I am a mama who combines breastfeeding with formula feeding, providing my baby with both breastmilk and formula from a bottle. Unfortunately, due to damaged milk ducts from previous breast surgeries, my body isn’t able to produce enough milk for exclusive breastfeeding.
My second son, Noah, arrived in November 2020. He latched onto my breast right away and, reminiscent of my first experience, seemed to be permanently attached. His latch was great this time, unlike my firstborn’s, and my prior breastfeeding experience gave me hope. I believed the removal of my breast implants would enhance my chances for a successful breastfeeding journey. However, by the second night in the hospital, I faced familiar challenges: Noah was losing weight, crying at the breast, and barely sleeping.
By the third day, Noah had lost 11.4% of his birth weight despite constant breastfeeding. The hospital staff advised me to feed him, supplement with formula or expressed breastmilk, and pump to encourage milk production. After returning home, I continued to struggle with Noah’s weight as he lost more despite my best efforts to keep him on the breast.
When Noah was five days old, I confided in our public health nurse, who is also an IBCLC, that I was getting very little milk when pumping. She suggested trying a supplemental nursing system (SNS), which involves placing a small tube in my baby’s mouth while they breastfeed, allowing him to receive milk or formula simultaneously. I was eager to avoid the pumping routine I had with my first son.
Setting up the SNS was a bit tricky, requiring an extra set of hands, but I loved the idea of ensuring Noah received his formula while breastfeeding, eliminating the risk of nipple confusion. Plus, the baby suckling helps with milk production, so it served two purposes while saving me time.
I discovered that Medela offers a hands-free SNS that can be worn around the neck. The feeding tube clips to a necklace and rests on my chest. I managed to find a secondhand SNS from someone who had faced similar supply issues. It took practice to position the feeding tube correctly, but I was pleasantly surprised by how manageable it was.
Around ten days postpartum, it became clear that I needed additional help to boost my milk supply. I began taking domperidone while consistently using the SNS for every feeding. After a couple of weeks, Noah started gaining weight steadily and became a breastfeeding pro.
Through my consultations with the IBCLC, I learned that some of my milk ducts were likely damaged from previous surgeries, affecting my milk production. Despite this, providing my babies with at least some breastmilk is important to me. The IBCLC told me that using the SNS was key in salvaging my breastfeeding journey, allowing me to create a sustainable and enjoyable feeding system.
Now, at five months old, Noah is breastfed first and then topped up with a bottle depending on his intake. This approach works well for us. While many parents express hesitance about trying the SNS for various reasons, I believe there’s a lack of awareness about its benefits. The SNS not only encourages milk production but also supports better latching and allows breastfeeding for those who might struggle otherwise. Ultimately, we must choose options that align with our values and lifestyles. Thanks to the SNS, I significantly reduced feeding time, eliminated the need to pump, and fostered a positive breastfeeding bond that I cherish.
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In summary, my experience with the SNS has been transformative, allowing me to navigate my breastfeeding journey with greater ease and joy despite my physical limitations.