Can Pacifiers Affect Breastfeeding? What Parents Should Know

Learn how can pacifiers affect breastfeeding, when to introduce them, and tips for safe use to support your baby’s comfort and successful nursing.

There is no secret that pacifier can convert a baby who is crying and upset into a docile happy baby. I still recall how those nights were so long and I had tried all options like rocking, walking around, and bouncing my baby on a yoga ball but nothing appeared to help. In a short time, a pacifier was my savior. It calmed my baby and gave me time to take a breath and it also gave us a bit of rest.

However, when you are purely breastfeeding, you may have the following question: Does pacifier have any effect on breastfeeding? I felt the same anxiety. The thought that my baby might choose an artificial nipple to the breast was terrifying. To add onto that, the guilt of not comforting all the time with the help of breastfeeding alone can be overwhelming. Luckily, knowing the facts about the best pacifiers and how they can be used wisely might help you make sure decisions in favor of your baby and well-being.

Pacifiers / Breastfeeding: Research tells us

Although it has been argued that pacifiers may lead to nipple confusions, they do not necessarily disrupt the breast feeds. In my case, the use of pacifier after breastfeeding has the potential to be beneficial rather than detrimental. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that pacifier use during the infancy stage does not lead to any dental problems; problems usually manifest themselves at the age of 2-4.

This view is supported by research. The results of a 2016 review of more than 1,300 babies showed no significant impact of pacifier use on breastfeeding continuation at 3-4 months. There are even studies that propose that limiting pacifiers have a negative effect on breastfeeding success. Hospitals with restricted pacifier adoption saw reduced exclusive breastfeeding and this informs me that when used properly, pacifiers need not pose a problem to the breastfeeding process.

The Benefits of Pacifiers and the Guilt-free way of using them

Infants are born with a large sucking reflex and pacifiers meet this desire in a safe and soothing manner. In my case, it was beneficial to give my baby a pacifier when he/she was fussy or at bedtime so that he/she could self-soothe, and I could have the opportunity to shower, eat, or even have a quick nap. I soon discovered that by putting in a pacifier I was not a lazy parent I was a better rested and patient parent.

The partners and the caregivers can also help in calming the baby using pacifiers. At first I was experiencing a state of being touched out due to being physically around all the time and it was a relief to hand over the pacifier to my partner. This did not only make my mental health better but also enabled the family to be more involved in the process of taking care of our newborn. Wise use of a pacifier provided my baby with comfort and me with the psychological space of becoming a more effective parent being calmer.

When to Introduce a Pacifier

Timing matters. Experts suggest that one should wait till the breastfeeding is settled (typically about 3-4 weeks) and then the pacifier may be introduced. Early introductions can minimize breast stimulations which can interfere with milk production as well as your babies latching. I also got to know that the initial few weeks are of utmost importance in establishing a good breastfeeding base.

Indications of establishment of breastfeeding are steady gains of weight, regulation of feeding schedules, and decreased engorgement of the breasts during feeds. When these signs are present, it is possible to introduce a pacifier that will soothe and does not interfere with the production of milk. This strategy helped my baby feel secure and helped me cope with the fatigue of the early parenting more easily.

Choosing the Right Pacifier

Every pacifier is not equal. I soon learned that rounded tip soft silicone pacifiers are the best. They imitate the nipple of the mother and make it easier to the baby to switch between breastfeeding and using a pacifier. The correct shape and material will avoid problems with the latch and nipple mix.

Infants are finicky and you should not be upset when the first pacifier is thrown out by the baby. It can be important to experiment with various type or brand to get the best fit. On a personal level, after getting a pacifier that my baby liked, I would consider it as a necessity in ensuring a peaceful baby without having to interfere with my breastfeeding schedule. It is all about locating a pacifier that will be helpful in keeping your baby comfortable and you at ease.

Benefits of Pacifiers

Pacifiers are not just a convenience, they do have their advantages. They are able to decrease fussiness, assist your baby to self-soothe, and even enhance the sleep habits. I also realized that it was a lot easier to get my baby to fall asleep at night after he discovered how to use a pacifier. This enabled us to obtain better periods of rest.

Moreover, pacifiers can help to lower the chances of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in case of using it during the naps and night sleep. In my case, this was comforting, because it incorporated safety in comfort. Although pacifiers do not replace bonding with your baby, they offer a feasible answer to tired parents and at the same time, they support the needs of your baby.

When to Avoid Pacifiers

The pacifiers should be avoided even once breastfeeding has been normalized. Don’t substitute a feeding when your baby is hungry because that will influence the milk supply. I got to know that the most important thing about observing hunger cues is the ability to keep a healthy breastfeeding routine.

You also should not use pacifiers when your baby has a lot of thrush or ear infections as sucking can aggravate these problems. Under these circumstances, it is advisable to have a lactation consultant or pediatrician check on how your baby is performing to make sure that the infant keeps feeding effectively. When these issues are eliminated, pacifiers may tend to be introduced again with ease without disturbing breast feeding.

Balance between Breastfeeding and Pacifier.

For me, the key was balance. Breastfeeding offers nutrition, immunity, and connection whereas pacifiers offer comfort and self-soothing. The introduction of a pacifier following feeding was successfully achieved which enabled us to have the best of both worlds.

Another useful thing I discovered was that it was helpful to combine skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding with regular use of a pacifier, which helped to control sleep and digestion. My baby was happy and well-nourished, and I was not going to be as stressed. Knowing that pacifiers are supplementary and not substitutes of breastfeeding was freeing, and it gave me the confidence to make my parenting decisions.

FAQ: Can Pacifiers Affect Breastfeeding?

Final Thought

Personally, I have not found any interference between pacifiers and breastfeeding provided that they are used well. They offer solace, allow the babies to self-soothe, enable the babies to sleep safely, and allow parents the much-needed rest. The use of a pacifier after breastfeeding is time-tested, the type of pacifier selected, and its use can be done in a responsible manner without affecting the nutrition and bonding of your baby.

Parenting is about balance. A prudent use of a pacifier helps your baby to feel good and your sanity to be more relaxed, thus the initial months will be easier and happier. It is always important to remember a happy rested parent is as much as a happy well fed baby.