Understanding the Supplemental Feeding System (SNS)
A supplemental feeding system, often referred to as an SNS or lactation aid, is a device that allows a parent to provide extra milk to their infant while they are latched directly onto the breast or chest. This system consists of a container for the supplemental milk—which can be expressed breastmilk, donor milk, or formula—connected to a thin, flexible feeding tube. The tube is placed alongside the nipple in the baby's mouth, so they receive the supplement while suckling at the breast. Unlike bottle-feeding, this method ensures the baby's natural sucking motion continues to provide stimulation to the parent's breast, which is crucial for encouraging and maintaining milk production. It is a supportive tool, not a replacement for breastfeeding, and can be used for a temporary period or as a long-term solution, depending on the feeding goals.
How an SNS Works
The fundamental mechanics of an SNS are straightforward yet ingenious. The container holding the supplementary milk, often worn around the neck, is positioned higher or lower to control the flow via gravity. A tube runs from this container down to the parent's breast, where it is secured with medical tape or a clip alongside the nipple. The infant is then latched onto the breast, taking both the nipple and the tube into their mouth. As the baby sucks, they draw milk from the tube and, importantly, continue to stimulate the breast to encourage natural milk production. Some systems also include a valve or clamp to precisely control the milk flow.
Common Reasons to Use an SNS
Parents turn to a supplemental feeding system for a variety of reasons. It is a particularly effective solution for complex feeding situations where maintaining the nursing relationship is a priority.
- Low Milk Supply: For parents with low milk supply, the SNS ensures the baby gets enough nourishment, while the baby's consistent suckling helps to increase the parent's milk production over time.
- Infant Weight Gain Issues: If a baby is not gaining weight adequately, an SNS can be used to deliver additional calories directly at the breast, ensuring the baby's growth needs are met without needing to introduce bottles.
- Relactation or Induced Lactation: The continuous stimulation from the baby's sucking, combined with a supplement, can help a parent re-establish a milk supply after a break or induce lactation for an adopted baby.
- Poor Suckling or Prematurity: For babies who are too sleepy, premature, or have weak oral motor skills, the SNS provides a constant flow of milk, rewarding their efforts and training them to suck more effectively without fatiguing.
- Nipple Confusion: An SNS helps avoid nipple confusion, a common issue where a baby who has been given bottles may become confused by the different sucking mechanism required for breastfeeding.
- Parent-Infant Bonding: The system allows non-birthing parents, such as adoptive parents or partners, to participate in the intimate experience of nursing and foster a deeper bond with their baby through skin-to-skin contact.
Benefits of an SNS over Traditional Bottle Feeding
Using an SNS offers distinct advantages over supplementing with a bottle, especially when the goal is to protect and foster the breastfeeding relationship.
- Maintains Breastfeeding: It keeps the baby at the breast, reinforcing the natural association of the breast with being fed and satisfied.
- Stimulates Production: The baby's consistent sucking directly stimulates the breast, sending signals to the body to produce more milk.
- Avoids Bottle Preference: It bypasses the risk of the baby developing a preference for the faster flow of a bottle teat, which can lead to nipple confusion and rejection of the breast.
- Promotes Oral Development: The action of sucking at the breast, even with a supplement, helps develop the baby's oral motor skills more naturally than a bottle.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your SNS
Using an SNS may seem intimidating at first, but it becomes easier with practice. A consultation with a lactation consultant is highly recommended for personalized guidance.
- Prepare the System: Fill the container with the required amount of supplement (formula, expressed milk, or donor milk) and assemble the system according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the flow is stopped using a clamp.
- Position the Parent: Find a comfortable position. Attach the container to your nursing bra, a shirt, or a pillow, ensuring it is at a level that will allow for a consistent flow.
- Position the Tubing: Secure the feeding tube along your breast and nipple using a small piece of medical tape. For some, inserting the tube into the corner of the baby's mouth after they have latched is an easier method.
- Latch the Baby: Latch your baby onto the breast as you normally would, ensuring they take in both the nipple and the tube.
- Start the Flow: Once the baby has a good latch and starts to suckle, release the clamp or adjust the container's height to start the milk flow. You may see bubbles moving in the tube as the baby swallows.
- Monitor and Adjust: Observe your baby's feeding. If the flow is too fast, lower the container. If it is too slow, raise it or use a thicker tube.
Choosing the Right Supplemental Feeding System
Several types of supplemental feeding systems are available, each with its own advantages and considerations. Commercial options are widely available, but homemade versions can also be made under professional guidance.
- Medela SNS: One of the most common systems, it features a rigid container, multiple tube sizes, and adjustable flow control. It is reusable and easy to clean with the included aid.
- Lact-Aid: This system uses disposable bags to hold the milk, which may be more convenient for pre-prepping feeds but requires ongoing bag purchases.
- Haakaa Supplemental System: A simple, portable option with a squeezable silicone container for manual flow control.
- Homemade Systems: Can be created using a feeding tube and a bottle or syringe. This is a budget-friendly option but should be done with caution and professional consultation.
To explore more about different systems and get professional advice, consult resources from organizations like the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
While an SNS is a powerful tool, it's not without its challenges.
- Steep Learning Curve: It can take time and patience for both parent and baby to get used to the system and achieve a good rhythm.
- Cleaning: The fine tubing can be challenging to clean thoroughly, requiring careful attention to hygiene to prevent contamination.
- Cumbersome: The setup can feel bulky and less discreet, particularly in public settings.
- Risk of Tube-Sucking: Some babies may learn to 'straw-suck' from the tube rather than actively breastfeeding, so flow should be managed carefully.
Comparison: Supplemental Nursing System vs. Bottle Feeding
| Feature | Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) | Bottle Feeding |
|---|---|---|
| Impact on Milk Supply | Stimulates production through continued sucking | Can decrease stimulation and potentially reduce supply |
| Risk of Nipple Confusion | Low, as baby continues to suck at the breast | High, as sucking mechanisms are different |
| Parent-Infant Bonding | Facilitates intimate skin-to-skin contact | Provides nourishment but without direct nursing intimacy |
| Oral Motor Skill Development | Encourages proper tongue and jaw movement at the breast | Can promote a different, potentially less efficient, sucking pattern |
| Ease of Use | Can have a learning curve; requires setup and cleaning of components | Generally straightforward; widespread familiarity |
| Control over Flow | Adjustable by changing tube size or bottle height | Varies by nipple flow rate |
Conclusion
A supplemental feeding system is a highly effective tool for supporting and extending the breastfeeding relationship in various challenging scenarios, from low milk supply to adoptive feeding. By delivering a supplement directly at the breast, it not only ensures a baby is well-nourished but also provides the crucial stimulation needed to build and maintain the parent's milk supply. While it requires a learning period and commitment to cleaning, the benefits of preserving the intimate bond and promoting natural sucking behavior make it an invaluable aid for many families. Consulting a lactation specialist is the best first step to determine if an SNS is the right option to meet your infant feeding goals.
