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2nd Trimester
somebuddiesgettingmarried
member
Pacifier advice for first time momma
somebuddiesgettingmarried
member
Hi all. Lurker here- I was hoping to get some advice about the use of pacifiers with our "peanut". This is our first baby so we have limited experience with this. Over the weekend, I was at BBB working on our registry and was lectured by a stranger for literally LOOKING at pacifiers. This woman (who felt so strongly about this, she harassed me for nearly 10 minutes) ranted and raved about all the negatives about using pacifiers. While I understood some of her position (unsolicited though it was), I also know many parents who swore by the use of pacifiers.
I am hoping to get some advice from others who have the experience, pros and cons. I should note that we're only planning to use a pacifier until approx 6-9 months and then we'll wean. Thanks in advance! 
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Re: Pacifier advice for first time momma
I'm a FTM and am 17 weeks along. We do not plan on using pacifiers just because I plan on breastfeeding. During research, I read that if you are breastfeeding, you should not use a pacifier for at least 1 month because they can get confused. For that reason and the fact that I don't want to have to deal with weaning from the pacificer, is why we plan on not using one.
However, if it is one of those sleepless nights and it's the only thing that will comfort my baby, then we will probably use one...so we aren't completely against it.
I say just do what works best for you guys!
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Layne-May 6, 2013
Callie-February 14, 2011
My DD took a pacifier from about 4 days old to 6 months old. We had no issues with it. She didn't want it constantly, just when she was tired or particularly fussy. It especially calmed her in the car, which was great because I couldn't so much else for her when she was fussy in her car seat.
Pacifiers are associated with a lowered risk of SIDS and can be great for soothing a fussy baby. I will say that if you are planning to BF, I would wait until BFing is well established before introducing a pacifier to avoid nipple confusion. I BF my DD but she took to it the first day and we had no issues whatsoever which is why I introduced a pacifier so early.
What can be a downside to pacifiers is weaning from them. Before having DD, I was a nanny for several years. Some kids gave up the paci with no problems and others fought it. DD gave it up totally on her own around 6 months which was great. My advice is to get rid of it or at least limit use to naptime/bedtime by 12 months. It only gets harder to take it away after that.
BFP#1 "Watermelon" born 3/2011
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BFP#4 "Grapefruit" EDD 3/29/16
Agree with this.
Also, while I was BF it saved my nipples. We never had an issue with nipple confusion at all. She preferred my breasts, but I needed a break to be able to wash/apply lanolin. During cluster feeding when your nipples feel like he!! The pacifier was a lifesaver.
I'm sure some babies might have nipple confusion, but really in my Mommy Circle [20 moms half of which BF] the general consensus has been that none of them have had issues with nipple confusion with any of their kids.
When LO number 2 comes along I might wait to introduce a binky but I will have to see. You have to do what works for you. Don't selfflagellate over it if you do end up giving your breasts a break by popping a binky into the kid's mouth.
LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
lol! Believe me, I tried... This wacko followed me literally all over the store and would start ranting again every time we made eye contact. I wound up pretending I was on my phone.
Thanks!
We never had nipple confusion. We offered a passy the day we came home from the hospital and nursed exclusively for 12 months without the slightest problem. We gave up the passy at 23 months and there were tears the first night but that was it. He wanted to nurse 24/7 but the passy did soothe him between times. I can't imagine doing it without the passy because he always wanted to sucking on something.
I highly suggest wub-a-nubs until they start cutting teeth. It was worth every penny. We had 3 different ones and he could put them in his own mouth by 3 months.
DD never took a pacifier. Some kids just don't want them, and that's okay. There are proven benefits to a pacifier--shown to reduce SIDS, actually, so if some know-it-all tells you NOT to use one, you can always cite this. We did want DD to take one, thinking it might help her sleep (she wasn't a great sleeper) but it never clicked with her. The upside, we never had to wean her from it. (Now, she's two and occasionally will play with one, but it's just funny now.)
