If you're planning to breastfeed, then you're probably told by at least one person not to use pacifiers (or binkies). This is what we were told in the breastfeeding class we took. The instructor said not to let your baby have a pacifier for at least the first month of life. Apparently the babies will not go back to the nipple after getting used to the nipple on a pacifier. Is that true? Should you not use a pacifier?

Well, let me tell, as a mother of a baby who suffered from colic.... you do what works! At first, we tried to not give her pacifier. I didn't even have any on hand; I was that sure that I wouldn't use one. The nurse used a glucose-dipped pacifier in the hospital when she took a blood sample. I kept it. When we got home, our baby was crying, crying, crying. One night we finally broke down and tried the pacifier. Oh my goodness! It worked so well. Sucking is a natural way for babies to soothe themselves. She still took to the breast even after using a pacifier.

I do believe, however, that there are certain pacifiers that are better than others. You should be careful in the one you choose. They make ones that are similar to a breast nipple. Also, there are ones that are orthodontic; they are less likely to encourage teeth to grow pushed out. Then there's the fact that your baby may just prefer one kind over another. You should have a few on hand for when you and your baby come home from the hospital.  Born Free (see below) were my (and my baby's) favorite.