To Binky or Not to Binky

A: Contrary to what many mothers and other experts fear, I don't think pacifiers interfere with breastfeeding; babies are smart enough to recognize that nothing comes out of them. Granted, a baby may choose a rubber nipple over a live one because its easier to get milk out of, but he wont choose a pacifier over a breast. Furthermore, when it comes to oral-comfort issues, introducing a pacifier is far more convenient than constantly offering your finger or breast; the latter also can lead to overfeeding. (Yes, if the breast is used as a pacifier, you actually can overfeed breastfed babies, especially when they're older and crankier.) For more information on pacifier use, visit fitpregnancy.com/pacifiers.