Supplemental feeding systems

This document provides a brief introduction to supplemental feeding systems. The client resource, Supplemental Feeding Systems, should be used to guide clinical practice and includes detailed instructions for set up, use, cleaning, and troubleshooting these systems.  

Supplemental feeding systems (also called supplemental nursing systems or lactation aids) allow people to provide milk to an infant while they are latched onto the chest or breast. Supplemental feeding systems (SFS) can be made at home or purchased commercially and provide milk through a small tube attached to a reservoir of milk.  

Within this document, milk refers to a parent’s milk, donor milk, or formula.  

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SFS can be used by people who are bodyfeeding after pregnancy or lactation induction and by people who are not currently lactating. Latching the infant at the chest or breast while using an SFS stimulates the body to produce milk and supports the development of an effective latch.  

An SFS may be used for any length of time. In some cases, it will be used while an infant learns to latch effectively or until a parent’s milk supply is established. In other cases, it will be used for the duration of the bodyfeeding relationship. 

If there is a history of low milk supply or a risk factor for low milk supply (such as past chest or breast surgery), review using an SFS when creating a milk production plan. (Milk Production Plan document in development.)

Supplemental feeding systems do not correct an infant’s latch. A full feeding assessment should be completed before a client begins using an SFS. This includes assessing positioning, latch, infant behavior, and feeding technique [1]. Some providers choose to refer to an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLCs) to provide this feeding support.  

Almost everyone using an SFS will require additional support during each feed for the first week or two. While partners can provide this support, it is helpful to have an IBCLC or another trained clinician demonstrate how to set up, use, and clean the SFS for the first use. This is particularly important if a client did not plan to use an SFS before their baby arrived and has not practiced using it.  

1. Butler K, Upstone S, Mothers of LLGB. Nursing supplementers. In: La Leche League GB [Internet]. 2022. Available: https://laleche.org.uk/nursing-supplementers/#Seek