Before becoming a mother, you dreamed of breastfeeding your child. Since birth, you have shared this wonderful moment with your baby every day. In fact, nothing could make you leave your bubble, you hold on to it fiercely. Except, perhaps, the introduction of the pacifier. As you know, breast-pacifier confusion exists, and on this subject, you wonder. Which pacifier for a breastfed baby? When to give it and what precautions to take to protect breastfeeding?
SUMMARY :
- Breast-pacifier confusion: understanding it to better avoid it
- Which pacifier should you choose for your baby when breastfeeding?
- At what age should you give a breastfed baby their first pacifier?
- How to introduce a pacifier without disrupting breastfeeding?
- Breast-pacifier harmony in everyday life
Breast-pacifier confusion: understanding it to better avoid it
In reality, a baby does not "confuse" your nipple with the teat of his bottle or with his pacifier , he knows the difference perfectly.
But bottles and pacifiers offer him an "easier" solution for suckling. So, when he returns to the breast, he may be confused: the pacifier was softer, the milk from the bottle flowed faster. The nipple then seems more difficult to latch on to and suckling becomes a frustrating exercise. Result? A baby who gets upset, cries and screams with hunger and frustration.
- If your child has difficulty maintaining effective and regular suction , he or she will latch on and then release the breast several times;
- If he constantly sucks on his pacifier ;
- If he refuses the breast after a bottle feed;
- Or, if sucking becomes painful , he may be experiencing “nipple confusion.”
In this case, do not hesitate to discuss it with your pediatrician , consult your midwife or make an appointment with a lactation consultant . Note that baby may also be bothered by something else, such as an ear infection or a canker sore.
That said, if you are breastfeeding well and are going well, offering your baby a pacifier at the same time does not present any risk.
Which pacifier should you choose for your baby when breastfeeding?
So, here we are: which pacifier, which pacifier should you choose for your breastfed baby? Its shape, size and the materials it is made of must be designed for the comfort of your infant. Ideally, it should therefore be:
- as flexible as possible to be used without exerting pressure,
- ultra-fine so as not to affect the baby's natural oral physiology,
- of a size appropriate for his age,
- made from healthy and safe materials .
The first physiological pacifier made of medical silicone
It is from this dream list that Élhée designed its Choochoo! A one-piece pacifier , so flexible that it offers almost no resistance, entirely designed for the comfort of babies and usable from birth .
- The only pacifier made from 100% medical grade silicone (teat and collar), soft and pleasant to the touch, tasteless and odorless.
- Plastic-free guarantee .
- Physiological to adapt to the palate of babies , bottle-fed or breastfed, and not to disturb their sucking.
- Very hygienic thanks to its single-block design .
- Extra-thin and extra-soft to limit the risks of dental gaps and poor tooth alignment.
- In addition, the ChooChoo pacifier is entirely made in France .
💡 What is the difference between an anatomical and physiological pacifier?
The physiological pacifier, recommended by orthodontists , adapts to the shape of the mouth and palate, limits pressure on the gums and palate and is suitable for both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. The anatomical pacifier always has a round and symmetrical teat.
At what age should you give a breastfed baby their first pacifier?
Most health professionals recommend waiting at least 3 to 4 weeks after birth , until breastfeeding is well established. Natural, well-experienced and well-established breastfeeding can be recognized by:
-
For the infant:
- Steady weight gain
- Well-filled diapers
- An active awakening
- Effective breastfeeding
- A serene attachment to the breast
- Signs of satisfaction after breastfeeding
-
For the mother:
- A very present ejection reflex
- Breasts that empty properly
- A feeling of confidence that sets in
- A routine that becomes natural
But, since the mother-child relationship is unique, you might prefer to wait a little. And then, how do you know when the time has come? To do this, observe your baby. He drinks well, gains weight, seems serene ... so many positive signs that indicate that you can consider giving him a pacifier .
The pacifier, the "dummie" or the "soother" can then take its place to become a temporary ally for naps, quiet nights or when you need moments of calm .
💡 Can pacifiers help reduce nighttime feedings?
Yes! Often, babies' night wakings are caused by a search for security, serenity, which the pacifier can help to calm more easily , without putting them to the breast. However, do not forget that breastfeeding at night is useful for stimulating the production of breast milk.
How to introduce a pacifier without disrupting breastfeeding?
Once breastfeeding is well established, wait until baby shows a need to suck between meals to offer him a pacifier when he is calm and relaxed, full, at nap time, in the evening or in case of distress.
The first time, introduce it gently, without forcing. Lightly brush your baby's lips with the nipple and see if he opens his mouth slightly . Does the baby seem uninterested, doesn't want it, wonders what it is? Try again next time, there's no rush.
Also consider other tips to temporarily or permanently soothe your baby without a pacifier : carrying, skin-to-skin contact, massages, nursery rhymes, stories, a comfort blanket... All can be used from birth.
But, most importantly, always avoid giving a pacifier instead of meals , dipping it in honey or jam to make it more desirable, freezing it, giving it too often or leaving it available all the time.
Finally, once the pacifier has been accepted, make sure that the behavior at the breast remains normal , that the baby suckles well and that the breastfeeding rhythm is preserved. If harmony is achieved, the pacifier can then join the happy family of comforting objects for babies .
Does the pacifier reduce the need to suck while breastfeeding?
No, when used properly, the pacifier does not alter the natural needs of a breastfed baby . Here's why:
- Nutritive vs. non-nutritive sucking : At the breast, the baby satisfies two needs, feeding and comforting. The pacifier only satisfies the second.
- A variable need for sucking , which fluctuates naturally. It can increase during growth peaks when the baby asks for the breast very frequently, but also decrease at other times. These variations are normal and do not depend on whether or not a pacifier is used. They are part of the baby's development.
- Soothing at the breast : Even with a pacifier, comfort feedings remain essential for many babies.
However, it is advisable to favor breastfeeding on demand and to offer the pacifier only as a supplement, if the baby still shows a need to suck after having been fed and comforted at the breast.
Can using a pacifier affect my milk supply?
Regular and effective breastfeeding on both breasts is essential to maintain lactation. Therefore, the pacifier, if used too often, can harm breast milk production.
However, when dosed correctly, it naturally finds its place in the daily life of a breastfed baby . Offered occasionally, to soothe baby between milky meals, it offers mothers a welcome moment of respite without harming lactation.
Breast-pacifier harmony in everyday life
Trust the unique bond you have with your baby . Follow their natural rhythm and enjoy breastfeeding together for as long as you want. Every mother-baby duo is unique and there is no universal answer when it comes to introducing a pacifier.
🩷 If the pacifier seems to you to be an ally for your baby's well-being and offers you moments of respite, do not hesitate to introduce it gradually.
Breastfeeding and pacifiers can truly coexist without competing with each other . The key is to offer the pacifier between feedings , as a comforting addition . Stay alert to your child's cues and adjust accordingly.
And, in case of deep doubt or difficulties, don't forget that there are other tips for soothing your little one : carrying, skin to skin, massages, nursery rhymes... So many tender gestures to explore.
Keep in mind that your baby will grow and that around 2 or 3 years old, he will naturally detach himself from his pacifier . Until then, savor these moments of complicity and tenderness, you will find your own balance.
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