Just got this via the Canadian La Leche League Leaders email list:

><http://www.jped.com.br/conteudo/09-85-06-480/ing.asp?cod=2037>
>
>http://www.jped.com.br/conteudo/09-85-06-480/ing.pdf for pdf
>
>Pacifier habit: history and multidisciplinary view

Summary of the findings: There is evidence that their precursors have been
used since the Neolithic Period to calm down children. Small balls made of
fabric containing food were portrayed in paintings. Other balls made of
non-perishable material persisted throughout time. Pacifiers have been used
to stimulate sucking or to coordinate this reflex, promoting an earlier
beginning of the oral feeding of newborns. Some authors suggest that
pacifiers reduce the incidence of the sudden death syndrome, but the topic
is controversial. Pacifiers prevent the establishment of breastfeeding and
lead to weaning. Their use may cause suffocation, poisoning, or allergies
and increases the risk of caries, infections, and intestinal parasitic
diseases. Harmful effects are related to frequency, duration, and intensity
of the habit. It should be discontinued by the age of 3 or 4 in order not to
affect speech and dentition.

Conclusions: There are more harmful effects than benefits. It is advisable
that health professionals inform parents of the pros and cons of pacifiers
so that they can make a conscious decision regarding its use.

J Pediatr (Rio J). 2009;85(6):480-489: Pacifier, sucking behavior.




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