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Breastfeeding, which means both pumping and nursing, can one of the most beautiful parts of motherhood. It promotes bonding, provides essential nutrients, and supports the baby’s immune system. However, it can also be a huge, challenging journey for mothers due to things like low milk supply, latch problems, or the need for additional nutrition.
This is where Supplemental Nursing Systems (SNS) can step in to save the day. These systems provide a helpful solution for ensuring your baby gets plenty of nourishment while maintaining the breastfeeding experience. In this post, we’re going to explore what a Supplemental Nursing System is, how it works, the benefits, and how you can use it effectively to support your journey.
What Is A Supplemental Nursing System (SNS)?
A Supplemental Nursing System is designed to help mamas provide additional milk to their baby while continuing to breastfeed. This revolutionary system includes a small, flexible tube that’s attached to the mother’s breast, allowing the baby to receive either expressed milk or formula through the tube while they latch onto the breast.
This setup helps babies get the nutrients they need while still maintaining the comfort and closeness of nursing. SNS units typically come with collection containers to hold the supplement, and the tube should be aligned with your nipple. The system is super discreet and allows for feeding at the breast, creating a more natural feel compared to bottle feeding.
How Does SNS Work?
SNS works by allowing the baby to feed from the breast with the added benefit of receiving any extra nutrition they need through the attached tube. When the baby sucks, this motion pulls the supplemental breastmilk or formula through the tube, providing extra nourishment in addition to what the mother produces. This is very helpful in situations when your milk supply is a little low or your little one has difficulty latching but still needs more nutrients.
The SNS encourages babies to continue breastfeeding, which can help stimulate breast milk production and support the continued bonding experience between you and your little one. This system is also very helpful for mothers who want to exclusively breastfeed but need to supplement their milk to ensure their little one gets enough nutrition.
So, if you’re looking for a way to nurse but dealing with the issues above, an SNS can help you while you’re both figuring out your nursing journey together. They’re great for moms who want to nurse but are unable to for a variety of reasons. While they’re not necessarily meant to be used long-term, you can use them for as long as you need on your individual journey. Consulting with a professional lactation consultant can help you work this through.
What Are The Benefits Of SNS?
Promotes nursing success.
An SNS is a lactation aid that encourages babies to latch and suck at the breast. This can help mothers continue nursing even when there are concerns about milk supply and your baby’s feeding ability. By offering supplemental milk right at the breast, the SNS supports mothers.
Another great thing is that an SNS will give your baby the instant gratification they need thanks to the steady milk supply.
Encourages the bond between mother and baby.
One of the key benefits of using an SNS is that it allows mothers and babies to enjoy the intimate bonding experience of nursing. The skin-to-skin contact is not only comforting for both, but also boosts the baby’s emotional and developmental growth. Despite the need for supplementation, both of you can enjoy the typical closeness of nursing.
Provides supplemental nutrition.
These systems are particularly helpful for mothers who have difficulty producing enough milk or need to supplement their little ones for various reasons. Whether due to medical conditions, low milk supply, or the baby’s increased needs, an SNS allows the baby to receive formula, donor milk, or expressed breast milk while still nursing.
Encourages natural feeding patterns.
Since the baby is suckling directly from the breast, an SNS supports the baby’s natural feeding reflexes. This helps them develop proper sucking skills and can even reduce the chance of feeding difficulties later on. By encouraging the baby to nurse in a familiar way, these systems help maintain natural rhythms in nursing.
How To Use A Supplemental Nursing System
Set up the SNS correctly.
Before you begin, make sure the SNS is set up properly. You’ll want to put your chosen supplement into the bottle first. From there, follow the set-up instructions which may differ slightly from SNS to SNS. Once you’ve completed this, attach the flexible tube to the nipple, and secure it with medical tape. Ensure that the tube is aligned with your nipple. It may feel a little awkward at first, so allow yourself some time.
Choose the right supplement.
