Breastfeeding with an SNS Feeder – What to Know

Breastfeeding with an SNS Feeder (supplemental nursing system) might be the lifeline you didn’t know you needed.

In this guide, we’ll break down what an SNS feeder is, how it works, when it might help, and how to actually use one. You’ll also hear from moms who’ve used it themselves. Whether you’re a new mom, an adoptive parent, or someone supporting a breastfeeding journey, here’s everything you need to know.

What Is an SNS Feeder?

Think of an SNS feeder as a clever little device that lets you supplement your baby’s feeds at the breast. It’s basically a container (that holds breast milk, donor milk, or formula) connected to a thin, flexible tube. That tube gets taped on your breast so when your baby latches, they get milk from you and from the tube at the same time.

The best part? Breastfeeding with an SNS Feeder allows your baby to stay on the breast, which helps stimulate your own milk production and keeps the breastfeeding relationship intact.

When Would You Use a Supplemental Nursing System? (SNS)

SNS feeders aren’t just for one type of breastfeeding journey. Here are a few scenarios where they can be a lifeline:

• Low milk supply
• Adoptive or non-birthing parents
• Babies with weak suck or fatigue
• Preemies or underweight infants needing supplementation
• After breast surgery or complications
• Parents supplementing for medical reasons
• Avoiding bottles and nipple confusion

Quick note: SNS might not be ideal if your baby can’t latch at all or has certain medical conditions. It’s always best to check with a lactation consultant or pediatrician.

How Does Breastfeeding with an SNS Feeder Work?

Here’s the basic flow:

1. You fill the SNS container with milk.
2. A small, soft tube runs from that container to your nipple.
3. When your baby latches, they draw milk from both your breast and the tube.

When breastfeeding with an SNS feeder, the milk can come from pumped milk, donor milk, or formula. You control the flow rate with a clamp or by adjusting the height of the container. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, it fits easily into your routine.

SNS vs. Other Supplementation Methods

When it comes to supplementing your baby’s feeds, you’ve got a few options—and each has its pros and cons.

• Bottle feeding is convenient and widely used, especially when supplementation is necessary. But it can sometimes lead to “nipple confusion,” where babies struggle to switch between bottle and breast.
• Finger feeding involves taping a feeding tube to your finger so the baby sucks there. This can help train proper sucking patterns, especially for babies who aren’t latching well. However, it lacks the skin-to-skin closeness that breastfeeding naturally provides.
• SNS feeding stands out because it keeps your baby at the breast. You’re supplementing and maintaining the breastfeeding bond. It gives your body the stimulation it needs to make more milk while offering your baby both nutrition and comfort.

In short, breastfeeding with an SNS Feeder gives you the best of both worlds—supporting your milk supply and keeping the emotional connection alive.

The Science Behind Breastfeeding with an SNS Feeder

Studies show that using an SNS can:

• Speed up the transition to exclusive breastfeeding (especially in preterm babies)
• Shorten hospital stays
• Stimulate milk production by encouraging more time at the breast

While more research is needed, real-life results speak volumes.

How to Use an SNS Feeder (Step-by-Step)

Before you begin, set yourself up somewhere comfy and calm. You and your baby both need to feel supported.

1. Gather your gear:

• SNS system or DIY setup
• Milk (breast, donor, or formula)
• Medical tape
• Clean hands and patience

2. Prepare the system:

• Fill the reservoir.
• Prime the tube to remove air.
• Clamp the tube until baby is latched.

💡 Bonus Tip: Watch the how-to video below before your first attempt.

3. Position the tube:

• Tape the tube to your breast so the tip lies right by your nipple.
• Make sure baby latches onto both nipple and tube.

4. Latch and feed:

• Once baby is latched, unclamp the tube.
• Watch for signs of swallowing and satisfaction.

5. Clean up:

• Wash parts with warm, soapy water.
• Sterilize regularly.

💡 Pro Tip: Book a consult with an IBCLC if you’re struggling — they can walk you through setup and troubleshoot in real time. You can also review this patient-friendly guide from Kaiser Permanente on how to assemble and use the SNS step-by-step.

Benefits of Breastfeeding with an SNS Feeder

• Keeps baby at the breast
• Helps increase milk supply
• Supports babies with weak latch or suck
• Enables breastfeeding for adoptive or non-birthing parents
• Strengthens bonding through skin-to-skin contact

“It saved my breastfeeding journey. I was so close to giving up, and SNS gave me a second chance to bond and feed my baby.” — Jenna

Tips for Making SNS Feeding Work

• Work on latch: A deep latch ensures baby gets both milk sources.
• Feed often: 8–12 times a day stimulates supply and builds routine.
• Use the SNS consistently: Familiarity helps both mom and baby adapt.
• Take care of yourself: Breastfeeding with an SNS feeder 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.

“Honestly, the setup made me cry the first time. But by day 4, we had a rhythm. And now I’m down to just nursing!” — Anika

Common Challenges (and How to Fix Them)

• Tube slipping? Try more tape or adjust the position.
• Too fast or slow milk flow? Adjust the clamp or container height.
• Baby rejecting the tube? Try again with different positioning. Be patient.
• Still worried about supply? Try breast massage, power pumping, or talk to a lactation consultant.
• Feeling emotionally drained? You’re not alone. Talking to a support group or connecting with others who’ve used the SNS can really help.

“It let me keep both babies at the breast without stressing about bottles.” — Jessica, mom of twins

A Final Word of Encouragement

Breastfeeding is personal, emotional, and sometimes messy. If you’re using an SNS, you’re not failing—you’re problem-solving. You’re finding a way to nourish your baby and protect that powerful bond.

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.

Breastfeeding with an SNS feeder doesn’t make you any less of a mom. It makes you strong, resourceful, and committed. Keep showing up. Keep trying. You’re doing an incredible job.

FAQs

Resources

• Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
• Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.

References

• Aydin, C., Aytekin Ozdemir, A., Kahveci, H. — The Effect of Supplemental Feeding Tube Device on Time to Transition to Exclusive Breastfeeding (randomized controlled trial)
• Clinical trial record NCT05815706 — Effect of SNS-based feeding on transition to exclusive breastfeeding
• What Is the Evidence for Use of a Supplemental Feeding Tube Device as an Alternative Supplemental Feeding Method for Breastfed Infants — review article on supplemental feeding devices
• Kaiser Permanente patient education handout — Using the Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) at the Breast
• La Leche League UK — guidance article Nursing Supplementers
• Medela product information and feeding support for the SNS system
• The Breastfeeding Center — blog post on DIY Supplemental Nursing System
• Mother & Baby magazine — article: SNS feeding might be the breastfeeding solution you need