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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Breastfeeding and dummies

11 replies

amiikaii · 02/05/2021 12:43

Hi all ☺️

I breastfed dd1 till 2 so experienced in BFing, however I didn't use a dummy and it really became a struggle being used as a dummy as much as I was with DD1. Plus she wouldn't sleep unless she was on me.
So for DD2 born yesterday ☺️ I decided I wanted to try a dummy, it's working grand so after a feed I'll let her delatch and then when I put her in her basket I let her use her dummy but the midwife has came out today and advised against the use of a dummy at all as it can effect my feeding Sad did any other breastfeeding mums use a dummy and it was fine? Or should I stop now? TIA for any help!

OP posts:
shouldistop · 02/05/2021 19:30

My 5mo has a dummy. He breastfeeds fine

Pipperleen · 02/05/2021 20:06

We used one from about 3 weeks old. Guidance is from 4 weeks at the moment I think.
No problems whatsoever, DD is 7 months now, still BF and she associates her dummy with time to settle down for sleep. Literally no regrets!

Aprilshowersandhail · 02/05/2021 20:16

11 dc here. All but 1 took to a dummy.
Packed them in my hospital bag!!
No issues with bf at all. Fed each between 7 - 18 months...

Dangermouse80 · 02/05/2021 20:28

Continue, mine breast fed and had the dummy fine.

onetwothreeadventure · 02/05/2021 20:30

I introduced one after about a week with no issue. I do think the guidance is a bit later though

bluebluezoo · 02/05/2021 20:35

It’s a bit early, advice generally is to wait a few weeks to get breastfeeding established properly first. Babies are supposed to suck to stimulate milk supply, and if she’s sucking the dummy rather than you it could reduce supply.

If you can manage a few weeks with no dummy, or minimal use if the dummy, it would probably be better.

When I had mine I think the advice was to wait until 6 weeks if you could before introducing bottles or dummies so bf was properly established.

One of mine did love her dummy I had to really restrict it as it was affecting her weight gain as she’d use the dummy when she couldn’t be arsed to feed.

AnneLovesGilbert · 02/05/2021 20:38

We used one from a couple of months old when she wouldn’t settle without a finger in her mouth and mine kept going numb. Still has the dummy for naps and bedtime and loves feeding at 2. I’d planned to ditch it around a year but it’ll go in time.

Original poster
amiikaii · 02/05/2021 22:20

Thank you ladies! I've only used it once today which was when we gave her, her bath and she wasn't a fan 😰 she calmed when she got the dummy had a feed straight after. I'm eager for my milk to come in so I can feel better about supply. I'll do my best without it she's got a minor tongue tie the midwife said today and now I'm just extra worried about her latch and I don't wanna risk anything but I'm also super sore so got the midwife to check my latch because from what I've read apparently BFing should never hurt unless you have a bad latch but the midwife said my latch was fine so I dunno if my nipples just need a few days to toughen! It's been an 8 year gap between DD1 and DD2 some things are like riding a bike some things I'm a bit oh this is different!

OP posts:
tnetenba · 03/05/2021 09:29

I've heard that breastfeeding should never hurt too but I've not heard many people agree. It does seem like there might be a slight latch issue though. I would suggest finding your local La Leche League on Facebook and messaging one of the leaders as they will be able to help with any latch issues before you get toe curlingly sore. I heard 6 weeks before introducing a dummy and a bottle which I did, and I now have a baby who won't take either. I've said for my next one they can have a dummy and a bottle of expressed milk from much earlier but only for small amounts of time.

tnetenba · 03/05/2021 09:31

You have a good set up giving her it once she's detached herself and in her basket too as that's when it reduces the risk of SIDS. And of course congrats Flowers enjoy those little newborn snuggles, I'm jealous!

Original poster
amiikaii · 03/05/2021 17:53

@tnetenba

I've heard that breastfeeding should never hurt too but I've not heard many people agree. It does seem like there might be a slight latch issue though. I would suggest finding your local La Leche League on Facebook and messaging one of the leaders as they will be able to help with any latch issues before you get toe curlingly sore. I heard 6 weeks before introducing a dummy and a bottle which I did, and I now have a baby who won't take either. I've said for my next one they can have a dummy and a bottle of expressed milk from much earlier but only for small amounts of time.
I have one of the BFing specialists coming out tomorrow but another midwife checked my latch today and said it was good and correct and said that the tongue tie was barely an issue so probably won't need a snip unless it causes issues with her weight. She asked about my milk and if it had come in yet but not yet Sad hoping that's not bad. DD is staying on nipple longer now but apparently that's to get my milk in
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