So I've been very hesitant to give Lillian a pacifier because I've read it can mess up breastfeeding. I thought Lillian would probably really like a pacifier because she is constantly sucking on her hands even when I know she's not hungry. She actually was sucking her fingers in utero around 32 weeks during our 3D ultrsound. However, I didn't want to cause any problems with the breastfeeding so I was really hesitant.
On Wednesday, a family friend of mine was over with her 6 month old son and two girls who are 4.5 and 3. I was asking her about allowing them to have pacifiers because I knew she breastfeed all her children without problems. She said she would definitely give Lillian a pacifier. She explained that with her first daughter she gave her a pacifier, and then when it was time to break the habit she simply got rid of the pacifier. With her second daughter, she didn't do a pacifier and the little girl started sucking her two middle fingers. My friend said the problem now is that she can't take away the fingers, so she can't break her daughter of the habit.
I thought that was a really interesting perspective, and something that I hadn't thought of. So I took the plunge and fully integrated the paci into Lillian's life. I give it to her when she starts sucking her fingers and she seems to really like it. As far as interfering with breastfeeding, the one thing I've noticed is she is sucking a lot harder now. My nipples really don't appreciate that, but it doesn't seem that she has changed her latching. So fingers crossed that it doesn't cause any issues.
2 comments:
I had the same thoughts as you throughout the time I was pregnant. Then the second night, (yep, the second night!) I caved and gave Andrew a pacifier. It's been a lifesaver and never gave us any problems breastfeeding. I also thought about the same thing you just talked about - if he sucked his thumb or fingers I couldn't take them away. Now at 7.5 months Andrew still loves his paci and I'm dreading the day I have to take it away. But it will be by 1 year (I previously said 6 months!)
I have no parental opinion, just that of personal experience with a pacifier as a baby - I apparently loved mine. Also as a babysitter, I appreciated them when babies cried. Other than that, I'm glad she's giving you cues as to when she wants it. Also, I always called it a "Binky". I now think I'm the only one who calls it that. :)
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