Guide to Making Your Own DIY Supplemental Nursing System

Making Your Own Supplemental Nursing System at Home

A supplemental nursing system (SNS) can be an invaluable tool for many breastfeeding mothers. An SNS allows you to supplement your breastmilk with formula or donated breastmilk while baby is latched and nursing. This stimulates milk production while ensuring baby gets the nutrition they need. But quality SNS kits often come with a high price tag. With a few affordable materials, you can easily make your own homemade SNS instead.

Benefits of a Homemade SNS

Opting for a DIY supplemental feeding system has several advantages:

• Saves money over buying a commercial SNS
• Customizable to your needs and preferences
• Reusable with interchangeable parts
• Full control over materials and quality
• Fun project using materials you may already have

While homemade systems take a bit more effort than store-bought, they enable you to create a setup that works perfectly for you and baby.

When to Use an SNS

Common situations where a supplemental nursing system is helpful include:

• Low milk supply
• Breastfeeding a preemie or small infant
• Breastfeeding an adopted baby
• Infant with high supplementation needs
• Relactation after weaning
• Supplementing with donor breastmilk

An SNS during breastfeeding can help babies who struggle to transfer milk effectively or need more calories to gain weight. It also stimulates milk production by ensuring regular drainage of the breasts.

How an SNS Works

A supplemental nursing system has two main components - a container and a thin tube:

• The container holds the supplement milk and is worn around the neck or clipped to a bra.
• The tube extends from the container to the nipple area. Baby receives supplement milk through the tube while breastfeeding.

This allows nursing and supplementation to happen simultaneously. Babies don't have to switch between bottle and breast. The sucking action draws in supplement milk from the container through the tubing.

Choosing Materials for a Homemade SNS

With a few basic supplies, you can DIY an SNS at home. Here are the key components you'll need:

Supplement Container

This holds the supplemental milk. Good options include:

• Small plastic bottle or jar - should hold 2-4 oz
• New/unused mini plastic nursette - ask hospital for one
• New/unused plastic medicine cup
• Small glass bottle with secure lid

Look for a container that is made of food-grade materials, has a leak-proof seal, and is easy to clean and sterilize as needed.

Tubing

This flexible food-grade tubing carries supplement milk from the container to your nipple:

• Silicone tubing - safe, durable, easy to clean
• Plastic IV tubing - ask your doctor/hospital for a short section of new sterile tubing
• Food-grade PVC tubing
• Rubber grommets from a home brewing supplies store

Choose tubing with a very narrow diameter so it fits easily into the corner of baby's mouth alongside the nipple.

Adapters and Stoppers

These allow you to connect the tubing securely to your containers. Options include:

• Rubber stoppers with holes from brewing stores
• Plastic universal bottle adapters
• Plastic IV port connectors
• Rubber grommets and connectors

Make sure all connections are very secure and air tight to prevent leaks.

Nipple Slit Tool

To create a slit in your nipple for the tubing, use:

• Small needle
• Angled nail scissors
• Piercing earring

Carefully make a small vertical slit just big enough to accommodate the size of your tubing.

Constructing Your Homemade SNS

Follow these key steps to put together your DIY supplemental nursing system:

Prep the Container

Wash container thoroughly with hot soapy water. Drill, cut or pierce a hole in the lid. Secure the adapter piece into the lid if needed.

Prepare the Tubing

Cut tubing to a comfortable length to reach your nipple. Attach one end securely to the adapter in the lid. Seal connection with hot glue if desired.

Slit Nipple

Clean nipple well with soap and water or alcohol wipes. Carefully make a small vertical slit just big enough for the tubing to fit inside. Try to center it well.

Connect Tubing to Nipple

Insert the free end of the tubing into the nipple slit from the inside, positioning it near the tip. Use medical tape to gently tape it in place. Don't fully cover nipple opening.

Test the System

Add water to the container and seal the lid. Check for leaks around connections. Test flow through the tubing. Adjust any leaky connections and re-tape tubing as needed.

Sterilize Before First Use

Take apart all components and sterilize before first use. Boil, steam, or soak in a vinegar solution. Rinse well. Assemble and you're ready to go!

Using Your Homemade Supplemental Nursing System

Once you've made your DIY SNS, follow these tips for smooth use:

Add Supplement to Container

Pour or insert syringe of supplement milk into clean container. Leave a little extra room at the top so milk can flow freely. Recap tightly.

Get Into Nursing Position

Get comfortable in a supported seated or laid-back breastfeeding position. Place container at breast level or slightly above it.

Help Baby Latch

Assist baby with latching deeply onto the breast and checking for signs of good positioning and transfer.

Begin Supplement Flow

Baby's sucking will automatically draw supplement milk through the tubing once latched. You may need to gently squeeze container to start the flow if the tubing has air bubbles.

Burp Baby As Needed

Since baby is taking in more milk, burp them frequently, especially if supplementing with larger volumes. Gently rub or pat their back during pauses.

Alternate Breasts

Switch breasts as you normally would so both get stimulated. Bring container over to other side while latching baby.

Rinse After Feeding

Take apart and rinse all components in cool water immediately after feeding. Wash thoroughly later. Change out tubing weekly.

Troubleshooting Common DIY SNS Issues

It may take some trial and error to get the hang of your homemade SNS. Try these fixes for common problems:

Supplement Doesn't Flow

• Make sure container isn't positioned too low - raise it up towards chest level.
• Gently squeeze container to start initial flow.
• Check for crimps or clogs in tubing.
• Try larger diameter tubing if supplement is too thick.

Excess Supplement Drips from Breast

• Make nipple slit slightly smaller.
• Reposition tubing in nipple slit closer to tip.
• Try taping over slit opening around tubing.
• Use an absorbent nipple pad inside bra to catch drips.

Supplement Flow is Too Fast

• Try smaller diameter tubing to slow flow.
• Use supplement milk that is chilled or semi-frozen.
• Elevate container higher so gravity reduces flow rate.
• Add a cloth or bottle nipple into the system to control speed.

Baby Struggles with Latch

• Ensure tubing is taped flat across nipple.
• Try different nipple slit positions if it interferes with latch.
• Offer breast without tubing until baby latches well, then insert.

Supplement Clogs the Tubing

• Choose a thinner, free-flowing supplement like breastmilk or formula.
• Widen the tubing diameter if using thicker supplement.
• Rinse tubing thoroughly after each use.
• Replace tubing weekly.

Cleaning and Storing Your Homemade SNS

Proper cleaning prevents mold and bacteria growth. Follow these tips:

After Each Use

• Rinse all parts in cool water to remove milk residue.
• Wash container and tubing in hot soapy water.
• Replace tubing inserted into nipple slit daily.
• Air dry fully before reassembling.

Daily

• Disassemble and sterilize all components at least daily.
• Boil, steam, or soak in vinegar solution for 5 minutes.
• Replace tubing inserted into nipple every 1-3 days.

Storage

• Store clean, dry components together in a sealed bag or container.
• Keep extras of small parts like grommets and connectors.
• Designate a clean area away from diapering/bathroom uses.

Safety Tips

Keep these safety guidelines in mind when making and using your homemade SNS:

• Use only food-grade materials free of BPAs and chemicals.
• Check for sharp edges on containers and trim if needed.
• Ensure all connections are very secure to prevent leaks.
• Sterilize all components before first use.
• Inspect parts regularly for cracks or tears and replace as needed.
• Wash hands thoroughly before handling and assembling.

Consult your lactation consultant or pediatrician if you have any concerns about proper use and care. With some innovative thinking, you can make a homemade SNS that meets all your breastfeeding goals!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.