XP: EBF - paci? bottle?

SandraDee6

2 questions, girls...

I have been EBF our 7 week old dtr, but lately she has been getting over tired,, cranky and attempting to place her entire adorable fist into her mouth (without full success, the thumb is apparently very elusive!).  I'm wondering if a paci might help her soothe.  Are there any negatives to introducing a pacifier? 

Second question -  I'd also like to start introducing a bottle because I'll be going back to work the first week of June.  Any advice in doing so?  Should I not introduce a paci and a bottle at the same time?

Thank you! 

=Lee=B

Any paci negatives FAR out weight the paci positives...more sleep for me in the early days and a calmer baby when out and about now!

Mine had to have some bottles in hospital and has been taking them when offered since so can't help there.

SarahandSam2007

Offer that bottle ASAP!  You need to make sure that your baby will accept it.  If you are going to continue to breast feed when you are home with her, look up information on kellymom.com about bottle feeding a breastfed infant...there is a specific way to feed a breastfed infant to preserve the breastfeeding relationship. 

Go ahead with the paci too.  A great soothing tool to have up your sleeve and fine to introduce if breastfeeding is well established.  

 

JSS1002

I think it kind of depends on the baby -- but I introduced both paci and bottle right away to LO with no issues . In fact, he will take any bottle I give him, no issues, and go right back to breast.  He just likes to eat. :-)

mccall35

My LO is 7 weeks (almost 8) we introduced a paci around week 5 1/2.. it has been a lifesaver at times, but quite often he'll spit it out. We introduced the bottle at 6 weeks because DH wanted to be able to participate in feeding our little guy. We waited until 6 weeks because our Dr. said that it can take up to 6 weeks to fully establish BFing, after that point theres little risk of nipple confusion. However, as PP have mentioned, it may take a few times for your LO to get the hang of/accept the bottle, so maybe try introducing it one or two feedings a day. We also had DH be the one to feed him the first few times, just so that he wasn't looking at me like "WTF mom, just give me the boob already.." haha. Good luck!

iumegan716

Ditto pp re: introduce bottle ASAP.  Have someone besides you give it to her so she'll be more likely to take it.  

DS had his 2 month check-up this week and the Dr suggested weaning him from the paci and to be done with it by 3 months.  Newborns have a need for non-nutritive sucking, but that need is pretty much gone by this age.  That being said, DS falls asleep really easily with the paci so I'm not sure we're ready to part with it just yet.  I am going to try to use it only for sleep though.   

ClandestineX

I offered my son a pacifier the first day at the hospital. It was a Nuk brand but then changed it to Mam. I offered a bottle a week later and he was able to transition from breast, pacifier, bottle easily.

I didn't do anything special and if he was having trouble getting initally latched to either breast or bottle.. I would jiggle the nipple in his mouth and he then realizes which it was and latched accordingly. My son is 5 weeks today and have had no issues still. 

RIgnaffo

I've EBF for 5 weeks now and have been wondering the same thing about a paci. DH and I talked about it and I used it for 5 min and cried and took it away. PP emotions got the best of me. I'm afraid of what it will do to breastfeeding and don't want her to get attached to it. At the same time I don't want a thumb sucker on my hands. If she tries to get her hands we pull her hands out of her mouth so she doesn't get in a habit. I have made it this long, does she really need one? I can't make a decision about it either way. I am looking forward to replies for suggestions as well.