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Nipple confusion advice for using a dummy

3 replies

BumblebeeG97 · 03/05/2025 21:49

Hi all,

I've read a lot of threads on here about nipple confusion and found most either believe it's a myth or have only experienced it with bottle feeding. I breastfeed my 5 week old and he's got a good latch, we've also introduced one bottle a day since week 1 and never had any issues. However, the issues come from using a dummy. I tried to introduce a dummy week 2 during a very difficult night where he wouldn't settle. He took the dummy well but I then had two days of him fussing when latching to the point it was taking 30/40 minutes just to get him to latch before the feed would start. I figured it was nipple confusion because we introduced the dummy too early and hadn't used it since. Now we are at week 5 and I figured it might be long enough with established breastfeeding to try introducing the dummy again (he's not the best at sleeping in his cot at night and I can't keep functioning on less than 2 hours of sleep!). After using the dummy last night he once again is not latching properly (throwing his head around when trying to latch, not sucking as strongly, and just generally distressed whilst I try to feed him). I guess my question is has anyone else experienced this specifically when using a dummy? And if so, did you manage to overcome it? I really don't want to have to stop using the dummy as it was the best night we've had since he came home, it really settles him in his cot. Any advice appreciated!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
BunnyRuddington · 04/05/2025 17:46

Ive not tried with a dummy sorry. Are you doing the other things regularly recommend on MN though like using a T-shirt DH has worn as a sheet in the crib?

Congratulation too Smile

BumblebeeG97 · 04/05/2025 18:59

No I haven't tried that so will give it a go. Thanks so much :)

OP posts:
Nelly44 · 10/05/2025 21:59

I've heard people using nipple guards (I think they're called that) to good effect whilst baby gets used to going between the two.

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