Breastfeeding - will a dummy hinder?

[Gigi]

hi Nae Nae,

i bf my nb, by one month old she was using the dummy on ocassion (but not the first thing i reached for).

My supply was unaffected. When she was thirsty, she let me know and we bf.

at one year old, she didn't want the dummy anymore.

i used the dummy as one option, not the only option. (i think the warnings AGAINST dummies, are about people who use them as a crutch. Overuse of many things is not great. In moderation, i think dummies are fine and useful, to babies who like them).

if i had my time over, i would look at safer dummies (e.g BPA free ones) and organic teething toys and amber teething necklaces. teeth didn't come til much later, but at THREE MONTHS, bilby's gums were so enflamed we were using the teething gel alot.

there are a few different shaped teats for dummies. i would get a variety adn see which your bub prefers.

i used the CHOICE website to work out which dummy brands were NOT recommended (safety wise). Their lists are not exhaustive, usually just a few easily bought brands - but it's somewhere to start.

[NaeNae]

Thank you everyone for your input.

Barb - Shae feeds 6-10 times in 24hrs and this varies in length that she is on for so both long feeds and snacks/top ups. I do everything lead by her so some days she feeds more than others. Her last gain taken by our MCHN was 745g in 2 weeks so I know there is no issue with how much she is getting when it comes to weight plus she does have 6-10 heavy wet nappies in 24 (mcn).

If we can hold off a dummy for just a bit longer I would prefer that because i am so scared i will stuff everything up and have to FF gee this is really hard this mother thing, its so hard to know what to do.

Nae x x x

[briggsy's girl]

Nae - the mothering game is damn hard hun! everything comes down to you working it out for yourself cos everyone you know has done thing differently and what works for one won't work for another. or the way one person does things doesn't work for the next person - so damn hard!

anyway, just wanted to throw a few more hugs your way - and to let you know that the best way for you to do things is YOUR way. if you're not comfortable introducing a dummy, don't do it. if you want to try it, try it. ultimately you need to be comfy with what you're doing!

[thepixie]

i am so scared i will stuff everything up and have to FF

Nae I really don't think you are in any danger of stuffing anything up. You have been exclusively BFing for five weeks, you're going really well and Shae is posting whopping gains so is obviously thriving on your milk. Sounds like you are well established and have a plentiful supply. Your MCHN has met you both so is in a good position to recommend something that she thinks is right for YOU... but at the end of the day the choice is yours. Mummy knows best - and you're the mummy

[MantaRay]

I do everything lead by her

that says it all to me hun. You are doing a fantastic job. Your instincts are obviously working well for you so don't be afraid to follow them

[Megan]

We introduced a dummy really early at around 10 days to help settle DS after feeds. It hasn't had an impact on my supply at all. He still has his dummy (just to settle himself to sleep usually), and we are still b/f at 8.5 months. I had to work at increasing my supply in those early days as well, and I was wrried a dummy would cause more problems so I understand why you would be concerned.
Being a mum is hard work and like BG said, you have to go with what works best for you. It sounds to me like you are doing a fantastic job

[Traveller]

Personally I hate dummies, but needed to use one in the early days with the twins as I could not offer them the boob for comfort all the time due to not having enough hours in the day. I cursed those dummies until the day the fairies took them away (a few months ago) so if you do introduce one then my advice would be try to limit it to those times when she is unsettled but not hungry, and not all day every day as it becomes very difficult to get rid of them.

You sound like you are doing a fab job though, I agree with the poster above me. Trust your instincts on this one. If you don't want to give her a dummy then don't. If you do then go for it.

T
xx

[mrsmac]

All of mine had a dummy from a few days old and none had any probs BF. DD2 and DS self weaned at 13 months and 14 months respectively.
I found it so comforting for them as they were all comfort suckers. DD1 ditched her dummy at 6 months but the other 2 had to be talked out of it much later LOL

[Bella29]

NaeNae,

I wanted to give my bubba a dummy and asked what it was supposed to do if you gave it early. I was told that it can stop a mumma from feeding bubs when they are hungry and offering dummy instead. it isn't so much that they are going to take harm from it, but if you miss a feed and don't give it when they need it you will decrease the supply demand stuff. My sister said that with her first few kids she gave it after the 6 week mark. by her 3rd child she knew when her bubba was hungry so she gave a dummy straight away and just knew when her baby was hungry and fed.

I just wanted to say also that a wrap might help you to deal with bubba's wind. if bubs is strapped to your body, her little tummy will be pressed against yours and effectively be getting a massage from you whilst you walk. Also the upright possy is good for them and makes them comfortable. If you are interested I don't know where you are but the friends of the birth center townsville sell them at a really cheap price and they are a godsend.

Good luck hon! Your will do just fine!

Bella

[widdly]

DS was bf and took a dummy at 2 weeks, he had severe reflux and the dummy really helped him, otherwise he would have been attatched to my boob all day every day. I tried so many different dummies on DS. Started with Avent but they pressed against his nose, Nuk he couldnt keep them in his mouth, ended up with Happy baby cherry latex dummies, they were awesome

Hope you can find a way to settle bub x

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

Thanks for getting back to us. it sounds like breastfeeding is going really well for you. She is feeding frequently and her weightgains are fantastic. (This sort of information from a mother makes a huge amount of difference - in breastfeeding there is rarely a "one size fits all" approach) As some-one else said - there is little chance you will have to formula feed.
So, with that information on board, if you thought it would help, the thoughtful introduction of a dummy will be fine. She may find it very comforting. However, you are doing a great job so far by following your instincts, so if it doesn't seem right then hold off for a while.
Well done