What is a supplemental nursing system?
You may have heard the old adage "the breast is the best" when
it comes to feeding your baby. Sometimes, despite your best efforts,
introducing your baby to breastfeeding doesn't go according to plan. This can
happen for many reasons, but it is usually due to a lack of milk. This is where
the care system comes in.
The supplementary nursing system is a device that provides nutrition to
the baby during breastfeeding. Milk or formula is stored in containers with
tubes attached to them, which carry food into your hungry baby's mouth as he
suckles.
How does the supplemental nursing system work?
Supplemental nursing systems may look different, but they all perform
the same basic function. This is usually a bottle or small bag filled with
infant formula or breast milk. Small tubes take milk from a bottle and deliver
it to your baby, often at the same time you breastfeed.
The tubes are usually attached to the mother with medical tape. This ensures
that the fluid reaches the same temperature as the mother and the baby can
suckle comfortably at the breast.
Using the supplemental nursing system has many benefits. When the
mother's milk supply is low, the baby may become nervous and have difficulty
latch-on. With an additional breastfeeding system, the baby receives enough
milk from the breast and tube to be satisfied.
When is a supplemental nursing system used?
A supplemental nursing system is used when your breasts are not
producing enough milk for your baby. Using a supplemental nursing system is not
just for your baby. It also helps the mother produce more milk.
When breasts are stimulated by breastfeeding, your body releases a
hormone called prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that promotes milk production,
and mothers with insufficient milk supply usually have low levels of prolactin.
Low milk production can be caused by many reasons, such as:
- You had breast surgery.
- You smoke or drink alcohol
- You don't get enough sleep
- You are taking certain birth control pills
- You give formula to your baby and do not breastfeed
- You start giving your baby solid food before he is 4-6 months old.
Types of supplemental nursing systems
There are several additional types of supplemental nursing system you can
choose from. Consult with a lactation consultant to find out which option may
be right for you and your baby.
- Homemade system. If you're new to
supplemental nursing, you might want to try a home remedy before buying a new
system. You can use a regular bottle with a rubber nipple and a nasogastric
tube for feeding babies. Nurses and lactation consultants often keep these
tubes on hand for new mothers.
Make a small incision in the rubber nipple and push the end of the tube
into the supplement liquid. Drill a hole in the nipple or use it with an air
vent. This way, your baby will not encounter much resistance when emptying the
bottle. Please note that the tubes are not designed to be sterilized, so you
will have to discard them when they become solid.
- Disposable bag system. This system comes
with sterile disposable bags containing breast milk or supplements. The bags
are small and hang on a string around the mother's neck. A small, thin tube
connects the top of the bag to the baby's mouth. Milk only flows when the baby
is attached to the tube and breast, potentially eliminating any mess.
Supplement bags are small and discreet, making them ideal for travel and
feeding on the go.
- Bottle system. The bottle system
uses two bottles, each with a tube attached. This makes it a little easier to
switch sides. Usually pipes of different widths are offered to choose from.
Bottles and test tubes are washable, making them more environmentally friendly.
You can use the clamps to stop milk from leaking, or you can loosen them to
feed your baby. Adjust the tube width to fit your baby's feeding needs.
Tips for increasing your milk supply
While supplemental nursing system can be very helpful, one of the goals
of supplemental nursing system is to stimulate the mother's hormone production
to increase milk production. Follow these tips to increase your offering to
suit your child's needs:
- Breastfeed whenever your baby is hungry, which can be every two hours for the first few months.
- Try to let your baby suckle from both breasts at every feed.
- Try to avoid bottles and pacifiers for the first few weeks. While you're still building your milk supply, you'll need all the prolactin hormone you can get. Your body releases a hormone when the baby takes the breast.
- Eat healthy food and get as much sleep as possible.
- Shoot when you are away from your child. This may help increase the amount of milk.