Whether you choose donor milk, expressed breast milk, or formula, ensure that what you choose is the best choice for your little one’s needs. If you’re unsure, reach out to our team of lactation consultants for advice.
Ensure a comfortable feeding position.
Just like with traditional nursing, positioning is key. Find a comfortable spot to sit with your baby in a good position. This will make the process so much smoother for both of you. Consider using a nursing pillow or supports to help you maintain a comfortable and correct position.
Monitor your little one’s progress.
Pay attention to your baby’s latch and sucking patterns. If everything is working effectively and you see milk coming through the tube at the correct speed, you’ll know the system is working as intended. If you notice issues with the latch or sucking, check the tube placement and ensure the SNS is functioning correctly.
Best Nursing Supplement Systems
Haakaa Supplemental Nursing System
The Haakaa Supplemental Nursing System is a simple, discreet SNS. It offers an easy 5-part setup and a squeezable 170 ml silicone pouch with a flow controller for accurate milk flow. I personally like this SNS as it has soft, thin feeding tubes that are safe and gentle on your baby’s mouth. There are also extra tubes for easy replacement.
The compact design makes it easy to take with you anywhere, perfect for moms who need a straightforward SNS. It’s lightweight, easy to use and clean, and has fewer parts to manage than most systems. This SNS is made of BPA-free materials, making it gentle and safe for your little one.
Medela Supplemental Nursing System
The Medela SNS is an effective system for mothers with low milk supply and those looking to improve their baby's latch. It offers a smooth, consistent milk flow with its advanced venting system and gentle-rounded tube, made for your baby. The TwistLok connector helps to prevent leakage, ensuring efficient feeding. The small container and secure lid make milk preparation, storage, and transport a breeze.
This SNS was designed for ultimate convenience, featuring clips that allow you to easily attach it directly to your nursing bra, shirt, or pillow for hands-free feeding. It has an on/off control for milk flow regulation, which is an added bonus. It’s reusable, easy to clean with a special tube cleaning aid, and is a very effective system.
Lact-Aid Supplemental Nursing System
The Lact-Aid SNS is designed to support mothers on their nursing journey. Its unique, gravity-fed system helps deliver a steady flow of milk through the flexible tube that fits snug alongside the nipple.
This SNS is simple to use and clean, and is easy to clip to your nursing bra or shirt for hands-free use. This is a unique system that combines milk bags with a tube device. The advantage of this system over others is that a day’s worth of supplemental nursing set-ups can be pre-prepared ahead of time.
Neotech Bridge Supplemental Nursing System
The Neotech Bridge is a breastfeeding assistance device designed to provide supplemental nutrition. This system is unique, using a thin, medical-grade silicone nipple cover with a built-in tube for delivering breastmilk or formula. It helps your baby stay latched and stimulated by natural milk production. The system includes a syringe and connector to control the flow rate of the milk.
The device has a one-way valve to stop backflow, maximizing the milk output. It’s latex and plasticizer-free, ensuring a safe and natural feeding experience for both mother and baby. This SNS can be fantastic for babies who are resistant to using the tube directly or who cannot use an SNS without a shield due to latching issues.
Medela Starter Supplemental Nursing System
The Medela Starter SNS is an easy-to-use system that includes a small, flexible tube to safely and comfortably deliver milk or formula to your baby. The compact system comes with an 80 ml collection container and is designed for hands-free use, making it convenient for busy mamas. It’s reusable, easy to clean, and offers a long-term solution for supplementing nursing.
Have you ever tried a supplemental nursing system?
A Supplemental Nursing System can be an incredibly helpful tool for mamas looking to provide their baby with the nourishment they need while continuing the nursing experience. Whether you’re dealing with low supply, latch issues, or just need to supplement your baby’s diet, SNS can support your journey.
If you’re curious about other aspects of pumping and nursing, and have questions such as “Why does one breast produce more milk than the other?”, head to the One With The Pump blog to learn more!
