Pacifier and Breastfeeding

Pacifier and breastfeeding in a woman’s life. Although not entirely accurate, today we discuss the binky and its role in the life of the newborn, the mother, and the entire family.

The sucking reflex in infants is one of the strongest and serves multiple functions.

Pacifier and the Functions of Sucking

Consumption of breast milk;
Soothing and meditation (sucking for newborns and infants resemble our ayurvedic hot oil massage. Those who have experienced it know the relaxation and bliss). Since ancient times, women have crafted pacifiers from linen fabric, allowing babies to experience a state of Zen-like tranquility;
Formation of the oral stage of libido. During the first 18 months, a child derives pleasure and explores the world through the mouth. Biting, sucking, and stimulating the receptors in the oral cavity and lips are essential factors for development. A pacifier can assist in this process and alleviate the mother’s burden of constant breastfeeding demands;
Preventing overfeeding. If a child overeats because breastfeeding is being used as a binky, it can contribute to the development of behavioral patterns that hinder the individual’s maturity later in life. I mean situations where an exhausted and fatigued mother, unable to determine why her baby is crying, simply resorts to offering the breast.

And it is up to the woman herself to choose how she satisfies her baby’s most powerful sucking need.

Research suggests that the use of a pacifier reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parents to offer a pacifier during sleep and before bedtime.

Cons of Pacifiers

Some research claims that the use of pacifiers can increase the risk of acute otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) in a baby;
If a pacifier is lost, the child is upset and everyone around him hears about it. That’s why you should have three same at hand;
You need to take your time to look for the one that your child will like;
If you use pacifiers after the age of three or four, there is a risk of developing bite deformities.

And now I will refute or explain some of the myths associated with using a binky.

Does a pacifier impede speech development?

Speech development is hindered by the process of “blocking” the baby, regardless of whether it is with a binky, breastfeeding, or nonverbal means. Yes, there is a whole range of stereotypical parental behavior that might “mute” even a child who has started speaking well.

Does a binky increase the risk of gastrointestinal infection in infants?

Yes, but only in countries where access to clean water and electricity is limited, and sanitary hygiene standards cannot be maintained.

Does a pacifier worsen lactation and lead to the cessation of breastfeeding?

Hooray! There is a review on this topic in the Cochrane Library (a database of evidence-based medicine research). It has shown that the proper use of a binky does not impact breastfeeding, bite development, or the mother’s satisfaction with the breastfeeding process.

Yes, I advocate for the rational use of pacifiers. During the first month, lactation is established, and pacifiers do not hinder this process. On the contrary, they can help women relax and find time for themselves.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering a pacifier to a newborn no earlier than the third or fourth week of life.

Everything parents need to know about the first year of a baby’s life can be learned from my course, “The Postnatal Period: From Birth to 1 Year.”

I’m eager to file all of these courses in English, just send me a request to dr.silinaeducation@gmail.com.

With love, Natalya Silina,
MD Gynecologist-Endocrinologist
UNICEF and UNFPA Expert in Sexual Education