I understand that a pacifier should only be introduced after breastfeeding is well-established, but how can a mother be sure? When do you think it's okay for a parent to introduce the pacifier?
Though pacifiers are widely used to calm fussy babies and weary parents, their use can affect the initiation and the duration of the breastfeeding relationship. In a 1992 study (Righard, L & Alade, M) it was found that pacifier use before two weeks of age resulted in babies sucking incorrectly at the breast. This resulted in a shorter duration of breastfeeding. In the article, "Use of Pacifiers and Breastfeeding Duration", The Lancet, 1993, Victoria et al studied 354 mothers. They determined there was a threefold risk of early weaning from the breast in babies who used a pacifier.
Sucking is very important for babies. Pacifier use takes away from the time the infant spends at the breast. Prolactin production then decreases -- this compromises the mother's milk supply. Insufficient milk supply can interfere with the proper nutrition and growth of the baby. Pacifiers should not be used in the first four to six weeks of breastfeeding.
Pacifiers are sometimes used indiscriminately -- popped into the baby's mouth, ignoring not only his feeding cues but also his other needs. He may need to be fed, held, rocked, changed ... Using a pacifier to take care of every difficulty, a parent may begin to lose touch with what their baby's real needs are. We need to look at each individual baby and determine his particular needs.
There are times when pacifier use can be helpful to the baby, such as when mother and baby are separated. While a mother is at work, the baby isunable to meet his sucking needs at the breast. The pacifier can be very calming to him. Keep in mind that the pacifier should still not replace the loving attention your infant needs while you are apart.
Since each baby's needs should be evaluated on an individual basis, I can't recommend a particular time when it is "safe" to begin use of a pacifier. If you decide that a pacifier is appropriate for your baby, it isimportant to watch him for any changes. If use of a pacifier reduces your baby's frequency or duration of feeds (newborns should be nursing at least 8 to 12 times a day) or makes it difficult for him to feed at your breast, discontinue use.
