Appropriate age group:
Infant

Description of technique:
Many hospitals will give your baby a pacifier in the nursery unless you specifically request for them not to use one. However, many doctors advise against giving a baby a pacifier until a breastfeeding pattern has been established and it is clear that your baby is gaining adequate weight. While babies are soothed by the sucking sensation a pacifier provides, they can become so satisfied with the pacifier that they refuse to suck at feeding times. Babies who are just learning how to breastfeed can also become confused between the pacifier and the mother's nipple since it requires a different kind of sucking motion.