Breastfeeding And Pacifiers

When is it okay to use a pacifier?

Baby pacifiers should not be used before six weeks of breastfeeding, or before breastfeeding is fully established. This is so that baby doesn’t replace mom’s breast with the pacifier “nipple preference” , if this happens her prolactin levels will decrease and she will start to produce less milk. But once mom’s supply is in, this wont be a problem.

Mom needs to have baby sucking regularly in the beginning of breastfeeding to ensure that her glandular cells in her breasts become fully developed.

If mom starts to see that the pacifier has reduced baby’s feeding times she should stop the use of the pacifier.

Moms sometimes use a pacifier as a soother for everything, this is not a good habit as baby needs to be rocked and held. for comfort too.

Best times for baby pacifier use

- When mom is at work or away from baby

- At nighttime if mom is trying to wean night feedings

- At nap times it can be used until baby has fallen asleep (Using a pacifier during sleeping times has been said to reduce SIDS)

- It can be used as an emergency measure when mom has very sore nipples , breasts or other breastfeeding problems.

- A teething pacifier can be used while baby is teething for comfort.

Warnings on using pacifiers

- Pacifiers should not be coated in any sweet liquid. (It can cause bacteria growth and oral thrush )

- Infant pacifiers need to be cleaned often (They need to be replaced monthly)

- Do not give baby a pacifier if you are breastfeeding and he is under one month old.

- Babies who use pacifiers are more prone to getting an oral yeast infection which can be given to mom and cause a breast infection.

- Babies who use pacifiers are more prone to having ear infections.

- Never give baby a pacifier with a string around it ~ It’s a strangulation hazard.

- Don’t buy pacifiers that are made from latex, silicone pacifiers are safer.

- Prolonged pacifier use (longer than a year) can lead to baby’s teeth becoming misaligned, it can also cause soft palate and speech problems.

- Pacifier use can decrease feeding and therefore decrease the hormones that cause lactational amenorrhea. This will result in the return of mom's periods and return of fertility. Read more on breastfeeding and menstruation

Weaning from baby dummies “getting rid of the pacifier”

Pick a date, let your toddler know that he doesn’t need the pacifier anymore. Weaning from pacifier use might take two or three days of moaning and crying (especially at night), but then the whole thing will be over…the earlier you get baby off of the pacifier the easier it will be.

If you are having problems breastfeeding it is best to stay away from baby pacifier use.

Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” in connection with breast feeding and pacifiers

- Pacifier breastfeeding “breastfeeding for comfort”

- Understanding why babies cry

- Using breastfeeding accessories like nursing necklaces

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