Pacifiers?

babyrichsmama

Do you all use pacifiers? I have heard that some people have trouble with nipple confusion so they don't, but that using one decreases the risk for SIDS. I had always assumed that we would use one, but I want to make sure to make the odds on my side for BF'ing.

TIA

beckytr

I read that you should wait 4 weeks to introduce a paci to avoid nipple confusion, so I did that and we have had no problems.  I would advise getting a few different kinds of pacifiers b/c you don't know which one your LO will like.  I had to try a few before I found one DS would take. 

ntnylizard

I was adamant about avoiding nuks and bottles before 2 or 3 weeks old.  Then we had our second night in the hospital, and DH and I both thought we were going to die of exhaustion and frustration, because we just couldn't settle DS down.

Then an angel of a nurse came in and assured us that a few hours in the nursery (away from us so we could get some sleep) and a nuk wouldn't derail our baby's entire existence, so we agreed to both.

We never had any issues with latch or nipple confusion (I think DS was simply born to eat), although DS only took the nuk intermittently for the first month or so.  He hasn't touched them in a few months, now, so I just packed them all up in storage.

Ultimately, I think it varies by baby.

angeltex

Both of my children took pacifiers from birth and had no problem with nursing. 

 With X boy the nursery refused to give him one, so I had DH sneak one in from home and we gave it to X.  The LC gave us a lecture about if we had trouble nursing X then it was our own fault, blah blah blah.  By the time we left the hospital X had gained weight and was continuing to nurse like a champion.  The LC was surprised.

 8 months later and X is still a booby baby who takes a pacifier at night and nap time.  He doesn't always take a pacifer, just when he feels like it.  This keeps me from being used as a pacifier.

Soon2BMrsN

We kept trying to introduce a paci because DS had a very strong need to suck.  He finally took to MAMs at around 3 months of age and it's been a lifesaver!

julyjennifer

we waited like a month or a month and a half before we introduced one.  i was focused on getting a good supply established.  letting your baby meet all his/her sucking needs at the breast at first is a good way to do this (although it can take more energy on your part).

DD would take it but never became totally attached, which I was glad for, but it was a helpful tool for DH in getting her to nap when I was at work.  At about 5 months she was never interested in them again so we packed them away.  so happy it was not something we had to wean her from.

kimberlyk921

we gave our LO a paci at about 1 week, we tried to wait the 4 weeks but he constantly wanted to be on the boob. and he wasn't even eating all the time on the boob, he just wanted something in his mouth. he took immediately to the paci and it has been a lifesaver ever since! we r using the avent pacifiers also.

MrsZiz

We tried to give DD a paci at 4 weeks old once my milk supply was established and once her latch was established. She had a very strong need to suck but refused ALL paci's that we gave her (we bought 6 different ones, even a $10 one!). She would gag like crazy. She got all of her sucking down at the breast. It worked for us but I was completely dedicated to breastfeeding no matter what the cost (lack of sleep, sucking all the time, sore nips, etc). It worked out for us and now she's content sucking on her fingers too. 

4realyo

I waited til she was 5 weeks old to give her a paci. Unfortunately, she did develop nipple confusion and we had to take them all away. Currently she is using me as a paci again. I am trying to find a paci that is more nipple like to avoid this problem. It all depends on your baby.

TeacherKelly

DS was in NICU for a few nights and they gave him a paci while he was there- he was also bottlefed at night and I nursed during the day.  I pumped at home to ensure supply was ok.  He had and still has a great latch and the paci helps him soothe himself to sleep at night and in car.  We love the paci.

Bakler

We used pacifiers from day 2. No problems here. She successfully nursed for 17 months until she self weaned. We use nuk, mam, avent, and playtex. She is not picky. She'll take what ever is there.