Pacifier?

[bnts1993]

is it ok to give my 6 day old baby a pacifier if I am breastfeeding?

[FirstTimeMommy]

You can. The only worry is nipple confusion, the first few weeks they say not to use one just in case the little one is confused.

Before having my little one I was against using pacifiers at all but ended up letting her have one in the first week. She didn't really like it so it wasn't help.

Hang in there hun.

[KristyDi]

Before having my little one I was against using pacifiers at all but ended up letting her have one in the first week.

Me too, but I only made it to the second night before giving her a paci. It has not caused a problem for us. I am careful not to go for the paci first. I try to only use it as a last resort when I know everything else is taken care of.

[sweetkisses]

It's best to wait at least 4 weeks before giving any artificial nipple (paci or bottle) to avoid nipple confusion and supply issues.

It is very important to nurse on demand right now in order to establish a good supply of milk. I'm sure it seems like you are nursing constantly right now but it will get better!

[hotlama]

If the baby will take it and still nurse well I don't see why not. We tried to get dd to take a binkie but she didn't. At 4 months she is just starting to take one or suck on her thumb.

[madelsmama]

It is not recommended to start any type of artificial nipple prior to 4 weeks, provided breastfeeding is well established. Sucking on a pacifier or bottle is a different technique (it's easier) than sucking on the breast. For that reason, some babies (not all) prefer the easier way to the more challenging way. Nipple confusion/preference is real for some moms and babies. In my opinion, it is not worth the risk!

[momofboys]

My son was in the NICU for a day and the nurses gave him a binky (before the first time he nursed). He had NO problems nursing, he nursed until 3 months ago when he was 14 months. My nephew on the other hand was given a bottle and a binky before his mother was able to nurse him (she had complications and was unable to). When she was finally able to nurse 5 days later, he wouldnt latch on at all. So he wasnt breastfed. I did hear that you shouldnt give a baby a binky because of nipple confusion, but I guess it all depends on the baby. Good-luck

[StElmosFire]

It is not recommended to start any type of artificial nipple prior to 4 weeks, provided breastfeeding is well established. Sucking on a pacifier or bottle is a different technique (it's easier) than sucking on the breast. For that reason, some babies (not all) prefer the easier way to the more challenging way. Nipple confusion/preference is real for some moms and babies. In my opinion, it is not worth the risk!

This however all my children got a paci in the hospital and we didn't have a lot of issues.

[Daisy]

I would not. I would make sure breastfeeding is well-established first. Then, I would only give a pacifier after breastfeeding.

That being said, my little one started sucking two fingers when she was one month old, no stopping her either! I would offer her the breast whenever I saw her sucking on her fingers. I hate to waste sucking that's not at the breast.

[pumpkinhead7]

If your baby is gaining weight, nursing well, and waking at least every 2-3 hours during the day and every 4-5 hours at night to nurse, a pacifier shouldn't cause a problem. You should always nurse first before offering a pacifier and if you notice a change in her latch or willingness to nurse after offering it, you should stop using it.

Pacifiers were Godsends for my reflux baby. The constant sucking helped keep his stomach contents in his stomach and made him far less uncomfortable. I think that judicious pacifier use isn't an issue in most breastfed babies. They should always be used with caution though, especially before 3-4 weeks of age.

[RedheadbyChoice]

As long as nursing is going well and there are no supply or growth concerns and mom isn't missing feeding cues....they're simply another parenting tool, use one or don't, it's up to you.

But, in those early weeks, it certainly shouldn't be a first choice thing, KWIM? If a newborn is fussy an hour after nursing, well, it's time to nurse again, not time for the paci.

[pumpkinhead7]

I agree with Red. It's not unusual for a newbie to want to nurse every 30-60 minutes. You should always offer the breast first.

[Amy_G_]

My first born was an easy baby.
my second born was born hungry, and decided that he'd just stay attached 24/7 until my milk was in. after a while, regardless of his latch my nipples were sore, I was tired, and wanted to put him down. even swaddled tightly he'd wail. I became a clock watcher (contrary to all breastfeeding advice) I'd nurse one side for 10 minutes or as long as possible, do the same time on the other side, and then try to get him to suck on a pacifier for the same amount of time so I could get up, stretch, go to the bathroom, have a drink of water and start over. he never really liked the pacifier, but it would keep him quiet for a short time to keep my sanity. came in handy for showers and car rides--although his big brother's pinky worked about as good. It's a tool, just don't overuse it.

[amyamy1973]

It's a tool, just don't overuse it.

Well said!

I was conflicted about the paci but ds seemed to like it (and so did dh) so after a few weeks I came up with a little policy that it's okay for other people to give ds the binky. But when I'm in the room it's all boob. I'm lucky in that he goes well from breast to bottle to binky and we've found that the binky really does come in handy sometimes. (He likes Soothies). Now sometimes I use it myself when we are out in the world. However you may find that your little one doesn't even like it. My first would always just spit it out. Every baby is different.

[RedheadbyChoice]

That's a great way to put it, Amy! :)