What is a Breastfeeding Support System? How Is It Applied? What are the advantages?

What is a breastfeeding support system? How is it applied? What are the advantages?
What is a breastfeeding support system? How is it applied? What are the advantages?

In some cases, mothers who are breastfeeding cannot breastfeed their babies. The baby may refuse to breastfeed and completely lose the sucking reflex due to the lack of or insufficient breast milk. There may be some medical reasons for low milk supply. Chronic diseases such as certain breast surgeries or diabetes, especially hormone disorders, are some of the disorders related to low milk supply. Sometimes breastfeeding problems may occur due to psychological problems. The breastfeeding support system (shortly EDS) is a product used to ensure that the baby continues to suckle and the feeding is not interrupted when breast milk is not sufficient. Thanks to this system, the mother can continue to breastfeed her baby. In fact, EDS feeding is possible even if the mother is not with her baby. Considering the benefits of breast milk, it is very important to prevent the baby from refusing to breastfeed and to continue breastfeeding.

With EDS, the baby can be fed both by breast milk from the breast and by sucking formula or milk from a bottle. These methods can be applied together or alone. In the first method, breast milk can be given to the baby with EDS by first expressing it and filling it into a bottle. In the other method, the formula or milk prepared can be given to the baby without disturbing the sucking reflex from the breast. Thus, the baby who thinks he is sucking from the mother will not be weaned. When the mother is not with her baby, another person can tie the EDS device to her own finger and ensure that the baby is fed. This is called EDS on the finger.

If the mother's milk is insufficient, the feeding of the baby can be supported with EDS. The baby will not be weaned because he will have the feeling that the milk is getting plenty. The mother is also psychologically relieved by her baby's urge to suck. As long as the mother is breastfeeding, her emotional bond with her baby is strengthened. As long as the baby sucks, it does not lose its sucking reflex.

Perhaps the most important of the difficulties experienced by most mothers is related to the feeding of the baby. EDS helps solve this problem. Thanks to the breastfeeding support system, the sucking instinct of the baby is not disturbed and thus the use of a bottle is delayed. It is important that the baby is fed by being in contact with the mother as well as a healthy diet.

How is Breastfeeding Supporting System Applied?

It is possible to find the preparations of this system in the market. It is also very easy to prepare at home.

In order to be protected from germs in EDS applications, hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

The most basic of the products to be used in breastfeeding support system is the feeding probe. This product in the market, nasogastric feeding catheter (catheter) or as a breastfeeding probe. These are medical supplies, each in a different color and number according to the thickness. Their length is 50 cm. Make up the catheters in numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12. The number of catheter to be used depends on how old the baby is.

  • Number 0 (red) for 1-4 month babies
  • Size 1 (gray) for 2-5 month old babies
  • Size 2 (light green) for 3-6 month old babies
  • Size 3 (blue) for babies 4-8 months old
  • Size 4 (black) for 5-10 month old babies
  • Size 5 (white) for babies 6-12 months old

Although the numbers to be used are generally in this way, the development of the baby should also be considered. After 6 months of age, nutrition should be done with the recommendations of the physician. Fluid flow may be excessive in large-numbered feeding catheters. Flow can be reduced by slightly bending the middle of the catheter.

The products that are generally needed in the breastfeeding support system are:

  • Bottle
  • Feeding catheter
  • Patch
  • Needle-free injector (syringe) types
  • Powder-free sterile gloves

In order for the baby to suck the breast milk that was expressed previously, the EDS mechanism should be made ready. Firstly, nasogastric feeding catheter It is passed through the hole of the nipple part of the bottle in a way that there is no air leakage. If the hole is too narrow, the tip of the pacifier can be cut and enlarged. As the feeding catheters are already very thin, even a little expansion will be sufficient. Since this process is irreversible, it should be cut carefully. Expanding it more than necessary may cause the nipple part of the bottle to deteriorate and not work.

If the tip of the bottle is expanded more than necessary, it may be difficult for the baby to suck, as there will be air leakage, and the milk inside may flow out if it is used as a serum. Since these problems directly affect the use, it should be ensured that the feeding catheter passes tightly from the tip of the bottle. Even without using the nipple part of the bottle EDS applicable. The bottle is not capped and the colored tip of the catheter is submerged directly into the milk. The other method is to use with a 20cc or 50c needle-free injector. Since this method is usually applied to younger babies, a syringe is used instead of a bottle or milk container. The colored part of the catheter is attached to the tip of the injector and the milk in the syringe is slowly sent to the catheter in accordance with the sucking rate of the baby.

Nasogastric feeding catheter has two ends. The catheter is passed through the nipple hole so that the colored tip remains inside the bottle. The bottle side of the catheter is positioned to stay in the milk. An injector can also be used instead of a bottle, but the easiest and safest method is the method applied with a bottle. It is fixed with a plaster on the mother's breast or finger, with the colorless side facing the baby's mouth. While the baby is sucking its mother, the tip of the catheter is adjusted so that it is inside the baby's mouth. Thus, the baby is fed with milk from both the mother and the bottle while breastfeeding.

