The pacifier debate

A variety of studies have indicated that pacifier use lowers the risk of SIDS. Many observational studies have demonstrated a negative association between pacifier use and breastfeeding duration. However, observational studies cannot be used to determine whether the pacifier is the real cause of breastfeeding cessation. Evidence for causation can be better supplied by randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Three RCTs have been conducted on the relationship between pacifiers and breastfeeding, but each study has limitations, implying that the evidence of not causal effect can be questionated. We have recently presented the results of a large RCT which demonstrated that in mothers who are successfully breastfeeding at 2 weeks, the recommendation to offer a pacifier does not modify the prevalence of exclusive and any breastfeeding at different ages or the duration of lactation. It is therefore important that lactation consultants and international agencies reexamine their staunch position to discourage the use of pacifiers on the basis of a supposed adverse effect on the success and duration of breastfeeding.