Pacifier Interferring with Breastfeeding?

M.,

Congrats on the birth of your baby!! I personally never had a problem with breastfeeding & the pacifier. My daughter (23 months) used a pacifier in the hospital & I breastfed as well. I had issues with her latching on, but used the breast shield & all was well. (We only used the breast shield for 4 months and I breastfed for a year.) If you aren't having consistant issues, I wouldn't worry about it too much. You can always hold off on the pacifier until after you have fed your baby & then give it to her/him after you are done nursing.

Good luck and welcome to the joys of parenthood!!! You'll love it!

Hey, M.!

I definitely would not recommend a pacifier to an infant under six weeks old. I have taken three breastfeeding classes, and they all said that they would not recommend it because it confuses the newborn. Pacifiers are easier to suck, and it makes the newborn not want to latch onto the breast. Hope this helps :)

I have heard from my lactation consultant that a paci should not be introduced until breastfeeding is established, usually by the third week. She's soooo young and I'm sure she is just getting confused. Her fussiness may mean she's tired and so you need to put her down for a nap. Try hard to keep her awake while she's nursing, so that she's ready for a good nap after. I would recommend reading "The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer" by Tracy Hogg to help with the fussiness and everything else regarding a new baby. Good Luck!

Avoid the pacifier like the plague! Even at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months. Not all fussiness indicates a need to suck or eat! Stay tuned mom, you and your new one will figure it out together!