Teething & Soothing

Some parents worry that using a pacifier might disrupt their breastfeeding journey. While there are factors to consider, it's important to know that pacifiers don't have to hinder breastfeeding success. 

Babies often need extra comfort or reassurance, and pacifiers can provide that. With the right approach, you can use pacifiers to soothe your baby without affecting your milk supply or your breastfeeding routine. 

In this guide, we'll offer practical tips and advice on using pacifiers while breastfeeding, helping you make an informed choice based on what's best for both you and your baby. 

Breastfeeding: What are the benefits?  

It's well-known that breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both parents and babies. 

For parents, breastfeeding is free and convenient. It can also help reduce the risk of postpartum depression and strengthen the bond with their baby. For babies, breast milk provides all the essential nutrients they need. It also helps protect them from infections and supports healthy development. 

Understanding pacifiers 

Pacifiers are nipple-shaped objects that babies can suck on. They are designed to soothe babies and satisfy their sucking reflex between feeds. While pacifiers can be a helpful tool for soothing babies, it's important to use them in moderation and ensure they don't interfere with your breastfeeding routine. A good approach is to offer the pacifier primarily for comfort and sleep, rather than as a constant pacifier. 

Choosing the right pacifier 

Here are some key points to consider when you’re looking for a pacifier for a breastfed baby. 

• Choose lightweight, BPA-free pacifiers that look and feel like a breast.  
• Pacis with symmetrical, cylindrical nipples let a baby's tongue elevate and cup, just like it does when they're breastfeeding.   
• Make sure the pacifier is the right size for your baby's age to ensure a comfortable fit.  
• Pacifiers with ventilation holes in the shield help with airflow and reduce skin irritation.  
• One-piece pacifiers 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. 

Breastfeeding and pacifiers: What to consider 

If you're breastfeeding and considering using a pacifier, it's recommended to wait until your baby's breastfeeding routine is well-established (usually around 4 to 6 weeks old). This is because there are some ways that a pacifier can negatively impact breastfeeding if not introduced properly.  

• Reduced breastfeeds: Pacifiers can potentially decrease how often, as well as how long, babies are breastfed. 
• Breast milk supply issues: A pacifier may change how often a baby breastfeeds, which can affect your breast milk supply. However, if you only offer your baby a pacifier occasionally or when they fall asleep without missing their feeding cues, it’s unlikely that your breast milk supply will be affected.   
• Latching issues: Using a pacifier may affect the way a baby latches to the breast when feeding. 
• Nipple confusion: While some babies can easily transition between breast and a pacifier, the different sucking actions involved can sometimes lead to nipple confusion. This happens 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.  

Balancing breastfeeding and pacifier use 

If you notice any signs of nipple confusion or difficulty latching, it might be helpful to limit or temporarily stop using the pacifier. This could be a sign that the baby is becoming confused between the nipple and the pacifier. 

Ultimately, the best approach is to find a balance that works for you and your baby. If you have concerns, a lactation consultant may be able to offer personalized advice and support to help you choose the best course of action based on your specific situation and your baby's needs. 

Sources 

• Pacifier, Dummy or Soother—Yes or No? - Breastfeeding Support 
• Breastfeeding Benefits Both Baby and Mom | Breastfeeding | CDC 
• Pacifiers and Breastfed Babies: What All New Parents Need to Know - The Breastfeeding Mama