Tired of Triple Feeding? Try a Supplemental Nursing System

Has breastfeeding followed by bottle feeding followed by pumping (the three together is known as triple feeding) left you tired and without enough time between feedings? Are you concerned that your baby may develop a flow preference, aka nipple confusion?

Well then, this little contraption might be the ideal thing for you!

A supplemental nursing system (SNS), which cuts down on triple feeding, usually consists of a bottle of breast milk or formula that can hang around your neck. The bottle is connected to a thin tubing which is inserted into the corner of your baby's mouth once they are well latched to your breast. As your baby suckles, they get milk from you but also draw milk up from the bottle. You can control the amount of flow from the bottle.

Who this is appropriate for:

• Babies at least 38 weeks gestation, who have a good suck, breathe, swallow reflex and who can latch well and create a good seal on the breast.

Babies less than 38 weeks gestation should not use this device because:

• It can increase their risk of choking due to their underdeveloped suck, breathe, swallow response.

• It requires an appropriate amount of suction created by the baby. Pre-term babies have difficulty acheiving a good latch and do not have the ability or stamina to be able to exert the needed suction throught the feeding.

How does an SNS help eliminate triple feeding?

• Your baby will receive necessary supplementation of breast milk or formula during the same time that they are breastfeeding, cutting out the time you would spend bottle feeding after breastfeeding.

• You can control the flow, easing your baby into becoming more acceptable of the flow of milk from your breast over time.

• Your baby suckles more effectively, actively stimulating your nipples. Prolactin, which is your milk-making hormone, is activated by comfortable nipple stimulation. Therefore, the nipple stimulation helps boost your milk production.

Be sure to follow the instructions and/or watch a video that comes with the SNS to ensure proper use and cleaning.