DD 13 days old BF what about intorducing a dummy?

megcleary · 2011-02-20T14:36:28+00:00

BF seems to be going ok in the day it is about 3 hourly but at nightfrom about 11pm she can feed until 0300 one night 4 DH and I are knackered normal we know but are snapping at each other now etc. Anyway I was thinking of trying a dummy to help her settle after a marathon g feed to check if it comfort or feeding sucking. Will this ruin breastfeeding?

Original poster

megcleary · 20/02/2011 14:48

bump

OP posts:

gaelicsheep · 20/02/2011 15:08

Dummies are not generally recommended because a) it can interfere with hunger signals, and b) the possibility of nipple confusion.

I am not an expert, but I personally don't really subscribe to either of these concerns when you're talking about occasional use. I don't believe there would be any harm in trying if it will help you understand your DD's signals. But it is VERY important that you don't then go on to give your DD the dummy whenever you think it's just comfort she wants (I'm sure you wouldn't), as comfort sucking is equally important.

I know some people will say I'm wrong, and they're probably right from a theoretical point of view. But I know how knackering it can be to have a baby who wants you constantly. Even if you can just use one for a little while until you're not quite as knackered. In the long run feeding lying down and co-sleeping would be a better solution but while you are so knackered this might not be adviseable.

Caveat, she may not take a dummy...

gaelicsheep · 20/02/2011 15:25

Dummies are not generally recommended because a) it can interfere with hunger signals, and b) the possibility of nipple confusion.

I am not an expert, but I personally don't really subscribe to either of these concerns when you're talking about occasional use. I don't believe there would be any harm in trying if it will help you understand your DD's signals. But it is VERY important that you don't then go on to give your DD the dummy whenever you think it's just comfort she wants (I'm sure you wouldn't), as comfort sucking is equally important.

I know some people will say I'm wrong, and they're probably right from a theoretical point of view. But I know how knackering it can be to have a baby who wants you constantly. Even if you can just use one for a little while until you're not quite as knackered. In the long run feeding lying down and co-sleeping would be a better solution but while you are so knackered this might not be adviseable.

Caveat, she may not take a dummy...

gaelicsheep · 20/02/2011 15:27

Sorry for double post. Was busy doing a survey so refreshed 20 mins later!

Original poster

megcleary · 20/02/2011 16:04

Thanks for replying, whats killing us is she feeds 30 mins do nappy change offer second boob not interested then pop her in basket. The minute she lies flat she wakes and screams then offer boob again and she gos for for a few mins asleep again. Lie her down and bingo awake again, just wondering if a dummy would help her settle.

Co sleeping we are afraid we will squash her and I am one sad cow who can only feed her in one position so lying feeding not going to work.

OP posts:

gaelicsheep · 20/02/2011 16:15

Meg she's 13 days old. I didn't master feeding lying down until DD was 4 months, but once I did oh boy did it make a difference. So I really wish I'd tried harder earlier. 13 days is a bit early, which is why I think a dummy might help - yes - but as a temporary measure until she's a little bigger and you can learn different positions.

Again, though, as with so many threads like this your DD's behaviour sounds perfectly normal. Knackering but normal! I'm saying, basically, that I don't think occasional use of a dummy can really do any harm as long as it IS only occasional when you're desperate. But it may not help at all unfortunately.

If she is having problems with lying flat in the way you describe, it may help if you raise the head end of the cot slightly. It's just possible she has a tendency towards acid reflux - babies that hate lying down are often found to have reflux to some degree. But then she may just want her mummy.

pookamoo · 20/02/2011 16:17

Some people find that in the night they don't do the nappy change... someone suggested it to me, and I was amazed at the difference. DD was fine, and the nappies weren't anywhere near as full as you might think.

KenDoddsDadsDog · 20/02/2011 16:21

My DD took a dummy and it didn't affect BF. Second the nappy change too. My HV told me to only change for a pooh and it made a difference.

Jen2727 · 20/02/2011 18:22

i found using a dummy really helpful and it has not badly affected us!

Jen2727 · 20/02/2011 18:22

i found using a dummy really helpful and it has not badly affected us!

MoonUnitAlpha · 20/02/2011 19:24

At 13 days it may just be that she needs to be near you and is objecting to being put down more than anything else.

I started offering a dummy at about 3 weeks I think, but it took a few weeks and a couple of different kinds of dummy to get ds to accept it.

pookamoo · 21/02/2011 13:05

Oh yes, like KenDodd said, we would change DD's nappy for a poo in the night - wouldn't leave her stinky!

Sparklyboots · 22/02/2011 12:23

We gave our 8 wk old a dummy round 2 wks... what a relief!!! Much hand wringing because of anti-dummy discourse, but it has been a real help... sucks it furiously during a nappy change, which he hates, and sometimes when he's having a fussy feed and can't latch on I pop it in for a few sucks til he calms then pop my boob back in. Also helps when doing a massive poo or fart session, which otherwise result in crying and disturbed sleep. He makes a very entertaining noise when having an irritable bite on it (usually during too-tired nappy changes). Soooo glad that's not my boob.