supplementing

At-Breast/Chest Supplementing

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At Breast/Chest Supplementing

At-breast/chest supplementing is a fantastic technique for so many reasons!

  • If nursing is challenging for baby and they need help with the flow of milk

  • Co-nursing, adoptive nursing, re-lactation, trans-nursing

  • When supply is lower than needed to fully feed the baby, and/or baby is frustrated with slower flow of milk.

  • You can also use the feeding tubes for other ideas - finger/syringe feeding, oral exercises (for suckling strength, coordination, etc).

At-breast supplementing provides nutrition, helps build breastfeeding skills, and stimulates supply!  (See to right for photo credit, and note that the photo on the header is from the CDC Media Center)

(see right for photo credit, also note that the photo in the header is from the CDC Media Center)

A client of mine gave permission to use this photo anonymously - her milk was coming in slowly - and at-breast supplementing provided baby with nutrition, helped build her nursing skills, and provided stimulation for mom’s supply. They used this method for a few weeks and then were happily breastfeeding exclusively!

It takes some practice but it’s worth it! At-breast/chest supplementation combines nursing with supplementation (pumped milk or formula), saves time (shorter feedings, less pumping needed), builds supply, and improves suckling skills.

Work with your IBCLC to use at-breast supplementing, and to plan for how to taper off/stop when supply and/or nursing have improved. Over time, as your supply and nursing skills improve, you can put less and less in the supplementer bottle. Or, if your supply is lower than the babies intake, it can be used long term as well!

Resources for at-breast/chest supplementing

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