How to DIY a Supplemental Nursing System at home
A supplemental nursing system can be a handy tool for parent and baby dyads who might be encountering challenges at the breast/chest and need to supplement breastmilk or formula. An SNS allows for baby to receive a measured volume of milk while still being latched at the breast. This method can also be helpful for adoptive/non-birthing parents who are inducing lactation or just hoping to further bond with their little one as well as many other experience (relactation, milk transfer issues, premature babies, etc)
We decided to show a homemade SNS which is created using supplies you might already have at home. This could be an alternative option to purchasing the Full Supplemental Nursing System which is not shown here. However, if you think you might benefit from an SNS as long term solution, it may be helpful to invest in a full system versus the DIY option. Please consider working with a lactation consultant to advise you further on which option might be best for you and how to use the system to be suit your needs.
What you’ll need:
nipple w/ a small hole
small container or bottle
medical tape
5 French feeding tube (Might be the hardest to find, but you can purchase them via our website or with your pediatrician)
Steps by Step Instructions
Insert the tubing into the bottle nipple opening.
Once the tube is inserted, pull your tube through the opening.
Add breast milk or formula to the bottle
Then, insert the feeding tube so that it touches the bottom of the bottle and screw the nipple onto the bottle
Grab your tape and have it on standby
Attach your feeding tube to the breast/chest close to the nipple and prepare to latch baby as normal being sure that the tube is inserted into babys mouth.
Parent Experiences
Below are a few blog post from parents that you may find relatable: