Melanie Li Ying - Postpartum and Lactation Mental Health Consultant

Mastering the Supplemental Nursing System: How a Lactation Consultant Can Guide You

For many mothers, breastfeeding is a rewarding yet challenging journey. One tool that can make a significant difference is the Supplemental Nursing System (SNS). This device can be particularly helpful for mothers who need to supplement their baby’s feedings with additional milk or formula while continuing to breastfeed. In this blog, we’ll explore what an SNS is, how to use it effectively, and how a lactation consultant can provide invaluable support in mastering this tool.

What is a Supplemental Nursing System?

A Supplemental Nursing System is a feeding aid designed to provide additional nutrition to a baby while they are at the breast. It typically consists of:

A Thin Tube: This tube delivers supplemental milk or formula.
A Container: Holds the milk or formula and is usually attached to the mother’s body or placed nearby.
A Connector or Tape: Keeps the tube in place and ensures it stays close to the nipple.

The SNS allows babies to receive extra nourishment without interrupting the breastfeeding process, which can be crucial for babies who are not gaining weight as expected or have difficulty breastfeeding effectively.

Benefits of Using an SNS

Supports Breastfeeding: By allowing babies to breastfeed while receiving supplemental milk, the SNS helps maintain the breastfeeding bond and supports ongoing milk supply.
Promotes Milk Production: Frequent breastfeeding, even with supplementation, helps stimulate milk production in the mother’s breasts.
Encourages Latching: The SNS can encourage a better latch by providing additional milk flow that keeps babies engaged and actively sucking at the breast.
Minimizes Bottle Use: Using an SNS helps avoid introducing bottles early, which can sometimes lead to nipple confusion or reduced breastfeeding frequency.

How to Use a Supplemental Nursing System

Using an SNS effectively involves a few key steps:

Prepare the System: Fill the container with the desired amount of milk or formula and ensure the tube is properly attached. Some systems allow you to adjust the flow rate based on your baby’s needs.
Position the Tube: Place the tube near or on the nipple, securing it with tape or a clip to keep it in place. Ensure the tube is positioned so that your baby can latch onto the nipple and the tube simultaneously.
Latch Your Baby: Offer the breast to your baby, ensuring they latch onto the nipple and the tube. It may take a few tries for both you and your baby to get comfortable with the system.
Monitor and Adjust: Watch for signs that the tube is working properly and that your baby is receiving the supplemental milk. You may need to adjust the tube’s position or flow rate based on your baby’s needs and feeding habits.
Clean and Maintain: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining the SNS to ensure it remains hygienic and functional.

How a Lactation Consultant Can Help

A lactation consultant is an expert in breastfeeding and can provide invaluable support in using an SNS effectively. Here’s how they can assist:

Personalized Demonstration

A lactation consultant can provide a hands-on demonstration of how to set up and use the SNS. They can show you how to properly position the tube, adjust the flow rate, and ensure that the system is functioning correctly. Their guidance helps you feel more confident and proficient in using the tool.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with the SNS, such as difficulty with the baby’s latch, issues with milk flow, or problems with the tube positioning, a lactation consultant can help troubleshoot and offer solutions. Their expertise allows them to address any problems and help you optimize the use of the SNS.

Enhancing Breastfeeding Techniques

In addition to helping with the SNS, lactation consultants can provide guidance on improving overall breastfeeding techniques. They can offer advice on how to enhance your baby’s latch, increase milk production, and ensure that breastfeeding remains a positive experience.

Emotional Support

Starting with an SNS can be a new and sometimes stressful experience. A lactation consultant offers emotional support and encouragement, helping you navigate any challenges and reinforcing the benefits of continuing to breastfeed while supplementing.

Creating a Plan

A lactation consultant can help you create a comprehensive feeding plan that incorporates the use of the SNS. They can work with you to develop a strategy that meets your baby’s nutritional needs while supporting your breastfeeding goals.

Conclusion

The Supplemental Nursing System is a valuable tool for mothers who need to supplement their baby’s diet while continuing to breastfeed. By providing additional nourishment at the breast, it supports breastfeeding and promotes milk production. Using an SNS effectively can be a learning curve, but with the guidance of a skilled lactation consultant, you can master its use and ensure a successful breastfeeding experience. Their personalized support, troubleshooting skills, and encouragement will help you navigate the challenges and make the most of this beneficial tool.

Sound daunting and overwhelming - I'm here to help! Your local York Region/ Durham Region/ Toronto Region Lactation Consultant servicing areas such as Markham, Stouffville, Newmarket, Vaughan, Richmond HIill, Aurora, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, Oshawa, Woodbridge and so much more!