up the pillow?

There aren’t any instructions but it’s pretty self-explanatory. The pillow unfolds easily, and I simply flopped it down on our double bed – which it did kind of dominate. It takes up a lot of room (protruding slightly over my designated side of the bed) but as my other half immediately cuddled into it, it was clear he didn’t mind too much. Before I even got a look in, he decided he wants one too!

How durable does the pillow seem?

It definitely feels sturdy and well-made. A number of 5-star parent reviews on the Smyths Toys’ website rave about the firm support and how they feel it will last well throughout their pregnancy and beyond.

Is the ClevaMama Therapeutic Body & Bump Maternity Pillow washable?

The removable cover is 100% cotton, plain white and machine washable at 40 degrees, you can also tumble dry it at a low temperature, so ideal if you can’t face a night without your pillow!

How comfortable is the ClevaMama Therapeutic Body & Bump Maternity Pillow to use?

I try it out in different positions with my arms hugged around the pillow, legs straight, knees bent, left and right side etc. and can honestly say there isn’t an uncomfortable position to be found. It hugs your back, providing extra support and making you feel like you’re nestling in some kind of bouncy cloud.

My only issue was that the pillow cover felt slightly rougher than I was expecting. It’s not plush or brushed cotton, but during warmer months that will probably be a plus as it’s more breathable.

How does it compare to other pregnancy pillows on the market?

Pricewise, the ClevaMama Therapeutic Body & Bump pillow sits firmly in the middle of the pregnancy pillow market price wise. There are budget options available, like the Slumberdown Multi V shaped pillow, £16.42, or the For Your Little One 12ft Maternity Pillow , £34.99,m.

What separates the ClevaMama pillow from the cheaper options is that it’s filled with premium spiral hollowfibre, which means that it’s really firm and super supportive. Unlike a soft pillow that will easily squash under the weight of your head/leg/arm, the Body & Bump will easily prop them up in the correct position while cushioning them at the same time.

At the more premium end of the market is the stylish, does-it-all, BellaMoon 7-in-1 pregnancy and nursing pillow, £179.99, or the luxurious BBHugme Pregnancy Pillow.

Does the ClevaMama Therapeutic Body & Bump Maternity Pillow provide good support?

It’s designed to follow the natural curve of your body to help improve blood circulation, encourage relaxation and help alleviate the symptoms of SPD (Symphysis pubis dysfunction). Music to a tired pregnant lady’s ears!

Not only does it provide great neck and head support (I like a firm pillow), it also helped relieve some pelvic pain I was experiencing and therefore sleep more soundly.

Plus, as many pregnant women know, sleeping on your back from the third trimester onwards is discouraged, so this helped me stay on my side by making it comfortable to sleep with the pillow between my legs. Even if you roll slightly onto your back, the part of the pillow that’s behind you acts as a cushioned barrier, to prevent you fully flattening out.

Is it better than a normal pillow?

Absolutely yes. I’d been using a normal pillow between my knees up until this point, and tossing and turning while rearranging it was frustrating, as it took half the bedcovers with it every time I moved. As ClevaMama’s pillow is U-shaped, I can just roll from one side to another without moving the pillow around.

The only problem I encountered was that a couple of times I woke to find one side of the pillow hanging off the edge of the bed. I think I was subconsciously paranoid about taking up the whole bed with it, so had moved it increasingly closer to the edge until it flopped down. I just pulled it back up and set it straight again, nudging my partner out of the way to make more space. I also woke up to find him spooning it a few times and had to push him off as I didn’t want to share!

Can you use ClevaMama Therapeutic Body & Bump Maternity Pillow at a feeding pillow?

Yes. It’s designed to be used in a sitting position as well, which is great for reading in bed while pregnant, but also ideal for providing some support when feeding your baby, too.

What would you have liked to have known about the pillow before purchasing?

My main criticism is that it’s rather heavy and cumbersome. On the other hand, it is densely filled and the horseshoe shape that makes it so practical and comfy means you will have to sacrifice space in your bed. If you wanted something smaller you could opt for a single-sided body pillow.

How does it compare to similar pregnancy pillows?

Where can I buy the ClevaMama Therapeutic Body & Bump Maternity Pillow?

Available at ClevaMama and Smyths Toys.

MadeForMums verdict:

I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a well-made, firm pillow, especially anyone suffering from SPD. It’s not cheap but I feel like it’s worth the money as it will last. It can also be used beyond pregnancy so it’s not like you’ll only get a few months’ use out of it. It would make an excellent gift for anyone wanting to treat a pregnant, fed up woman to some well-deserved comfort!