Latching, pacifiers, and well-meaning but misguided grandmothers

[oskie]

So James has been a champion nurser since Day 1 - great latch, exceeding his daily poop/wet diaper quotient, just overall success. Hooray!

I tried a pacifier once the second night he was home, but he spit it back at me. I figured baby knows best and didn't try again. Fast forward to yesterday when proud and beaming Grandma brings James back to me, saying "Look! I got him to take the pacifier!"

Thanks, Grandma. That wasn't a goal. I'm up throughout the night because my son is 12 days old, not because he won't take a pacifier.

Now his latch seems sloppy and he is a lot fussier during feedings. I've been vigilant at breaking his latch and redoing it every time he slips, but is that enough?

What else can I do to get back my breastfeeding mojo?

[Valerieg]

ITA that grandmothers can be a pain. Sorry to hear about your troubles. I really wish I had a suggestion but the only thing I can think of is to be diligent and hope for the best. Oh, and keep the pacifier (and grandma) away for a little while.

[GinaRae]

UGH! Well, I am going to definitely hold off the paci then. I am trying to get to at least 3 weeks before trying it if needed. Then my mom will be gone and hubby will have gone back to his usual hours and I may be desperate for a paci to help when I must drive or attend the other boys.

[boogiemonster]

Originally Posted by GinaRae

UGH! Well, I am going to definitely hold off the paci then. I am trying to get to at least 3 weeks before trying it if needed. Then my mom will be gone and hubby will have gone back to his usual hours and I may be desperate for a paci to help when I must drive or attend the other boys.

I've been delaying the pacifier too. I started my DD on it really early, with my mother's nudging and my scabbed nipples. It just doesn't feel right to offer it yet to the babe.

[Kontessa]

I try not to give my kids plastic toys. I am tryig to replace th plastic in my kitchen with better items. Why would I want my baby sucking on plastic? Nothing natural about a binki.

That being said, about 5 feet away hidden from me right now are two! A friend got them whn I told her how Libby uses me as a passy and the sleeping issues. I refuse to use them unless I am out of my mind! If it is my sanity or the binky, it will be the binky at least till I can get help.

For now I am dealing.

Sounds like you where too. I would put them away and aim for a binki free life!

[lisarussell]

i was very against them with baby #1 and she never had (or needed one)

I was jsut as against them with baby #2 and for some reason (wit's end), around 2 months we tried one and she was suddenly a different, happy baby. She gave it up around 6 months.

so with baby #3 I presented one to her around 2 mos and she used it for a few weeks, then was done.

baby #4 never wanted or needed one

baby #5 never wanted or needed one

This baby- who knows, I no longer have a strong feeling about it, I know they're unnatural, I know plastic is icky, but I'd rather have a happy baby than a cranky one. I'd still probably never give one to a newborn, really- I can't see why I would ever do that. But I do think some babies go through a spell where their need to suck is stronger than their need for food.

I think the thing people need to remember is that babies don't need to be "plugged in"

Lesson #1 for babies

SUCK=FOOD.
SUCK= FOOD
SUCK= FOOD

NO SUCK= NO FOOD