comfort sucking + use of dummy?

[Jennifer13]

The first six weeks is usually the time that bfing experts say to avoid the dummy, both because it will mean less stimulation to the bbs that are still getting the hang of how much milk to make and because often baby is still hungry and even though a dummy settles them, it's not what they need.

I guess there's no hard and fast rule, but I would say if you have successfully established bfing and your little one is doing well then don't avoid the dummy! Sucking is a baby's way of settling itself and my DD was sucking on her wrists prenatally. It is a much stronger need in some babies than others. (In fact, we were doing so well with bfing and my DD wanted to suck after a bf - not on my bbs at all, but her own hands, causing blisters! - that we introduced the dummy under close supervision in hospital). And FWIW, we had no dramas giving up the dummy (which she only had at sleep time) just before she turned two. She just stopped having it for daytime naps for a week and then we put it away for night time. Ten minutes of fuss one night, and that was it. So don't believe the horror stories!

Hope it gives you some relief. Also, remember to keep the dummy very clean/sterilised until she's mobile (at which point everything goes into her mouth and there's no point!).

[sunshine_sieben]

Also, remember to keep the dummy very clean/sterilised until she's mobile (at which point everything goes into her mouth and there's no point!).

Lol- so true. My MIL always thinks dummies are gross and unhygienic. I point out that DD can't put anything else in her mouth while the dummy is in there, so it's actually much more hygienic.

Saša