I was gone over the weekend and I think I missed some of the pacifier
discussion. I'm really wondering what others tell moms about pacifiers. I
know about the research that gives the risks of early weaning, but I don't
know how to tell a mom about it. Many moms aren't planning to nurse long
anyway. In my pre-natal class I lump pacifiers in with bottles and am pretty
strong about not reccommending them in the first 3 weeks, but after that I
have a problem. I hate them myself and none of my 3 children ever used them.
The problem I see is the mother who won't or can't offer the breast for
comfort and we all know how much time that can potentially take. Babies have
sucking needs and if mom isn't available what should they be sucking on.
Especially a mom with sore nipples where we recommend cutting down on
non-nutritive sucking time. I do suggest fingers for sucking. I'd like to
hear what you all are recommending.
Marilee Woodworth, IBCLC, Private Practise