How soon can I give ds1 a dummy?

[purpleaura]

My poor little 3 week old son is screaming and writhing in agony from trapped wind. He is beside himself and nothing seems to soothe him except sucking my little finger. He's doing all the feeding cues, but he won't settle on my breast and still screams. However, the little finger keeps him 100% happy. This makes me think a dummy would help to soothe him but is it too early? I'm concerned about nipple confusion given he is totally bf. Any advice would be really welcome because he seems in do much pain. Thank you in advance xx

It's fine. As long as he is also feeding okay. Have you got proper support for bf to make sure latch is ok ?

I'm not sure what the official recommendation is but with both of my DC I gave a dummy when they were about 2 or 3 days old and there was never any confusion when it came to breastfeeding. DS is now 4 weeks old and happily sucks on his dummy and takes to breastfeeding with no problems whatsoever. I might be flamed but i wouldn't worry too much and try the dummy now if you like.

Totally agree with cinnamon.

Give a dummy whenever you want. As far as I know, sucking on a dummy is completely different to suckling at the breast.
I know you've not asked for suggestions re. the pain from trapped wind, but you could sign up for a course of baby massage which can help their digestion. They do it at most SureStart centres. You could also try gently bicycling his legs and bringing his knees up to his chest, which might also help relieve the discomfort. Another thing that might help is if you hold him face down on your arm. Google "tiger in the tree hold" and it shows you how to do it.
Hope he improves soon, it's awful having a baby in pain and not feeling able to do anything.

Oh and if you think a dummy might help but he doesn't like it, there are lots of shapes to try. My dd hated those orthodontic ones, preferring the cherry teats instead.

And, (sorry to take up all your thread) have you spoken to your midwife/hv/lactation consultant about the possibility of tongue tie, as well as checking the latch and positioning?

You may have to hold it in tho. We were told to give a dummy for reflux but DS couldnt seem to get a grip on it. We tried many times over several months but he never dis take to it!

Good luck. Screaming babies are tiring.

My DD1 screamed non stop from the moment I took her home, at 10 days in desperation DH went out and bought her a dummy - revelation, she was happy and calm! Never had any problem knowing when she needed bf, I could just tell from her crying and no nipple confusion. With DD2 and DS I gave them a dummy within the first week, again, never a problem with bf. All my three were just unbelievebly sucky, by 3 - 4 months they all started sucking their thumbs (which continued vigourously until about aged 5) and the dummy was a perfect stop gap until they had the requisite motor control to get their thumbs in their mouths.

my chap was given a dummy by the hospital at 5 days old. (they checked I was happy for him to have one).

I was. he was too!

Thanks everyone, v reassuring. Will be getting dummies next time we're out. Thanks mumofboyo for the tips- have tried bicycling but not the massage... Will investigate. It just feels good to have somewhere to go with it. Thanks again all xxx

DS was given a dummy by the neo natal unit at 1day old. He never took to it and I really think it would have helped his tummy issues if he had