I'm still wondering about the fear of overfeeding that comes with the use
of the SNS and I have a theory. Perhaps it has to do with HOW the SNS is
used.

I've posted on this before, but someday I want to do a study on tube
placement and use of the vent tube.  My supervisors - the queens of the
SNS - from whom I learned tons about its use - taped the tube differently
than the instructions.  I think it is beneficial for whatever device might
be taped to the breast.

1) The tube is taped parallel to where the baby's tongue lands on the
breast so it is under the tongue while sucking.

I think that this does two things:
1) makes it easier for the mother to latch than trying to get the tube into
the corner of the mouth
2) permits the baby more control of the flow of milk - more like the
natural flow from the breast if the supply is good or the baby's suck were
better

The few times I've watched mother-infant dyad's trying to use the tube in
the downward position, the flow looks much faster and the latch is far more
awkward.

The other modification 2nd tube is left open so that as the baby tires and
the suck is not as effective - the baby doesn't have to cope with
increasing negative pressure.

I think this is less critical since the baby can always let go and relatch.


I can certainly see if you do have too fast a flow, or if the baby has less
control over the flow with the tube running down the breast, then you
really would have to worry about overfeeding and unnaturally spaced
feedings.

So, I'm wondering if this might account for the differences in my and
Karleen's experiences.

I believe that you can ensure that a baby doesn't overfeeding with careful
attention to tube size and placement.  If this is undercontrol, then you
don't have to worry about overfeeding.  In this case, you're letting the
BABY DECIDE HOW MUCH TO TAKE, rather than forcing the baby on A SCHEDULED
amount of supplement.


Thinking this through.  Glad Karleen brought up these additional issues.

Susan

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