The Medela Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is a practical feeding aid designed to help mothers breastfeed by providing supplemental nutrition while stimulating milk supply. It allows a baby to receive additional milk or formula via a thin tube attached to the mother's breast during a nursing session.
Understanding the Medela SNS
The Medela SNS is essentially a reservoir that holds expressed breast milk or formula, connected to a thin feeding tube. This tube is positioned at the nipple, allowing the baby to feed simultaneously from the breast and the SNS. This system is invaluable for:
- Stimulating Milk Supply: Encourages increased milk production through more frequent and effective nipple stimulation.
- Supplementing Feeding: Ensures the baby receives adequate nutrition without the use of bottles, preserving the breastfeeding relationship.
- Assisting with Latch: Helps babies who have difficulty latching or sucking effectively.
- Relactation/Induced Lactation: Supports mothers working towards relactation or inducing lactation.
Setting Up Your Medela SNS for Use
Proper setup is crucial for the effective use of the SNS. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Prepare the SNS Container:
- Ensure all parts are clean and sterilized.
- Fill the SNS bottle with the desired amount of expressed breast milk or prescribed formula.
- Screw the lid with the tubing onto the bottle.
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Prime the Tubing:
- Before attaching it to your breast, gently squeeze the bottle to allow a small amount of liquid to flow to the end of the tube. This removes air and ensures immediate flow for the baby.
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Positioning the SNS:
- Securely and comfortably clip the SNS bottle to your bra strap, top, or a pillow positioned behind you. This ensures the bottle is elevated above your breast, allowing gravity to assist milk flow.
- Alternatively, you may use fixation tape for precise tube positioning. First, tape the end of the tube to the breast, ensuring it protrudes past the nipple by about 0.5 cm.
- The optimal position for the tube on the breast is typically at either the 10 o'clock or 2 o'clock position, depending on which side you are feeding from and your comfort. This placement helps the tube stay securely in the baby's mouth during feeding.
Using the SNS During Feeding
Once the SNS is set up, integrate it into your nursing routine:
- Offer the Breast: Position your baby in your preferred breastfeeding hold.
- Insert the Tube: Guide the baby to latch onto your breast, ensuring that the SNS tube goes into their mouth along with your nipple. The tube should rest comfortably on the baby's tongue.
- Monitor Feeding: Observe your baby for swallowing and active suckling. The SNS allows them to practice effective sucking while receiving the supplement. You can adjust the flow rate by raising or lowering the SNS bottle or by selecting a different tube size (if your SNS model allows).
- Gradual Reduction: As your milk supply increases or your baby's sucking efficiency improves, you can gradually reduce the amount of supplement provided through the SNS.
Benefits of Using the Medela SNS
Using the Medela SNS offers several unique advantages for both mother and baby, promoting a sustained breastfeeding journey:
| Benefit Category | Description |
|---|---|
| For Milk Supply | Directly stimulates the breast during feeding, encouraging increased milk production. |
| For Latch & Sucking | Teaches the baby to latch deeply and suck effectively at the breast, improving oral motor skills. |
| Parent-Baby Bonding | Allows for skin-to-skin contact and natural breastfeeding positions, strengthening the bond. |
| Supplementation | Provides necessary nutrition without introducing bottles, reducing the risk of "nipple confusion." |
| Versatility | Can be used for various situations, including low supply, inducing lactation, or for babies with special needs. |
Tips for Success
- Practice Makes Perfect: It might take a few tries to get comfortable with the setup and feeding process. Don't get discouraged.
- Hygiene: Always ensure all SNS components are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized after each use.
- Consult a Lactation Consultant: For personalized advice and troubleshooting, consider consulting a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). They can provide tailored guidance for your specific situation.
- Adjust Flow: If your baby is gulping or struggling, lower the SNS bottle. If they are not getting enough, raise it slightly or gently squeeze the bottle.