Pacis now are (mostly) orthodontically shaped to avoid messing up the kids' teeth. Keep them clean and keep them in good shape, but they can really help a little one self-sooth. (DD liked a finger in her mouth. We'd do that a lot, too.)
We used one when needed with DD. I EBF and there was no nipple confusion. I believe the newer research suggests that using one does not cause nipple confusion and it can reduce the risk of SIDS. DD was also not so dependent on it that we had to really wean her. I would use them again and as long as they are weaned by recommended age, I think they're fine.
ugh it irritates me that this woman was giving you unsolicited advice! she must not of had a screaming baby! lol
I too was also very worried about nipple confusion and by the time we tried the paci she refused and I was and am still really ok with it. I am more concerned I won't have the willpower to take it away from LO so I will do the same and not even offer it this time round UNLESS I have a sick, cranky, fussy whiney baby then the paci will be offered!!! that been said I think we had a lot of sleepless nights because she wanted to eat CONSTANTLY.. I firmly believe a paci would of helped with that.
I see a lot of children inc my SD who probably had the paci too long and the top teeth get pushed out slightly, it's not horrific but noticeable. I don't want that but sometimes you do what you have to. It could be worse though..I sucked my thumb! you can't take that away!
Maybe this is terrible advice but I recommend being flexible. Don't give any absolutes at this stage. My son used a pacifier but only until 4 months. I beleive it is like anything, don't over use it and you will be fine. We also tried all kinds, latex and silicone...
Ohhh as I am sure you know, the advice doesn't stop. Jsut say thank you for your opinion and walk away. I saw a little onsie that said "my mom doesn't want your advice". I want that!
DD2 didn't start taking a paci until she was a couple months old. We kept trying because she definitely needed it for soothing. We never had any bfing problems. She nursed until 27 months when my supply pretty much tanked. She still has her paci now, but we're working on limiting it and hope to take it away completely by the time she's 3.
Personally, I think it's best to just go with the flow and see what works best for your baby.
Charlotte Ella 07.16.10
Emmeline Grace 03.27.13
We used a paci for DS1. He was a great sleeper and overall baby, I had trouble nursing him and it wasn't due to the paci cause I didn't give it to him until a month in. I don't know how much the paci helped but DS2 would not take one at all and he was "difficult" and EBF. We even tried in the hospital, lol.
After it's all said and done if you take it away around 15 months or whenever I don't think it's a huge deal. I would rather have a calm baby and worry about dental work later, since most children get dental work regardless. I do agree prolonged use is bad as far as speech, self soothing, and teeth. After 9 months we restricted the use to nap, bedtime, and sickness.
All of my friends that EBF use pacifiers and they are just fine.
Def get a few different kinds, not all babies like the same ones.
Natural M/c 12/13/08 at 8w5d
My only advice is for that lady: STFU and MYOB,.
We used Soothies and they worked great!
::MyBlog::
Sorry, but I don't understand her position at all...every mom and every baby is different and she has no right (being a stranger) to lecture you in any way about what you should do with YOUR baby.
Anyways, DS uses a pacifier and has since about one week old. He was using mommy as a pacifier (comfort sucking) and took to it right away. It never interfered with nursing. He uses it still now at 2 years old, but only for sleeping. I'm not too worried about taking it away. I figure he will when he's ready or when he's old enough to understand, the binky fairy will come and collect them all
My little man at 0-1-2
It makes me sad that I didn't think of that!
Thank you for all your comments and advice. It's genuinely appreciated!
Yeah, this too!
I remember being completely obsessed with nipple confusion in the hospital. DS was crying, crying, crying and I could not get him to stop. He was finally taken to the nursery and when he came back he had a pacifier. I was so upset and worried that he would have nipple confusion. We had no problems. In fact, I have spoken to several lactation consultants who scoff at the whole concept of nipple confusion.
The only thing I would say is wait until your baby is born to buy a lot of them. DS preferred one particular kind.
We also did not have a problem with breaking him of the pacifier around 9 months. One day it was there, the next it was gone. I think it all depends on the child, though.