Some breastfeeding parents question whether soothers can interfere with their feeding journey. And while there are things to bear in mind, dummies don't have to be an obstacle to a successful breastfeeding journey.
Babies all need additional comfort from time to time, and dummies can be helpful in those situations. By following a few simple guidelines, you can use dummies to soothe your baby without compromising your milk supply or your breastfeeding routine.
We’ve written this simple guide to give you practical advice on using dummies while breastfeeding, so you can make informed decisions about what works best for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding benefits
Breastfeeding provides a lot of benefits for both parents and their babies.
Babies receive all the essential nutrients they need from breast milk, along with protection against infections and support for healthy development.
Breastfeeding is a cost-effective and convenient way for parents to feed their babies. It can also help to reduce the risk of postpartum depression and strengthen the bond with their baby.
Getting to know dummies
Dummies are sometimes called pacifiers, comforters or soothers. They are small, nipple-shaped objects that babies can suck on, and used to soothe and satisfy their sucking reflex. Babies with colic may find comfort in sucking a dummy between feeds.
While dummies can be a useful tool, it's important to use them in moderation to make sure that they don't disrupt your breastfeeding routine. Try mainly offering your baby their dummy for comfort and sleep, rather than as a constant source of soothing comfort.
Tips for using dummies when breastfeeding
- Only introduce your baby to a dummy once breastfeeding is well established, and only give it to them to help them settle and fall asleep.
- Keep an eye out for your baby’s hunger cues and try breastfeeding them before trying to give them their comforter. Breastfed babies often want to comfort feed and use the breast as a way of self-soothing, even when they’re not hungry.
- Whenever possible, offer your comfort and support before using a dummy. Babies appreciate hugs, warmth, rocking, singing, skin-to-skin contact, and possibly extra sucking time if you're breastfeeding.
- Never force your baby to take a dummy.
- Speak to your midwife, doctor, or lactation consultant if you’re worried that using a dummy is negatively impacting your breastfeeding journey.
Finding the best soother for your baby
Here are some key things to keep in mind when picking a dummy for a breastfed baby.
- Choose lightweight, orthodontic, BPA-free soothers that look and feel like a breast.
- Dummies with a symmetrical, cylindrical teat help the baby's tongue elevate and cup, just like it does when breastfeeding.
- Make sure the dummy is the right size for your baby's age to ensure a comfortable fit.
- Dummies with ventilation holes in the shield help with airflow and reduce skin irritation.
- One-piece dummies are easier to clean. They're also less likely to break or come apart, which means fewer small parts that could be a choking hazard.
Dummies and breastfeeding: What to consider
If you're breastfeeding and want to use a dummy to soothe your baby between feeds, it’s best to wait until their breastfeeding schedule is settled (typically around 4 to 6 weeks old) before introducing it.
This is because there are some ways that a dummy can negatively impact breastfeeding. These include:
- Latching issues: Using a dummy may affect the way a baby latches to the breast when feeding.
- Nipple confusion: While some babies can easily transition between breast and a soother, the different sucking actions involved can sometimes lead to nipple confusion. This occurs when a baby struggles to latch onto the breast properly due to the differences in shape, feel, and sucking requirements between the breast and a pacifier. Signs of nipple confusion may include fussiness at the breast, refusal to breastfeed, or pulling at the nipple.
- Breast milk supply issues: A dummy may change how often a baby breastfeeds, which can affect your breast milk supply. However, if you only offer your baby a dummy occasionally or when they fall asleep without missing their feeding cues, it’s unlikely that your breast milk supply will be affected.
- Reducing breastfeeds: The use of dummies can decrease how often, as well as how long, babies are breastfed.
How to balance dummy use with breastfeeding
If at any stage you come across any problems with breastfeeding, like nipple confusion or latching difficulties, it might be beneficial to reduce or temporarily stop using a dummy between feeds. The key is to find what works best for you and your baby. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant for professional support.
Sources
Dummies and comforters | Pregnancy Birth and Baby (pregnancybirthbaby.org.au)
Pacifier, Dummy or Soother—Yes or No? - Breastfeeding Support
Breastmilk & breastfeeding: benefits | Raising Children Network
Dummies and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know - Arlie Hastings Lactation Consultant
What to know before Introducing a dummy to baby - Newborn Baby
Celebrating 60 years of trusted breastfeeding support | Australian Breastfeeding Association
