Definition: This system usually consists of a container that is attached to tubing. Formula, breast milk (either pumped or from a milk bank) is placed into the container and the tubing runs along the mother's breast and nipple and into the baby's mouth.
These systems are sometimes used when a mother has a low milk supply or a baby has a weak suck (sometimes due to prematurity) or a facial abnormality which prevents proper latch-on.
The benefit comes from nipple stimulation, which can help increase or at least maintain milk supply while the baby still receives nutrition. Other benefits include continued skin-to-skin contact and less likelihood of nipple confusion that could occur when supplementing with a bottle instead.
Some adoptive mothers use this system in order to stimulate milk production or simulate the experience of breast-feeding their babies as well.
Alternate Spellings: SNS