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This little cutie needed some help plumping up.
Women have been breastfeeding for centuries, many without all of the knowledge, instruction and tools that mothers get today. In some cases; however, too much information can lead to a little breastfeeding paranoia.
There are so many wonderful reasons to breastfeed, that sometimes it seems like the ONLY option. In truth the only option is to do what is best for your baby and sometimes that means your breast needs a little help. Many new babies could benefit from supplemental feedings, but this is a scary proposition for new mothers who have heard too much about nipple confusion and how overall breastfeeding success is greatest when it is exclusive from the moment of birth. So, what to do when your baby needs to gain more weight and you are feeding/pumping with all your might and it is still not enough?
The folks at Medela developed the Supplemental Nursing System to give the baby what it needs without compromising future breastfeeding success. This particular one is geared for short-term use; however, there is another model that can be used as a long-term solution. Either formula or pumped breast milk can be placed into the container which is connected to a very small tube. This tube is taped down to the mother's breast so that the extra fluid drips into the baby's mouth while he/she is already nursing. It is a great way to provide the nourishment your child needs without switching to a bottle before good breastfeeding habits have been developed.
If it has been suggested to you to by your pediatrician that your child needs supplemental feedings, contact a lactation consultant or your local La Leche League to get instructions on how to use the SNS. If used incorrectly your baby might get a little too much, which will make them less interested in nursing, which in turn can decrease your milk supply.
Comments
Using an SNS should be done under the supervision of a specialist trained in lactation. Babies can potentially take more milk from the SNS than from the breast, leading to an even lower supply of milk from mom and basically backfiring.
If a mama is having breastfeeding problems and is unsure if her baby is taking enough milk, please call a professional IBCLC or your LLL Leader!!!
Great point Julie! I will add that into the article. This product was recommended to me by a lactation consultant, while I was still in the hospital. When the doctor recommended bottle supplements, I was completely freaked out and was pumping like a mad woman when I should have been sleeping! I was so relieved to hear about this option and I wanted others to know that it is out there, because their doctor or pediatrician will probably not bring it up.
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