When did you first introduce pacifiers?

Sometimes DS is squirmy and fussy. The best way to soothe him seems to be my boob. He's not hungry and will only suck for a minute or so. I was told that we shouldn't use a pacifier in the beginning (DS is 1 month old).

I'm wondering when other mothers started using pacifiers. How can you tell when the baby is hungry vs just wants to suck to soothe?

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

They gave him one when he was on the warming table right after the c/s I didn't EBF though.

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

Posted by mcl916

They gave him one when he was on the warming table right after the c/s I didn't EBF though.

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

DS wound up in the NICU when he was 2 days old. Their policy is to use a pacifier so that was when DS got one. I didn't have any issues with BFing due to the pacifier. In fact, I'm glad we ended up introducing it so young b/c it gave me a little bit of a break. I felt like I was constantly BFing at the beginning and didn't want to be a human pacifier. DS is 4 months old now. The pacifier definitely helps to calm him when he's fussy.

ETA: I always feed DS on demand, but he tends to eat every 3-4 hours. As fas as knowing when he's hungry, I'll check and see how long it has been since he last ate. Also, there are certain things DS will do when he's hungry. If he's hungry, he'll refuse the pacifier or fuss when I offer it to him. It's basically trial and error and learning your DC's hunger/fussy/tired cues.

Message edited 4/20/2009 3:12:58 PM.

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

7 MONTHS OLD after I stopped BF she never took it before that.
I have regretted it ever since
Now we have to go through the weaning

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

they gave DS a paci in the hospital after his snip.

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

Both DS were given pacifiers in the hospital. DS1 never used it after we left (I tried but he just didn't want it!)
DS2 was in the NICU and they do everything short of duct tape to keep the paci in the mouth of NICU babies! He still uses it now

ETA: I BF DS1 for 9 months and I am EBF DS2 now with no nipple confusion at all.

Message edited 4/20/2009 3:24:21 PM.

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

First night home!

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

She got a paci right away, it didn't interfere with BFing. The fact that I had to formula feed her for the first 10 days is what interfered with the BFing.

DD is not a big paci user anyway (she's 11 weeks old). She only takes it for a minute or two then spits it out and doesn't take it back.

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

Right away but she really isnt into it. She starting to take it more now---at 3 months

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

She got one when we were in the hospital.

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

They gave him one at the hospital but he is not a fan!!

Re: When did you first introduce pacifiers?

actually the hospital introduced the pacifier ~ I went to get DS out of the nursery and saw this white paci in his mouth