A Supplemental Nursing System Transformed My Breastfeeding Journey

I’m a mama who practices combination feeding, offering my baby both breastmilk and formula. Unfortunately, due to damaged milk ducts from two prior breast surgeries, exclusively breastfeeding isn’t feasible for me.

My second son, Leo, arrived in November 2020, and he latched on almost immediately, much like my first child. Initially, everything seemed to be going well: his latch was strong, and I had more breastfeeding knowledge this time. I held onto hope that the removal of my breast implants would enhance my chances for a successful breastfeeding experience. However, by our second night in the hospital, things took a concerning turn: Leo was losing weight, crying at the breast, and only sleeping for very short stretches.

By the third day, Leo had lost 11.4% of his birth weight despite my best efforts to keep him breastfeeding as often as possible. I was advised to feed him, follow up with formula or breastmilk, and pump to stimulate my milk supply. After returning home, visits from a public health nurse revealed that Leo continued to lose weight despite our attempts to maintain his breastfeeding routine.

When Leo was five days old, I shared with our public health nurse/IBCLC that I was struggling to pump enough milk and felt my body responded better to direct breastfeeding. She suggested trying a supplemental nursing system (SNS), which involves placing a tiny feeding tube in the baby’s mouth during breastfeeding, allowing them to receive formula or breastmilk directly while nursing. Given my previous experiences, I was eager to explore this alternative instead of relying heavily on pumping.

Getting the tube into Leo’s mouth was a bit tricky and required an extra set of hands, but I loved the concept of him getting the necessary nutrition while breastfeeding. This method could help avoid issues like nipple confusion or preference for the bottle. Plus, suckling at the breast is an effective way to stimulate milk production, saving me from additional pumping.

I discovered that Medela offers a supplemental nursing system that can be worn around the neck, making it somewhat hands-free. The formula or breastmilk goes into a container that hangs at chest level, with feeding tubes attached to the breasts, allowing for easy alignment with the nipple. After finding a secondhand SNS used by someone with similar supply issues, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to set up, though it took practice to perfect the tube placement.

About ten days postpartum, it became clear that I needed to boost my milk supply to sustain Leo’s breastfeeding. I started taking domperidone and continued using the SNS at each feeding, gradually increasing the top-up amount. Within two weeks, Leo’s weight was on the rise, and he thrived at the breast.

Throughout my sessions with the IBCLC, I learned that some of my milk ducts were likely damaged during my breast surgery, contributing to my supply challenges. It was critical for me to provide at least some breastmilk to Leo, as breastfeeding held significant importance for me. The IBCLC later acknowledged that using the SNS was pivotal in preserving my breastfeeding relationship, enabling me to create a sustainable and enjoyable feeding routine.

Now, at five months, Leo is breastfed first, followed by a formula top-up based on his intake. This system works wonderfully for us. While many have expressed reluctance to try the SNS for various reasons, I believe there’s a lack of awareness surrounding its benefits. The SNS not only encourages milk production but also fosters a proper latch, allowing parents to breastfeed when they might otherwise struggle. Ultimately, we must choose what aligns with our values and lifestyles. Thanks to the SNS, I’ve minimized my feeding time, eliminated the need to pump, and forged a positive breastfeeding connection that brings me pride.

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Summary:

This article shares the journey of a mother, who, despite facing challenges due to prior breast surgeries, successfully navigated breastfeeding with the help of a supplemental nursing system (SNS). By combining breastfeeding and formula feeding, she was able to maintain a positive relationship with her baby while addressing her milk supply issues. The SNS not only facilitated milk production but also ensured her baby received the necessary nutrition. Ultimately, her experience highlights the importance of individualized feeding choices for mothers.

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