Supplementing while you are breastfeeding

If your baby needs extra nourishment while breastfeeding, you can use an at-breast supplementer. With such a device your baby will suck mother’s milk from the breast and (simultaneously) supplemental milk via a thin tube.  Such a device can help to maintain breastfeeding or even make it possible. In different situations, you can consider whether you want to try at-breast supplementation.

Competent counseling for example by a lactation consultant IBCLC is very helpful for assessing the breastfeeding situation, providing information for your decision and supporting you practically during at-breast supplementation.

It is important from the beginning that you handle the practical details in such a way that it is as easy as possible for your baby to breastfeed with the device. Therefore, I will give you some considerations for your decision and describe for you, step-by-step, the use of an at-breast supplementer, as it has proven itself over many years with a great many mothers and babies. Naturally, there are variations on the details – what applies here is:  Whatever functions for you, is good for you.

At-breast supplementation step by step

Different devices for at-breast supplementation

Devices for at-breast supplementation can be makeshift or manufactured. The Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is one of them and has two soft tubings. There are also other possibilities to supplement while breastfeeding like LactAid Nursing Trainer or using a tube inserted into a container.

Which aid you use is not paramount, but rather that you actually use it.  The following instructions are for all types of at-breast supplementers. Some details are specific for the different devices. These details are described for the Supplemental Nursing System (SNS). They also apply somewhat modified for other devices.

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