The higher the bottle or milk container suction level, the higher the milk flow. The bottle can be hung on the mother's neck with the nipple down. Intensive milk provides the baby's sucking reflex to strengthen. As the breastfeeding continues, the amount of milk of the mother increases over time. If the baby's sucking reflex and the mother's milk amount reach a sufficient level, the baby can continue to suck directly from the mother, and the use of EDS can be abandoned.

EDS on finger If applied, the catheter is fixed to the finger with a plaster. It is placed in the baby's mouth with the tip of the finger touching the upper palate. The catheter can also be inserted from the side of the baby's mouth. The baby thinks the finger is the mother's breast and begins to suck reflexively and is fed with the milk or formula in the bottle thanks to the catheter. When it is completely full, it releases the finger and takes it out of its mouth. Powder-free sterile gloves can be used to provide a more hygienic nutrition. When using gloves, the catheter should be passed through the glove and brought up to the fingertip. The tip of the catheter should be in line with the tip of the finger.

Catheters used in the breastfeeding support system are packaged sterile and are for single use. Since it comes into contact with food, when used more than once, bacteria may occur in it. The bacteria can cause some discomfort in babies. Catheters should be properly cleaned after use to minimize this risk. Cleaning can be done with 5cc or 10cc needleless injectors. The colored side of the catheter is attached to the tip of the syringe filled with pure water and the water is pressurized through the catheter for cleaning. Catheters are not suitable for cleaning with any chemicals. Chemical residues can harm the baby. Other parts can also be cleaned with water in accordance with hygiene rules. If soap is used during cleaning, the parts must be thoroughly washed. There should be no residue in terms of baby's health.

What is EDS in the chest? How to use?

EDS in the chest For use, the milk or formula prepared by the mother is filled into the bottle. The colored end of the probe is then dipped into the full bottle. If it is applied like a serum, the catheter should be passed through the end of the bottle and the bottle cap should be closed. The colored end of the catheter is dipped in milk and the other perforated end of the catheter is taped with a plaster so that it coincides with the mother's breast. After the device is prepared in this way, breastfeeding can be started. The baby will continue to suck, thinking that the milk comes from the mother. While the sucking reflex of the baby develops, the milk production of the mother will also increase.

What is EDS on finger? How to use?

In addition to EDS in the chest, there is another method called EDS in the finger. Although EDS in the chest is a more recommended method, it is not possible in some cases. If breastfeeding is not possible or the mother cannot be with the baby EDS on the finger method can be used. In this method, the catheter is fixed to the finger with a plaster. It is placed in the baby's mouth with the tip of the finger touching the upper palate. The catheter can also be inserted from the side of the baby's mouth. The baby thinks the finger is the mother's breast and begins to suck reflexively and is fed with the milk or formula in the bottle thanks to the catheter. Powder-free sterile gloves can be used to provide a more hygienic nutrition. When using gloves, the catheter should be passed through the glove and brought up to the fingertip. The tip of the catheter should be in line with the tip of the finger.

What are the Advantages of Breastfeeding Support System?

There are more than one method of using EDS. The most preferred and recommended method is breast feeding. The first purpose of breastfeeding is to feed the baby. Doing this by touching the mother is very important for the development and feeding habits of the baby. Breastfeeding normally has many benefits. These:

  • It provides a healthy discharge of milk in tissues.
  • It increases the milk production of the mother.
  • It enables the natural sucking reflex of the baby to develop.
  • It provides the right shape of the palate of the baby.
  • The contact that occurs during breastfeeding provides the baby's confidence to develop.

If natural breastfeeding cannot be achieved, the baby can be fed as close to nature with EDS. Some of the advantages of EDS are listed below:

  • The baby can be fed adequately with breast milk or a supplement.
  • A baby who is full is not restless and sleeps well.
  • There is no skin contact between the baby and the mother.
  • Thanks to the mother's skin temperature, the sucking behavior of the baby is not damaged.
  • The sucking reflex of the baby is not lost.
  • The baby does not stop getting angry and sucking because milk is not coming.
  • Since the mother continues to breastfeed, her milk is not cut.
  • The baby learns to breastfeed and the mother learns to breastfeed.
  • If the mother's milk can be expressed but breastfeeding does not take place, finger feeding can be done with EDS.
  • Babies who lost their mother during birth can also be fed with finger EDS.
  • In order for the baby to be fed by breastfeeding, the necessity of being with the mother is eliminated.
  • If the baby is very small and cannot suck from the breast, he can be fed with EDS in the finger.
  • In babies who cannot fully breastfeed, EDS can be applied initially on the finger, and after a while, the mother can breastfeed.
  • The mother has the opportunity to breastfeed as much as she wishes without worrying about running out of milk.
  • Bottle use can be postponed to a later time.
  • Mothers who have no milk can breastfeed their baby and strengthen their emotional bonds thanks to EDS.
  • Breastfeeding keeps the bond between mother and baby strong and improves the self-confidence of babies.
  • Breast cancer risk is reduced in breastfeeding women.

EDS has many advantages beyond those on this list. Its biggest advantage is that it ensures that babies can continue to be breastfed.

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