Breastfeeding Perspectives

3 Things to Know About Pacifier Use in Newborns

pacifier use in newborns
Here are 3 important things for you to know about pacifier use in newborns and lactating mothers.

Pacifier Use In Newborns

Pacifiers appear to be a staple part of newborn care in many cultures and countries and are often thought to be harmless or even necessary to keep the baby at ease and reduce the risk of SIDS(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.) “The pacifier, a non-nutritive sucking device, which is given…in an attempt to provide comfort and to stop crying.  Its use has been documented since 1000 B.C.  Infants have a biological need to suck, which includes non-nutritive sucking (NNS) on fingers, thumbs, and pacifiers.  NNS is considered normal for infants and it often starts in the womb.  The prevalence of NNS in a society depends on ethnic and social-economic factors and childcare practices…” (1). Here are 3 things to know about pacifier use in newborns by breastfeeding parents and facilities.

1.) Early pacifier use is linked to breastfeeding difficulty and may lead to less motivation to breastfeed.

“…observational studies suggest that early infant exposure to a pacifier may interfere with breast milk production and lead to early discontinuation of breastfeeding by three to six months…perhaps due to less frequent episodes of breastfeeding, ineffective sucking on the breasts which may lead to increased breastfeeding difficulty and thus, decreased maternal motivation to breastfeed,” (1).

This study reveals the link between pacifier use and breastfeeding difficulties. It reveals that if the newborn infant is exposed to a pacifier too early then this may hinder breast milk production and cause the baby to breastfeed less frequently. This leads to further issues with breastfeeding and decreased motivation.

2.) Restricting pacifier distribution without restricting formula feeding has certain effects.

Restricting pacifier distribution during the newborn hospitalization without also restricting access to formula was associated with decreased exclusive breastfeeding, increased supplemental formula feeding, and increased exclusive formula feeding…this observation occurred in the absence of accompanying restriction of formula to medical necessity (only) and without provision of scripted information on infant soothing,” (2).

This large study (2249 infants) in Oregon, USA, reveals an interesting finding on the effects of restricting pacifier distribution without restricting access to feeding formulas when the newborn is hospitalized. It was linked to less exclusive breastfeeding, and more supplemental formula feeding and excessive formula feeding.

3.) Both WHO and UNICEF recommend breastfeeding, instead of the use of pacifiers, for the first 6 months of a baby's life.

“WHO and UNICEF recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life – meaning no other foods or liquids are provided, including water. Infants should be breastfed on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night. No bottles, teats or pacifiers should be used. From the age of 6 months, children should begin eating safe and adequate complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years and beyond,” (3).

This confirms that during the first 6 months of a child’s life, it is highly recommended, for the child to be exclusively breastfed, as often as needed. So pacifier use in newborns should not be recommended during the first 6 months. After this period, the child can be introduced to other safe foods and drinks.

Do your local birthing facilities pass out pacifiers freely to the birthing families?  Is evidence-based teaching also provided?  What can you do to make positive changes in those facilities?  Thanks for promoting and supporting breastfeeding!

Kathy

Referrences

  1. Jaafar, S.H., Ho, J.J., Jahanfar, S., and Angolkar, M.  (2016).  Effect of restricted pacifier use in breastfeeding term infants for increasing duration of breastfeeding (Review).  Cochrand Database of Systematic Reviews;Issue 8, Art. No. CD007202.  DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007202.pub4.
  2. Kair, L.R., Kenron, D., Etheredge, K., Jaffe, A.C., and Phillipi, C.A.(2016).  Pacifier restriction and exclusive breastfeeding.  Pediatrics; 131(4): e1101-e1107.
  3. WHO UNICEF.  Retrieved 8/1/20 from https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_2

"Milk.. It does a baby good!

Don't Forget to Share!

Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
Picture of Kathy Parkes

Kathy Parkes

Breastfeeding Perspectives | MSN-Ed, BSPsy, RN, IBCLC, RLC, FILCA, CHC, CAHPE

Comment and Let Us Know What You Think!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Kathy

Kathy Parkes is a registered nurse, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a Fellow of the International Lactation Consultant Association.

We Want to Hear Your Story

Would you like to share your motherhood story on our new blog edition?

Recent Posts

Follow Us

Schedule A Consult Today!

Speak with a lactation consultant virtually or in-person.

Do you still need help?

Individual dietary needs may vary, so it’s essential to adapt these meals to your preferences and any specific dietary restrictions or considerations you may have. Consult with a healthcare provider today for personalized guidance on your unique nutritional needs.