Frequently Asked Questions
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Visit the Neotech Bridge product page and click on “Product Info” to read and download the complete directions for use and cleaning instructions.
What is the Neotech Bridge?
The Neotech Bridge is a breastfeeding assistance device that enables controlled supplementation at the breast.
The Bridge features a soft silicone nipple cover and a built-in channel to deliver supplemental milk—colostrum, breastmilk, or formula (when necessary)—using a syringe.
While the baby is latched at the breast, the Bridge allows parents and/or providers to deliver supplement into a small chamber at the tip of the nipple cover, to support continued engagement at the breast.
Unlike other supplemental feeding systems or “SNS”, the Bridge’s one-way valve prevents passive or gravity-driven flow that can result in flow preference. Supplementation occurs only when the parent or clinician actively delivers milk, allowing control over timing and volume while keeping feeding breast-first and supporting continued engagement of the baby at the breast.
Can the Bridge help with low-milk supply?
Depending on the cause of low-milk supply, generally, the best way to increase milk supply is through breast stimulation and milk removal. The Bridge allows both of these things to take place while providing any needed supplementation to the infant simultaneously. This makes the Bridge a great tool for those navigating low-milk supply.
My baby is struggling to latch at the breast. Will they be able to use the Bridge?
The Bridge provides a surface for your baby to latch on to. This is especially helpful when the baby is having a difficult time sustaining a proper latch. In many cases, while mom works on the latch, a bottle is something that the medical team might suggest. Instead of going to a bottle, using the Bridge to feed the baby at the breast can help keep the baby interested in the breast.
What is the proper way to put on the Bridge?
Invert the silicone cover and place it over the nipple. Tubing should be facing in such a way to make the syringe connection possible while baby is attached (usually at 2 o’clock or 10 o’clock). Click here to watch the video.
Can my baby pull supplement from the syringe by sucking?
No. This feature was made intentionally by our development team. Our goal is to allow the baby feed from the breast as much as possible and only use supplement when needed. The design allows the baby to extract as much milk as possible from the breast and gives the caregiver full control over when supplement is given and at what rate.
My baby prefers a bottle. Can the Bridge help them get back to breast?
Babies who are fed with a bottle will sometimes develop a preference for the flow of a bottle or find breastfeeding challenging.
As parents begin supplementing more via bottle to avoid difficult feeding sessions, the baby can be challenging to get back to the breast. Using the Bridge allows you to incentivize the infant to stay at the breast with the ability to control the flow of supplement. Once the baby forms an association between feeding at the breast and receiving nutrition they may be more likely to continue feeding at the breast.
Another way that the Bridge helps transition from bottle to breastfeeding is by providing a surface for the baby to latch on to. The silicone nipple piece feels similar to the bottle nipple for a baby who has a bottle preference. This familiarity increases the chances of the baby latching and feeding at the breast.
What sizes are available?
At this time, the Bridge only comes in one size. Development of this size was based on IBCLC input and market research. We find that the size and the shape is able to accommodate most women who use the Bridge.
The Bridge sizing is different from typical nipple shield sizing. Click here to compare.
Small and Large sizes are currently in development and will expand the Bridge family to support more parents and babies.
Does the Bridge come in any other shapes?
Currently, the Bridge only comes in one shape. The Bridge shape was strategically designed to:
- Minimize risk of milk or supplement leaking.
- Maximize the number of positions the Bridge can be used in, allowing for the Bridge to be used on either breast.
- Accommodate babies of different gestational ages.
- Provide moms and providers with a supportive alternative to bottle feeding.
How do I use the Bridge? (directions for use)
Step 1 Fill syringe (sold separately for N8001-5 and N8001-30) with milk or formula and twist onto the purple Neotech Bridge connector.
Step 2 Invert the Bridge and center over the nipple. Fold Bridge down onto the breast to create a seal.
Step 3 Latch the baby onto the Bridge.
Step 4 Depress syringe to deliver milk as needed.
Step 5 Clean after each use and sanitize daily, as directed. Replace Bridge after one week or 20 washes, whichever is sooner.
How do I clean the Bridge? (recommended after each use)
Step 1 Separate and rinse all parts, including syringe plunger, under running water to wash away milk residue.
Step 2 Soak all separate parts in warm soapy water for 5 minutes.
Step 3 Reinsert the plunger into the syringe and fill with warm soapy water. Connect to Bridge and extension tubing (if used; not included for N8001-5 and N8001-30). Flush and repeat several times.
Step 4 Fill syringe with clean water and reconnect to Bridge and extension tubing (if used). Flush and repeat several times.
Step 5 Fill syringe with air and reconnect to Bridge and extension tubing (if used). Force air through tubing several times to remove water droplets.
Step 6 Disconnect all parts, including syringe plunger, and place on a clean, dry surface and allow to air dry. Store dry parts in plastic bag/container when not in use.
Caution: Do not dry the components with paper towel or similar as this will shorten the life of the device. Do not store wet or damp parts.
How do I sanitize the Bridge? (recommended daily)
Sanitize once daily. Do not use sterilizers or microwave.
Step 1 Separate and rinse all parts, including syringe plunger, under running water to wash away milk residue.
Step 2 Fill a pot with 8 cups of drinking-quality water and bring to a boil.
Step 3 Turn off heat source and let boiling water cool for no less than two and a half minutes.
Step 4 Place the separate parts into the water and allow them to soak for 10 minutes.
Step 5 Allow water to cool in open pot and gently remove parts from water with tongs.
Step 6 Place parts on a clean, dry surface and allow to air dry. Store dry parts in plastic bag/container when not in use.
Caution: Do not dry the components with paper towel or similar as this will shorten the life of the device. Do not store wet or damp parts.
How long can I use the Bridge kit for?
We recommend you replace the syringe on a weekly basis.
The Bridge itself depends on frequency of use. Clean and sanitize regularly as directed. Replace Bridge after one week or 20 washes, whichever is sooner.
What can I do if the edges of the silicone cover come up?
Depending on breast anatomy, this can sometimes happen and is simple to fix. Make sure that the Bridge is applied using the instructions above (initially inverting the silicone cover). If you are still having issues with the edges coming up, you can use some water, breastmilk, or nipple cream on the edges, on the side that touches the breast tissue. The Bridge is made of the thinnest silicone meant to keep the breastfeeding experience as natural as possible. Even if the edges come up, this does not impact the efficacy of the bridge.
I have not given birth yet but plan to breastfeed. Do I really need the Bridge?
86% of moms intend to breastfeed but 92% of them have a problem breastfeeding in the first three days. The Bridge can help you meet your goals if and when you encounter a problem.
Instead of giving a bottle, a mother can use the Bridge to supplement at the breast instead. This incentivizes the baby to latch and helps mom build her milk supply. This is especially helpful for moms who have a C-section and have delayed milk supply.