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As a mama who combines breastfeeding with formula feeding, I provide my baby with breastmilk from my chest and formula from a bottle. Due to complications from previous breast surgeries, exclusively breastfeeding isn’t feasible for me.
My second son, Leo, arrived in November 2020. From the moment he was born, he latched onto my breast as if he was meant to be there. His latch was excellent, unlike my first son’s, and with my previous breastfeeding experience, I felt optimistic. I thought that removing my breast implants would improve my chances of a successful breastfeeding journey. However, on our second night in the hospital, the situation took a familiar downturn: Leo was losing weight, crying inconsolably while nursing, and only sleeping in short bursts.
By day three, Leo had lost 11.4% of his birth weight despite being on the breast constantly. I was advised to breastfeed, then supplement with formula or expressed milk, and pump to stimulate my milk production. After returning home from the hospital, visits from the public health nurse revealed that Leo continued to lose weight, even with all my efforts to keep him at the breast.
When Leo was five days old, I mentioned to our public health nurse and lactation consultant that I was barely producing any milk while pumping—just a few drops. She suggested trying a supplemental nursing system (SNS), which involves placing a small tube in the baby’s mouth during breastfeeding, allowing him to consume formula or breastmilk through the tube while suckling. Having experienced the challenges of breastfeeding and pumping with my first son, I was open to this new approach.
Setting up the tube was tricky and required an extra pair of hands, but I loved the thought of Leo getting his formula while nursing, minimizing the risk of nipple confusion. Furthermore, having him suckle at the breast would help stimulate my milk production, eliminating the need to pump later—something I was keen to avoid with a busy preschooler at home.
I discovered that Medela offers a supplemental nursing system that can be worn around the neck, allowing for a hands-free experience. The milk or formula is stored in a device that hangs in front of you, and you tape the feeding tubes to your breasts, aligning them with your nipples for easier latching. I found a gently used SNS that had been effective for another mother facing similar supply issues. Surprisingly, I managed to figure it out, although it took practice to perfect the tube placement.
By ten days postpartum, I realized I needed more assistance to boost my supply. I began taking domperidone and continued using the SNS for all of Leo’s feedings. His supplement amount was increased to encourage weight gain. After about two weeks, the effects of the medication kicked in, and Leo started to gain weight consistently while thriving at the breast.
Through my sessions with the lactation consultant, I learned that some of my milk ducts had likely been damaged during my surgeries, affecting my ability to produce enough milk. Despite this, I remained committed to providing at least some breastmilk and breastfeeding. The lactation consultant indicated that using the SNS was key in salvaging my breastfeeding journey. I was able to create a sustainable and enjoyable feeding system.
Now, at five months old, Leo is breastfed first and then topped up with a bottle, depending on how much milk he consumes during his nursing sessions. This arrangement works well for us. While many people have expressed reluctance to try the SNS, which is understandable, I believe there is a significant lack of information regarding these systems. Many still think feeding tubes are only for those who cannot eat independently. The SNS promotes milk production, improves latching, and allows mothers to breastfeed when they might otherwise struggle. Ultimately, we must make choices that align with our values, beliefs, and lifestyles. Thanks to the SNS, I reduced my overall feeding time, eliminated the need to pump, and fostered a positive breastfeeding relationship that I cherish.
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, consider checking out this other blog post. For those navigating their own fertility journey, Make a Mom offers valuable insights. Additionally, Progyny provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary
In this article, Ava Mitchell shares her experience as a combination-feeding mother who successfully used a supplemental nursing system (SNS) to enhance her breastfeeding relationship with her son, Leo. Despite challenges from previous breast surgeries affecting her milk supply, the SNS allowed her to provide both breastmilk and formula, promoting a sustainable and enjoyable feeding experience. The journey highlighted the importance of adapting feeding methods to individual circumstances and the need for greater awareness of tools like the SNS.
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