A Guide to SNS Feeding for New Moms

If you’re struggling with latching or dealing with a low milk supply, SNS feeding could be exactly what you need. This method can keep you on the breastfeeding path you’ve chosen while making sure your baby gets enough to eat. In this guide, we’ll walk through what SNS feeding is, how it works, and share some real tips and experiences from moms who’ve used it.

Understanding the SNS (Supplemental Nursing System)

The Supplemental Nursing System—often just called the SNS feeder—is a super handy tool for breastfeeding moms. At its simplest, it’s a small container that holds either breast milk or formula. A thin little tube comes from the container and is taped to your breast, so when your baby latches, they get milk from you and from the tube at the same time.

The big idea here is to solve some of the common challenges moms face with breastfeeding. Maybe your milk supply feels low, your baby struggles with latching, or you’ve been told you need to supplement for medical reasons. The SNS lets you keep your baby at the breast instead of turning straight to a bottle, which helps maintain that closeness and encourages your body to keep making milk.

Benefits of Using an SNS Feeder

There are so many upsides to using an SNS feeder. First off, it lets moms with a lower milk supply still breastfeed while making sure their babies get enough nutrition. Since your baby is nursing at your breast, your body also gets the signal to keep making more milk—so it can actually help increase your supply over time.

Another huge benefit is for babies who have trouble latching. That can be so stressful, and it’s one of the main reasons moms stop breastfeeding early. But the steady flow of milk from the tube helps encourage your baby to stay latched, and over time their latch can improve. Plus, you’re still holding your baby close during feeds, which builds that beautiful bond between you.

For moms who need to supplement for medical reasons—like if your baby was born early, is underweight, or just needs extra nutrition—the SNS is a way to do that without losing the breastfeeding relationship. You get the best of both worlds: your baby gets the nutrients they need while still getting the benefits of being at the breast.

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How to Get Started with an SNS Feeder

Starting out with the SNS can feel a little overwhelming, but once you practice a few times, it becomes second nature. The first step is simply getting an SNS kit. You can order one online or find it at a baby store. Take some time to look through the pieces and watch a couple of how-to videos—they’ll make everything a lot clearer.

When you’re ready to try it, set yourself up somewhere comfy and calm. Position your baby at your breast like you normally would, then tape the little tube so the tip sits right by your nipple.

Once your baby latches, they’ll be drawing milk from both your breast and the feeder. It might take a couple of tries before you both get the hang of it, so don’t stress if it’s a little awkward at first. Be patient with yourself and your baby, and remember—if you need extra help, a lactation consultant can walk you through it.

Tips for Making SNS Feeding Work

Here are a few tips that can really help things go smoothly:

• Work on positioning and latch. Make sure your baby is comfy, and that the tube is lined up with your nipple. A solid latch makes everything easier.
• Keep feedings regular. Feeding often (around 8–12 times a day) keeps your supply stimulated and helps your baby get used to the system.
• Stick with it. Using the SNS every time helps your baby become familiar with it.
• Look after yourself too. Feeding this way can be tiring. Drink enough water, eat well, and rest when you can. Don’t be shy about asking for help around the house so you can focus on feeding and bonding.

Common Challenges (and How to Fix Them)

Of course, the SNS isn’t always smooth sailing. Some moms find the tube slips around, especially if baby wiggles a lot. A little extra medical tape usually solves that—experiment with how you place it until you find what works.

Sometimes, even with the SNS, moms still feel like their supply isn’t where they want it. In that case, you can try things like breast massage, power pumping, or certain foods and herbs that are thought to boost supply. And of course, a lactation consultant can give you personalized guidance.

It’s also normal to have tough feelings about needing to use an SNS—maybe frustration, guilt, or sadness. Just know you’re not alone. Plenty of moms have been there. Talking to a support group or connecting with others who’ve used the SNS can really help you feel encouraged and understood.

How Lactation Consultants Can Help

Lactation consultants can show you exactly how to set it up, watch a feed with you, and give feedback on latch and tube placement. That kind of hands-on help makes a big difference.

They’re also there for emotional support. Breastfeeding can be a rollercoaster, and having someone experienced to lean on can make the journey feel so much lighter. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, reaching out to a consultant is one of the best things you can do.

SNS vs. Other Supplementation Methods

There are a few ways to supplement a baby’s feeds. The most common is bottle feeding. While convenient, bottles sometimes lead to “nipple confusion,” where a baby doesn’t switch easily back to the breast.

Another option is finger feeding—taping a tube to your finger and letting baby suck there. This works for some families, especially if latch is a problem, but it doesn’t give the skin-to-skin closeness that breastfeeding does.

SNS feeding is different because it keeps your baby at your breast. That means they still get the closeness, the skin-to-skin contact, and the stimulation your body needs to keep making milk. Yes, it takes some practice, but the pay-off is big for both mom and baby.

Real-Life Stories from Moms

Sometimes the best encouragement comes from hearing what other moms have gone through.

• Sarah used the SNS because of a low milk supply. “Honestly, it was a total game-changer. I could relax knowing my baby was getting enough, and eventually my supply caught up. We even moved to exclusive breastfeeding later on.”
• Emily had latch struggles. “My baby just couldn’t latch well at first, and it broke my heart. The SNS gave her that steady milk flow she needed, and over time her latch improved. We finally found our groove—and the closeness was amazing.”
• Jessica, a mom of twins, said, “I don’t know what I would’ve done without the SNS. It let me keep both babies at the breast without stressing about bottles. It made those early months so much more manageable.”

Hearing stories like these shows just how different—and successful—every journey can be with the help of an SNS.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Breastfeeding is such a personal and rewarding journey, but it’s not always easy. Tools like the SNS feeder can make a world of difference when things feel tough. Whether it’s helping with milk supply, supporting latch, or letting you supplement without giving up breastfeeding, the SNS can keep you and your baby connected.

Remember—every mom’s story looks different. What works for someone else may not be right for you, and that’s okay. What matters most is that your baby is fed and loved, and that you feel supported.

You’re doing an incredible job. Using tools like the SNS doesn’t make you any less of a mom—it makes you resourceful, strong, and dedicated. Take things one day at a time, reach out for help when you need it, and celebrate the wins, big and small. You and your baby are building a beautiful bond, and that’s something to be proud of.