Dummy from birth?

[11mumof2tobe95]

Hello- I'm soon to be expecting my second baby

My first was a dream baby In hindsight (a wonderful thing), had no issues with latch etc and was very settled as long as close to me. She never accepted a dummy (we tried introduced it around 3 weeks to avoid nipple confusion) and was breastfed exclusively. However obviously it was tiring as I was my baby's only source of comfort and her dad couldn't even take her for 20 minutes whilst I had a bath as she wanted to latch.

I intend to breastfeed again this time- but want to introduce a dummy. Probably earlier this time. I've read nipple dummy confusion is a myth ... did anyone have issues introducing a dummy to a bf baby from day 1?? Thank you!

Unless baby is premature I think the advice is to wait to introduce a dummy until you’ve established breastfeeding. I didn’t think this was for nipple confusion but a) because babies can exhaust themselves sucking on a dummy and getting no milk and b) because your milk supply needs to establish. FWIW I have breastfed both my babies and I considered a dummy for my second for the exact same reason but we never needed it and the game changer for me in terms of comforting my baby second time was a really good carrier, I’ve even breastfed in it (and I never thought I’d be that person). My second has never settled in the pram. He’s 12mo now and I’ve just stopped breastfeeding.

ETA: I know that’s not what you asked sorry. I think it depends on you and the baby: my niece had a dummy from day 3 and was breastfed but my sisters supply was enough for more than one baby. My nephew had a dummy from early on and it meant my other sister couldn’t establish her supply he dropped from 90th to 2nd centile, she had to stop because he wasn’t getting enough and it was really hard for her.

I did it with no problems.

The advice is to wait till something like 6-8 weeks as it can affect your supply. All that sucking for comfort is what tells your body to produce enough milk. I personally would wait at least 6 weeks

"Milk production
Dummy use may reduce your milk production and result in poor weight gain. In the early weeks it’s really important to nurse often and ensure all sucking is at the breast to establish and maintain good milk production."

laleche.org.uk/dummies-and-breastfeeding/

It's really bad for the milk supply as the more baby suckles in the early stages the quicker your milk will come in and your supply will increase.