SNS to Support Breastfeeding
Anna Rademaker, IBCLC
Breastfeeding can be tough — and you don’t have to figure it out alone. As an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), I help families in Denver and beyond find solutions that keep feeding on track while protecting the breastfeeding relationship. One of my favorite tools for this is the Supplemental Nursing System (SNS).
Why Use an SNS?
An SNS is a thin tube that delivers breastmilk, donor milk, or formula while your baby is at the breast or finger-feeding. It’s simple, powerful, and supportive because it:
Keeps baby practicing at the breast instead of a bottle
Protects your milk supply by stimulating your body to make more milk
Promotes skin-to-skin and closeness during every feed
Lets families supplement without disrupting breastfeeding progress
How It Works
Prepare milk: Express or mix formula, warm it (helps prevent fat sticking), and fill your container (syringe or bottle).
Prepare the tube: Place the pink end in the container and prime by letting milk flow to the tip.
Position the tube:
At the breast: Line the tube with your nipple, just to the tip. Tape gently if needed, or slide it under a nipple shield.
Finger-feeding: Place tube along your finger, tip even with fingertip, taped near your second knuckle.
Latch and feed: Baby latches onto breast or finger with tube. Flow is controlled by container height or, if using a syringe, by gently pressing the plunger.
Cleaning
After each use:
Flush with warm soapy water 3x, rinse with clean water 3x.
Optional: sterilize with boiling water or solution.
Swing to remove water and hang to dry.
Replace tubing if stiff, cracked, or discolored. Designed for short-term use (about 2 weeks).
Tips for Success
Set up a feeding station with all supplies ready.
Soothe baby first — calm babies feed best.
Add skin-to-skin to support bonding and feeding cues.
Use breast compressions if baby is sleepy.
Start at the breast first if baby resists, then add the SNS.
Keep older babies engaged with a feeding necklace or gentle hand play.
Final Thoughts
Using an SNS can feel awkward at first, but it quickly becomes second nature — and it can be the bridge that makes breastfeeding sustainable for your family.
💜 If you’d like hands-on support learning to use an SNS, troubleshooting feeding challenges, or protecting your milk supply, I’d love to help. As an IBCLC at Sacred Mama Denver, I walk alongside families to make feeding feel more calm, connected, and possible.