What is the primary function of a nursing pillow?

The primary function of a nursing pillow is to provide both mother and baby with support in breastfeeding positioning for a healthy latch. For Mom - you will want to have support for your arms, with the pillow snug against your body, you will want to be able to lean back and relax your shoulders during the feed. You may also like to use a small stool to elevate your feet slightly. Baby's mouth should be at level of mother's breast. Mom should not be leaning into baby. For Baby - Head, neck, and body should be in a straight line with baby's nose and mouth positioned level to and facing mother's nipple. Baby will need to lead with its chin and open mouth widely to initiate a good latch. Baby should be positioned tummy to tummy with mom. Nursing pillows can play a helpful role early on in providing small infants with a much needed boost in height so that baby's head and mouth are at an appropriate position and angle for efficient and comfortable feeding. They also help maintain appropriate positioning for baby's body during feeding. Early on, keeping baby's head, neck and body in a straight line is important.