Supplemental Nursing System

The lactation consultant suggested a SNS, but why not just pump and give a bottle of breast milk?

A Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) can be used while baby is latched onto and suckling at the breast. While a baby gets milk from the breast, they also receive breast milk/formula from the SNS container through a small tube inserted into their mouth. When a baby isn’t getting enough milk from breastfeeding alone, a SNS allows them to stimulate breast milk production by latching onto the breast. 

It’s recommended to wait 3-4 weeks after birth, or until breastfeeding is well established, before introducing a bottle. When nursing directly from the breast, baby uses their mouth and jaw muscles differently than when drinking from a bottle. With a bottle, milk tends to drip into babies’ mouths without much effort. Babies can quickly develop a preference for the bottle and experience a harder transition back to breastfeeding because the bottle is easier!

Work with a lactation consultant and your healthcare provider regarding the use of an SNS.

For more information on other alternative feeding methods, click here.

SOURCE: 

https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/Images/1089%20E%20Rev10.13%20CL_tcm75-723478.pdf

Was this information helpful?
0 out of 0 found this helpful

Related Questions

See more