Pacifiers. So many questions...

For starters I will always respect the method of parenting that you choose, but I will also disclose to you I am pro paci, again this is an opinion. I only ask that you have an open mind to all things, do your research, and make the choice thats best for you, your baby, and your family.

For me, the answer to all your questions is yes they are great. Babies are born knowing very little and so much will have to be learned, but sucking is a reflex. That is the reason they can be seen sucking their hands when in ultrasound photos. It's one of the few things they "know." I say, the instinct is there and will happen whether it's a paci, their hand, their thumb, their lip, clothes, blankets, moms nipple, etc.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

-"nipple confusion?" There's no such thing. I'm not a fan of this common assumption. Lactation consultants say it is fine AS LONG as you use it for comfort not to supplement feeds, you have to feed your baby. I have noticed in baby's that have a difficult latch or trouble sucking can "practice" with a pacifier instead of on a breast as that can hurt mom. Although, there is such a thing as flow preference. Not with pacifiers, but with babies that are taking both bottles and breastfed they will begin to prefer bottle because it is an easier flow. a baby has to work less when they are feeding from a bottle vs a breast which requires more sucking. To avoid this pace feeding when bottle feeding a breastfed baby is important.

-"they are bad?" If this were true, why do ALL babies in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) have one? Why are NICU babies so often sucking on one? These are the babies that are at the most risk for complications and it is safe for them so why not a newborn?

-"SIDS?" Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a super scary idea and I wish i had more answers for you on that. the only thing I know for sure is that in my Newborn Care Specialist Certification I was enlightened scientific evidence that a pacifier reduces the risk. Yes, REDUCES!

-"they will get too attached?" This is my favorite topic. Can you take away a kids thumb? No you can not. But you know what you can take away? Pacifiers! You can go with any method for that, cold turkey, ween, or I prefer my sisters method. She talked about it with my nephew and then made an event of it. They left the paci's out one night for the "nunnie fairy" to take them for the "new" babies. (nunnie was his word for pacifier).

-"I am breastfeeding?" Breastfeeding can be a very serious lifestyle with extreme dedication and opinions. Personally I find that *some* babies begin to use moms nipple for comfort. When they are done eating and just use it to go to sleep. As a postpartum doula my role is to help the family unit as a whole and a mom needs her rest and breaks. And it is very hard for anyone to help you as they cant "borrow" your breast to calm the baby so you can have a moment.You can not be their only method for self soothing or you'll NEVER get a moment.

love always,

a postpartum doula

DISCLOSURE: I AM NOT A PEDIATRICIAN. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PEDIATRICIAN AND DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH ON ALL TOPICS. THIS INFO IS MY OBSERVATIONS AND OPINIONS.

MY PREFERENCE IN PACIFIERS:

PHILLIPS AVENT NICU NOTCHED SOOTHIE PHILLIPS AVENT SOOTHIE

(HARD TO COME BY, but I prefer this one

because of the notch that is technically for devices

like a CPAP machine in NICU, but I think of it as

extra room for their nose to breathe.)