pacifiers, artificial nipples etc.
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rom:    Lynn Shea <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: pacifiers, nipple confusion etc.

Lynn's posting reminds us that, like so many things, pacifiers and
artificial nipples are not an always or never proposition.  Many
children have nursed well, talked well and developed well with many
bottles and the use of pacifiers. Do I think we should promote them? No,
I do not. I see many downsides with the early use of both: 1- preference
of the vinyl or latex hard nipple,  2- tight sucking which reverts to
the breast also and causes sore nipples and poor supply  3- a reliance
of inanimate objects for comfort as opposed to people comfort.  But my
biggest concern with the use of pacifiers is the same as Linda Smith's
concern.  When a baby nonnutritive sucks on anything , there is a
release of stomach acids and peristalsis to aid in digestion.  That is
the main reason we give a pacifier to a gavage fed premie.  What are we
doing to the digestion of babies with pacifiers stuck in their mouths
all the time?  And I used them with my children, so this is not a
personal issue. This is a Lactation Consultant/Registered Nurse
wondering.
Cheryl Muller, RNC. IBCLC

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