Pacifiers May Not Affect Breastfeeding After All
Photo: ThinkstockPacifiers can get a bad rap, right? Some warn against using them while you’re trying to establish a breastfeeding relationship. But new research suggests they could actually help with breastfeeding.
In the study, researchers looked at the feeding habits of 2,249 infants born between June 2010 and August 2011. Before a certain date, pacifiers were given to all or most of the babies. After that, they were only given to those going through painful procedures and other special circumstances. After the new policy, they found that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding had dropped. Before pacifiers were restricted, 79 percent of babies were breastfeed exclusively. The percentage declined to 68 percent from January to August 2011. Also, before the restriction, 18 percent of babies were given supplemental formula, but that number increased to 28 percent later on. Researchers believe that this data will create a discussion on whether pacifiers should be restricted during the first few weeks of life.
Does your baby use a pacifier? Do you think it has helped or harms breastfeeding?
Plus, more from The Bump:
What are the pros and cons of using pacifiers?
How do I wean baby off of a pacifier?
The Knot Blog
The Nest Blog
Lily used a pacifier I think one week (or less, I can’t remember) in. To be honest, I was desperate at that point. She wanted to suck, but my nipples were in such bad condition (We had a big learning curve the first few days because I had no clue what I was doing and the hospital I was at didn’t have a lactation consultant!) That pacifier was EXACTLY what we both needed. She just needed to suck something and I needed some time to allow them to heal between feedings. She’s a great feeder now at three months and I could see us easily making it to a year.
My DD was born early and was swept away to the NICU right away. She was given a pacifier the first night and I never got to even try her on the breast for over a week.
She’s 4 months on Wednesday, and we’ve established a pretty good BFing relationship! I think the pacifier helped actually. She sucked that thing, and transferred it easily to me!
[...] http://blog.thebump.com/2012/04/30/pacifiers-may-not-affect-breastfeeding-after-all/ [...]
[...] phones make motherhood better – FitPregnancyThe 10 superpowers pregnant women possess – ParentingPacifiers may not affect breastfeeding after all – The BumpIs makeup for little girls really harmless? – BabyCenter BlogHow to tell if you're an [...]
My son used a pacifier from day one and I was still able to successfully breastfeed him for 19 months before he self-weened. I don’t think it helped in anyway, but I definitely don’t think it hurt at all.
[...] gave your baby a pacifier, he/she wouldn’t be a great nurser. I just saw this article on The Bump about pacifiers may not affect breastfeeding after all. Research is now suggesting that pacifier [...]