While I have no problem with the term "using mom as a pacifier" I know
that many have gotten negative reaction to it, so I try to talk about
"comfort suckling" and "nutrition suckling".  Seeking comfort from
mother rather than a "thing" has a more positive ring to many.  I tell
moms as long as baby maintains a comfortable latch, there is no problem
with them comfort sucking at the breast.  If baby is nursing effectively
when at the breast for nourishment, then it is a personal choice whether
she wants baby to be comforted by her or by an inatimate object.  (I
admit there is a little bias in how I word that-no apologies.)

I have seen some babies who have a "perfect" latch when nursing for
food/drink, but who want to "hang out" on the nipple only for comfort.
Obviously, this can lead to soreness.  While discouraging the use of
pacifiers, especially in the first month while baby is mastering how to
nurse effectively, I realize that there are some situations where some
parents may feel the need to use something other than mom's breast to
comfort/settle baby.  Examples may be: 1-company is leaving  in a minute
or two and you'd really rather wait to nurse after they've left and you
can relax better; or 2-you're up in front of church having baby baptised
and aren't one of the mothers who would feel comfortable nursing right
there and then.  I will suggest having baby suck on a clean knuckle of
the person holding baby.  It will at least be skin instead of plastic or
rubber and it doesn't extend to the hard/soft palate junction like most
pacifiers.  I really feel this is a primary factor in pacifiers
"confusing" baby.  With an artificial nipple, there is stimulation at
that spot immediately while it takes a few sucks to draw mom's
nipple/areola to stimulate the same spot.

Don't get me worng-I'm not advocating widespread use of such a "pacifier
substitute".  It's just that in some cases, I realize parents are going
to use something regardless of whether I would recommend it as first
choice, so I want to give them an alternative that interferes the least
with nursing.

Winnie

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