I have recently begun working in a hospital based setting, after nine years
in public health (WIC) as a lactation consultant.  In my work at WIC, I have
noticed that the mothers who I encounter after having received an SNS in the
hospital are struggling with a few problems.  One, the hospital staff never
gave the mom a good plan of action on when and how to reduce the use of the
device.  Two (and most common), the mother hated the device, finding it
awkward and difficult to use. She almost always was not using the device by
the time I saw her, and had resorted to bottlefeeding.

My question: Is there an "easiest" way to teach a mom how to use an SNS?  I
remember reading one time on LACTNET that a nurse used the SNS taped on the
underside of the breast, extending to the nipple, instead of in the
traditional way of over the top of the breast.  Have very many of the
hospital nurses used it in this way?

The hopsital I am working at has used the SNS for many years now.  They use
it at the breast and for finger feeding. I would like to educate the mothers
better on how to use it (and how to stop using it!)  I know some LCs who hate
the SNS and never use it.  Discussion here is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Brenda Phipps, BS, IBCLC
Flagstaff, AZ

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