'SNS' helps mums to continue breastfeeding even when their milk is in short supply

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural option for all mums who have just given birth to their bundle of joy. 

And it's not just a source of food for a baby either; it can too be a source of comfort for your newborn. 

But not alone is the act of breastfeeding comforting for your baby, it also poses as a form of bonding for a new mother; a way to spend quality time with your new baby while knowing they are at ease.

Nonetheless, for some mothers there are obstacles in the way of their breastfeeding path, which can be an emotional time for mums. 

 

Sometimes breastfeeding looks like this. For whatever the reason, babies and moms might need help and that is ok! We are thankful for these tools because they help keep moms in the game- leading to better outcomes for mom and baby. Did you have to use a #supplementalnursingsystem or any other tools? Did an #ibclc help you. Tell me your story and send me a picture because it will help other mothers feel encouraged! : #Repost @ashasana_inprogress ・・・ This is what #nursing looks like for us now, and I'm so #grateful. Having to supplement Everly meant bottles, which ultimately led to her refusing my breast. So much heartbreak in that moment, as nursing her is so beautiful and special to me. This contraption was suggested to me by my #midwife and she took to it immediately. We have our #breastfeeding back! When she latched on and happily fed, I bawled in relief.

A post shared by Barbara Demske DM For Collabs (@firstlatch) on Nov 26, 2016 at 5:49pm PST

Problems such as low milk supply or poor lactation leaves mums with little or no choice but to use supplemental milk which is normally fed by a spoon, syringe or bottle. 

However, many have now found the SNS – Supplemental Nursing System – which allows mums to continue breastfeeding while also giving their child the nutritional support needed. 

So far, mums have nothing only good things to say about the system as one mum explained: "Having to supplement Everly meant bottles, which ultimately led to her refusing my breast."

"So much heartbreak in that moment, as nursing her is so beautiful and special to me,[…], when she latched on and happily fed, I bawled in relief."

 

"I have chronic low milk supply, and my first two children weren't nursed for very long. I gave up at 2 months with my son when I couldn't get my supply up, and around 9 months with my daughter when stress and my monthly cycle destroyed the little supply I had. I didn't find the SNS until my third baby, and it completely changed my nursing relationship. I didn't have to worry about baby developing a bottle preference, and I got to do all feedings at the breast. I finally felt like a "real" breastfeeding mother. My third child nursed until she was three, including through a pregnancy. Then THAT baby nursed until 3, and also nursed through a pregnancy. My fifth baby is now 14 months and still nursing. The SNS, and later, the lact-aid nursing trainer made me feel whole."  We love this gorgeous picture that @nyssa_aquatica shared on our FB page. Mari's tips for using the SNS (see our latest episode on the podcast!) helped her to use the SNS more successfully. We are so thankful she graciously allowed us to share her beautiful journey with you. 

A post shared by Hope Lien (@breastfeedingoutsidethebox) on Jan 14, 2017 at 5:12am PST

The contraption contains milk in a bottle with the attached tube being taped to the breast, alongside the nipple, and much like sucking a straw, when the baby latches as normal, the supplemental milk will begin flowing from the tube. 

This allows a mum to continue breastfeeding, while knowing their baby is getting nutritional support, moreover, if a mum is having low supply, continuing to breastfeed with the aid of an SNS can potentially help increase supply. 

 

Repost @breastfeedingart incredible mother and lucky babe  ・・・ "I have been having trouble with producing milk due to my thyroid. I hardly have anything left and can't really nurse due to my son getting very frustrated and impatient since I don't have much to give. Today, our lives changed forever. With the help of some local mommies donating milk and an investment in this contraption, I was able to nurse him contently again. I am so in love with being sble to look down and see that little face gazing into my eyes. I am also so relieved and excited to continue our journey. I just wanted to encourage anyone who has issues that nothing is impossible and where there is a will there is a way! It just takes some dedication." — @beautiful_and_broken21Thank you so much for sharing your story, mama!

A post shared by Kahmen Ceh (@birthingground) on Jan 13, 2016 at 3:55pm PST

With all these benefits, it's hard to see any negatives for mums who want to continue breastfeeding for as long as they possibly can. 

The popular item has us curious, and we want to know if you have ever used a SNS? Would you recommend it?