Before becoming a mother, you dreamed of breastfeeding your child. Since his birth, you've shared this wonderful moment with your baby every day. In fact, nothing could get you out of your bubble - you're adamant about it. Except, perhaps, the introduction of Pacifier. As you know, there is such a thing as breast-nipple confusion, and you wonder about it. Which Pacifier is right for a breast-fed baby? When should it be given, and what precautions should be taken to protect the breastfeed?
CONTENTS :
- Breast-feeding confusion: understanding it to avoid it better
- Which Pacifier should you choose for your baby when breastfeeding?
- At what age should a breast-fed baby be given his first Pacifier ?
- How do you introduce Pacifier without disrupting breastfeeding?
- Everyday Pacifier harmony
Breast-feeding confusion: understanding it to avoid it better
In reality, a baby doesn't "confuse" your nipple with the nipple on his bottle or with his Pacifier; he knows the difference perfectly well.
However, bottles and pacifiers offer him an "easier" solution for suckling. When he returns to the breast, he may be confused: the Pacifier was softer, and the milk from the bottle flowed more quickly. The nipple then seems harder to grasp, and suckling becomes a frustrating exercise. The result? A baby who gets upset, cries and screams from hunger and frustration.
- If your child has difficulty maintaining an effective and regular suckling action, he will latch on and then let go of the breast several times;
- If he is constantly suckling his Pacifier;
- If he refuses the breast after bottle-feeding;
- Or, if sucking becomes painful, he may be suffering from "breast-nipple confusion".
In this case, don 't hesitate to discuss it with your paediatrician, 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 canker sore.
That said, if your breastfeeding is well established and going well, there's no risk in offering your baby a Pacifier at the same time.
Which Pacifier should you choose for your baby when breastfeeding?
So, here we are: which Pacifier should you choose for your breast-fed baby? Its shape, size and materials must be designed for your baby's comfort. Ideally, it should be :
- to be used without exerting pressure,
- ultra-fine so as not to interfere with baby's natural oral physiology,
- the right size for your child's age,
- made from healthy and safe materials.
The first physiological Pacifier in medical silicone
It was with this dream list in mind that Élhée designed her Choochoo! A one-piecePacifier , so soft it offers almost no resistance, entirely designed for baby's comfort and usable from birth.
- The only Pacifier made of 100% medical-grade silicone (nipple and collar), soft and pleasant to the touch, with no taste or odour.
- Plastic-free guarantee.
- Physiological to adapt to the palate of bottle-fed or breast-fed babies, without disturbing their sucking action.
- Highly hygienic thanks to its one-piece design.
- Extra-thin and extra-flexible to reduce the risk of dental gaps and misalignment.
- What's more, the Pacifier ChooChoo is entirely made in France.
💡 What's the difference between an anatomical and physiological Pacifier ?
The physiologicalPacifier , recommended by orthodontists, follows the shape of the mouth and palate, limits pressure on the gums and palate and is suitable for both breast-fed and bottle-fed babies. The anatomical Pacifier always features a round, symmetrical teat.
At what age should a breast-fed baby be given his first Pacifier ?
Most health professionals recommend waiting at least 3 to 4 weeks after birth, to allow breastfeeding to become well established. Natural, well-experienced and well-established breastfeeding can be recognized by ..:
-
For infants :
- Regular weight gain
- Well-filled diapers
- An active awakening
- Efficient breast-feeding
- A serene attachment to the heart
- Signs of satisfaction after feeding
-
For mom :
- A strong ejection reflex
- Breasts that empty properly
- A growing sense of confidence
- A routine that becomes natural
But since the mother-child relationship is unique, you might prefer to wait a while. Besides, how do you know when the time is right? Observe your baby. He's drinking well, putting on weight, looking serene... all positive signs that you can consider giving him a Pacifier.
The pacifier, the "tutute" or the "sucker" can then take its place as a momentary ally for naps, quiet nights or soothing moments.
💡 Can Pacifier help reduce nocturnal feedings?
Yes, babies often wake up at night because they're looking for security and serenity, and a pacifier can help calm them down without putting them to the breast. Don't forget, however, that breastfeeding at night is useful for stimulating the production of breast milk.
How do you introduce Pacifier without disrupting breastfeeding?
Once breastfeeding is well established, wait until baby shows a need to suck between meals, then offer him a pacifier when he's calm and relaxed, full, at naptime, in the evening or when he's grieving.
The first time, introduce it gently, without forcing. Touch your baby's lips with the nipple and see if he opens his mouth slightly. Baby doesn't seem interested, doesn't want it, wonders what it is? Try again next time, there's no hurry.
Think of other tricks to soothe baby momentarily or permanently without Pacifier: babywearing, skin-to-skin contact, massage, nursery rhymes, stories, a cuddly toy... All can be used from birth.
But, most importantly, always avoid giving a pacifier in place 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, check that breastfeeding behavior remains normal, that baby is suckling well and that the breastfeeding rhythm is maintained. If harmony is achieved, the Pacifier can then join the happy family of baby comforters.
Does Pacifier reduce the need to suck during breastfeeding?
No, when used properly, 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. Pacifier only satisfies the second.
- A variable need to suck, which naturally fluctuates. It can increase during growth spurts, when baby demands the breast most frequently, but decrease at other times. These variations are normal and do not depend on whether or not a pacifier is used. They are part of baby's development.
- Soothing at the breast: even in the presence of a Pacifier, comfort feeds remain essential for many babies.
However, it is advisable to give priority to breastfeeding on demand, and to offer Pacifier only as a supplement if baby still needs to suck after being fed and comforted at the breast.
Can using a Pacifier affect my milk production?
Regular, effective feedings from both breasts are essential to maintain lactation. The Pacifier, if used too often, can be detrimental to breast milk production.
However, in the right proportions, it is a natural part of a breastfed baby's daily routine. Offered occasionally to soothe baby between milk feedings, it offers mothers a welcome moment of respite without harming lactation.
Everyday Pacifier harmony
Trust your unique bond with your baby. Follow his natural rhythm and enjoy breastfeeding together for as long as you like. Every mother-baby duo is unique, and there's no universal answer to introducing Pacifier.
🩷 If you see Pacifier as an ally in your baby's well-being, offering you moments of respite, don't hesitate to introduce it gradually.
Breastfeeding and Pacifier can truly coexist without competing with each other. The key is to offer Pacifier between feedings, as a comforting complement. Stay alert to your child's signals and adjust accordingly.
And, if you're in any doubt or have any difficulties, don't forget that there are other ways to soothe your little one: babywearing, skin-to-skin contact, massage, nursery rhymes... So many tender gestures to explore.
Bear in mind that your baby will grow up, and by the time he' s around 2 or 3, he'll be naturally detached from his Pacifier. Until then, savor these moments of complicity and tenderness, and you'll find your own balance.
Les biberons Élhée accompagneront votre bébé de la naissance jusqu'à 24 mois et plus, pour lui permettre une parfaite autonomie, sans risque de casse.
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