Regarding syringes and feeding tubes:
One poster mentioned using 8 Fr size and another the 5 Fr size.  We
prefer to use the 3.5Fr.  It works well except in those instances
where mom's colostrum seems "thicker" than usual in which case it
might require a size 5.  The smaller the diameter of the tube, the
less the baby will feel it in his/her mouth.  I have heard of some
babies who become so used to the feel over time that mom has to keep
a tube taped to her breast even when it (the tube) is no longer
supplying any nourishment because the baby has "learned" to
associate the feel of the tube with eating!  The 3.5 size used to be
readily availaable to us in the NICU.  Later they stopped stocking
it, but we were able to get MM (materials management-often called
central service) to continue to keep them in stock for our
occasional use.  Our choices of syringe size are 3cc, 6cc, 12cc,
20cc and 50cc.  We use the 12cc (a 20 makes the best "nipple
everter" for most moms).  Larger ones are a little more awkward to
handle, although could be used by someone with lots of experience.
I always use a syringe and tube to "test" whether a supplementer
will help.  That way I don't "waste" a more expensive SNS only to
find out that the increased flow won't help baby nurse any better.
If it will only be used a few times, we continue with the
tube/syringe.  If it appears it will be a longer term intervention,
we switch to the Starter or regular SNS.
A caution in the use of syringes.  BE SURE TO LUBRICATE THE SYRINGE
BEFORE USE BY DRAWING LIQUID IN AND PUSHING IT OUT A COUPLE TIMES!
If you don't do this, the plunger can stick requiring more pressure
and then it "gives" all at once and you wind up pushing out a lot
more milk (or whatever you're using) than you intend to!
Winnie Mading IBCLC

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