Done With Your Nursing Pillow? Here's Why You Should Consider Giving It to a Pet Owner

Now that I'm actively done having kids, whenever my youngest hits a new milestone, I'm eager to get rid of whatever baby gear is no longer necessary. Newborn clothes? Handed down to my sister-in-law. Bouncer seat? Donated. Bassinet? Bassi-bye-bye!

And although I'm not even done breastfeeding yet, I already know what I'll be doing with my nursing pillow. It's going to my dog.

It might be obvious to some, but enough people have seen my dog curled up in my Boppy and laughed in shock that it's worth mentioning how it's the perfect dog bed for small breeds.

In fact, my 14-pound pup, Moose, has been cozying up to my Boppy — instead of the actual pricey dog bed we purchased expressly for her – on and off for the past three and a half years. Before my firstborn was even out of the womb, she'd sneak into our in-the-works nursery, snuggle inside the pillow's perfect little cocoon, and sleep contentedly until I noticed she was shedding her little black hairs all over it. I'd wave her off it, launder the plush cover, and find her right back there the next day.

In the months where the Boppy felt more like a third arm than a self-contained pillow, my dog would follow me from room to room. The minute I was done nursing, she'd plop herself down right where the baby once rested, whether it was on the couch, the bed, or the hardwood floor. I honestly can't wait until the pillow is exclusively hers.

So, if you are nearing the end of your breastfeeding journey (congrats are in order on that impressive mama milestone, by the way!), and you're considering tossing your nursing pillow, please, ask any of your pet-owning friends if they'd be interested in a cushy, well-loved dog bed.