Dummies and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know

Could offering a dummy hurt your breastfeeding? Many parents think dummies are great for calming a fussy baby, but they might not know that dummies can also cause problems with milk supply and breastfeeding. In this post, I’ll explain how dummies can affect breastfeeding, share my experiences as a lactation consultant, and give you helpful tips to make sure dummies don’t cause problems if you decide to use one.

Understanding the Impact of Dummies on Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding works like this: the more your baby breastfeeds, the more milk your body makes. But if your baby uses a dummy, they usually will spend less time breastfeeding. This tells your breasts to make less milk. Research shows that babies who use a dummy are breastfed for a shorter time. The World Health Organization recommends to avoid using dummies altogether.

Why It Matters

As a new mum, you want to make sure your baby gets the best nutrition, and breastfeeding is very important for that. Knowing how dummies can affect your milk supply is important because it can lower your chances of breastfeeding successfully, which can affect your baby’s health and your own physical and mental health. By being careful with how you use dummies, you can avoid problems and have a better breastfeeding experience.

Dummies can also cause some problems for baby’s health and development. More on that here and here.

Tips for Reducing the Risk of Dummies Affecting Breastfeeding

If you choose to use a dummy, it’s important to do it in a way that won’t hurt breastfeeding. Here are some tips to help you use dummies carefully:

1. Wait Until Breastfeeding is Established

Introduce a dummy only after breastfeeding is going well, usually around 6-8 weeks. This makes sure your milk supply is strong and your baby is latching correctly.

2. Limit Dummy Use

Use dummies for special times, like soothing your baby to sleep, instead of every time they fuss. Always offer the breast first, especially in the early weeks.

3. Avoid Using the Dummy to Stretch Out Feeds

Don’t use the dummy to delay or skip a breastfeed. This can make your milk supply go down. Feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger.

Monitor Your Baby’s Feeding Cues

Pay close attention to your baby’s hunger cues. If they’re sucking on a dummy and showing signs of hunger, take out the dummy and breastfeed.

Dummies can cause problems with breastfeeding, so they aren’t recommended, but if you choose to use them, they can work together with breastfeeding if used carefully. By waiting until breastfeeding is well established, limiting dummy use, avoiding using the dummy to stretch out feeds and watching your baby’s hunger signs, you can keep your milk supply strong and help your baby grow.

Remember, every mum’s breastfeeding journey is different. What works for one mum might not work for another. Stay informed and trust your instincts as you go through this beautiful journey with your baby.

If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, I’d love to hear from you! Click here to DM me on Instagram.