The relationship between breastfeeding and pacifier use has been controversial and frequently discussed by moms and medical professionals. The topic is still frequently debated and there are varying opinions on if it is beneficial or detrimental to breastfeeding. Here are some tips and information about breastfeeding and pacifier use.
Do Your Research
The best way to determine if pacifier use would benefit your child is to research your options. One reason that pacifiers are sometimes discouraged during breastfeeding is because it will cause nipple confusion. Nipple confusion is when use of an unnatural nipple, like a bottle or pacifier, causes a baby to forget how to nurse from the mother. This could happen because the artificial nipple causes the baby to suck in a completely different way than nursing. There are conflicting studies on how easily nipple confusion can occur. If you and your baby are struggling with getting into a nursing pattern then you might want to consider holding off on introducing a pacifier. That goes for bottle feeding as well. If you are nervous about nipple confusion then the best thing you can do is wait 4-6 weeks before introducing a pacifier or bottle. If you wait much longer than that time period you run the risk that your baby may never want to take a pacifier or bottle.
All Babies Are Different
Babies are born with a sucking reflex. Some babies have a stronger reflex than others. Babies with a strong sucking reflex have trouble being soothed without sucking. This can sometimes lead to lots of extra nursing sessions just to comfort the baby. This is why some parents choose to introduce pacifiers to help soothe their baby without having to feed more often than necessary.
What Pacifier to Choose
Different babies prefer different types of pacifiers. If you choose to introduce one you might try to gather a couple of different brands to try out. Some pacifiers claim to be better for breastfeeding, but most studies show that the pacifier type doesn’t specifically affect nipple confusion. There is an incredibly wide variety of pacifiers available in all different shapes and sizes. Keep this in mind while trying out pacifiers and if one doesn’t work be open to other types.
Talk to a Professional
If you have further questions about pacifier use and breastfeeding contact your pediatrician or lactation consultant. A lactation consultant can look at your latch while nursing and determine if your baby has a good latch and if introducing a pacifier would be beneficial to you and your baby.
