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Doctors are warning people about the dangers of nursing pillows

(Getty)
(Getty)

For many new moms, a nursing pillow is like an extension of their body. The perfect support device used to prop up babies’ heads during breastfeeding so that they can more easily latch and comfortably feed. But doctors are warning that these pillows are being used in another way — and it’s becoming a dangerous — even deadly — practice.

According to Dauphin County, Penn. coroner Graham Hetrick, the pillows have already been linked to three recent infant deaths. The reason: moms are using them to cradle babies while they’re sleeping.

Sweet dreams little one… ???? #naptime #babygirl #breastfeeding #motherhood #happymonday #momlife

A photo posted by Nursingpillow.com (@nursingpillowllc) on Mar 7, 2016 at 11:01am PST

While this seems innocent enough, doctors warn that because of the curve of the pillows, babies heads may slip while they’re sleeping, blocking their airways and causing suffocation.

Popular breastfeeding pillow brand Boppy even provides safe sleeping instructions on their website, urging mothers to not use pillows, including the Boppy, in baby’s sleep area.

“Always place your baby to sleep on his/her back on a firm mattress that fits an approved crib. Remove all soft bedding, toys and pillows from your baby’s sleep area. This includes all Boppy® Pillows.”

“Never allow baby to sleep on a Boppy® Pillow or Boppy® Newborn Lounger.”

What do you think of this warning? Let us know by tweeting to @YahooStyleCA.