Breastfeeding can be a beautiful, bonding experience between mother and baby – but for many women, it doesn’t come without challenges. Whether due to latching issues, low milk supply, or early supplementation needs, some mothers may find themselves needing to supplement their babies. When this happens, the method of supplementation is just as important as the supplement itself.
This is where lactation aids come in – a tool recommended and widely supported by Dr. Jack Newman, a Canadian paediatrician and global advocate for breastfeeding best practices.
What is a Lactation Aid?
A lactation aid is a device that allows a baby to receive additional nutrition (such as expressed breastmilk, formula, glucose water with colostrum, or glucose water) while still nursing at the breast. It typically involves a thin feeding tube attached to a syringe or bottle, with the end of the tube placed near or on the mother’s nipple so the baby can latch and feed as usual. The baby receives both the natural breast milk and the supplemental milk simultaneously – all at the breast.
This method is significantly different from using a bottle or artificial nipple.
Why Not Just Use a Bottle?
According to Dr. Jack Newman, the early introduction of bottles or artificial nipples may lead to what’s commonly referred to as “nipple confusion” or “bottle preference.”
“Actually, the baby is not confused. The baby knows exactly what the score is. If he goes to the breast and gets little milk and slow flow, and then gets a bottle with rapid flow, especially in the first few days, most can figure that one out fairly quickly.”
– Dr. Jack Newman, International Breastfeeding Centre
What we interpret as confusion is actually preference – babies naturally prefer fast, effortless milk flow. If a baby learns early that bottles offer quick results with minimal effort, they may begin refusing the breast, leading to reduced milk stimulation and supply for the mother.
Benefits of Lactation Aids
Lactation aids can be a valuable tool in a variety of breastfeeding situations:
- Low milk supply: Allows continued breastfeeding while providing additional nutrition.
- Adoptive breastfeeding: Enables adoptive mothers to nurse using supplemental milk or formula.
- Latch issues or poor weight gain: Ensures the baby receives enough milk without disrupting breastfeeding.
- Re-establishing breastfeeding: Encourages babies who have become bottle-fed to return to the breast.
- Avoiding breast refusal: Keeps babies familiar with the breast rather than defaulting to bottle feeding.
The Jack Newman Technique: How a Lactation Aid is Used
- Prepare the aid with the chosen supplement (expressed breastmilk, formula, etc.).
- Tape the tube securely to the breast or slide it into the baby’s mouth alongside the nipple.
- As the baby suckles, milk flows through the tube at the same time as the baby breastfeeds.
- This process keeps the baby at the breast and stimulates the mother’s milk production, even while supplementing.
This setup allows the baby to associate the breast with milk, not the bottle – helping protect the breastfeeding relationship.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Use under professional guidance: Lactation aids should be introduced with the help of a qualified lactation consultant or breastfeeding-friendly health professional.
- Clean thoroughly: All parts of the device must be sterilized properly to avoid infections.
- Monitor milk supply: Continued breastfeeding stimulation can help increase supply over time – track baby’s output and weight gain carefully.
- Stay patient and supported: Using a lactation aid can be fiddly and emotionally taxing at first. Support from others is essential.
Trusted Evidence-Based Resources
- International Breastfeeding Centre (Dr. Jack Newman’s Clinic):
www.ibconline.ca – Includes free videos and protocols for using lactation aids and managing breastfeeding challenges. - La Leche League International:
www.llli.org – Global breastfeeding support organization offering in-person and online help from experienced mothers. - KellyMom – Evidence-Based Breastfeeding Information:
www.kellymom.com – Practical guidance on breastfeeding, milk supply, and supplementing. - South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR):
www.sabr.org.za – A national organisation supporting human milk banking and breastfeeding advocacy in South Africa. - Breastfeeding SA (NPO):
www.breastfeedingsa.co.za – Local resources and support for breastfeeding mothers in South Africa.
Final Word: Supporting Breastfeeding Without Compromise
Lactation aids offer a unique solution for mothers who want or need to supplement, without compromising the breastfeeding bond. By prioritising breast-to-baby contact, preserving the latch, and avoiding artificial nipples, lactation aids – especially when guided by the Jack Newman method – can help mothers overcome early hurdles and continue on their breastfeeding journey with confidence.
If you’re facing challenges, remember: You are not alone. With the right tools and support, you can nourish your baby and protect your breastfeeding relationship.
