Breastfeeding/Pacifier Use and preventing SIDS?

angb77

Hello Everyone,

I am looking to see what advice people have gotten from their doctor on this issue. I have been told by the breastfeeding community not to introduce a pacifier until 4-6 weeks of age, so that breastfeeding could be well established.

However, my infant is only 1 week old and today his pediatrician told me that a pacifier should be given at night starting ASAP because pacifier use at night helps to reduce the risk of SIDS. I googled it and it seems like most websites say to introduce the pacifier at 4 weeks of age, but I have no idea where they are getting these numbers from.  My baby's breastfeeding is already well established so I am actually not that concerned about it...

 What have other people's healthcare providers told them about the use of pacifiers at night to prevent SIDS, and at what age did they recommend that you start using the pacifier?

Thanks! 

labooshki

We've used a paci from day 1. He actually doesn't sleep with it at night though.

JaysonandKristin

Sometimes the BF'ing community can be a little overwhelming with "helpful" advice to ensure that there are no barriers to ample supply and perfect latching.  

Worst case scenario, a FF'd baby is better than another SIDS statistic, KWIM?

Don't exhaust yourself trying to make this decision.  Use the pacifier...  DS was born with a birth defect where he couldn't even eat by mouth for the first 5 weeks of his life, but was able to suck on a pacifier during that time.  I just weaned him off of breast milk about 6 weeks ago.

 

rosiemomma

yes a pacifier does reduce SIDS, but so does breastfeeding.

here is some info: 

https://thebabybond.com/ComfortNursing.html 

https://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/concerns/pacifier.html

 

fluffybuns

With my first, she took a pacifier as soon as she learned to use it, which was started pretty early on. We never had an issue with it and breastfeeding.

This baby will not take any pacifier I've tried to give her! But I would have since day one if she would take it. 

lukaface

My pedi recommended a paci from day one to help prevent SIDS. 

I've never understood the recommendation of holding off on introducing a pacifier.  I think it gets confused with the recommendation of holding off on introducing a bottle.  A baby may prefer milk from a bottle if the flow is faster which can interfere with breastfeeding because the baby will become lazy at the breast.  After easily chugging milk from a bottle the baby will refuse to work to get the milk from the breast and will scream resulting in mom supplementing with a bottle which then affects supply and the rest is history.

I don't see how introducing a paci in any way interferes with breastfeeding.  We gave DD a paci from day one and when she was hungry she spit out the paci and demanded the breast.  In fact, she would absolutely refuse the paci if she was hungry.

 

MissYouDietCoke

Meh. We started using a paci on DOL #2.  No nipple confusion. 

inque223

We've used a paci since day 1 and have never had any bfing issues. And pediatrician recommended paci for SIDS too.

RunningGal900

Our pei said paci was fine at a week, but wait on the bottle. DS hates his so we go paciless at night.

Kered6799

Tried to delay the pacifier cus I thought it would interfere with BF'ing but she takes one now and never had any issues. I think we waited till around 3-4 wks (can't remember) and same goes for the bottle but she was only getting one a day. Now she takes 3/day at sitters and BF when we are home. Not sure about the SIDS but have read that both BF and pacifiers do help but was never discussed with dr.