Monday, June 27, 2011

To Pacify, Or Not To Pacify


Webster's dictionary defines pacify as
1. to allay the anger or agitation of and
2. to restore to a tranquil state.
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacify)

TB hits a state of anger and agitation when he is tired. He will have finished his meal, played for a while and will suddenly find himself thinking it is the end of the world (at least he cries like he thinks it's the end of the world). This is when I wish he would utilize one of the many pacifiers I have tried for him. One of the pacifiers that is not ME that is...

I have once again become a pacifier.

When DTE was a baby, I knew so little about breastfeeding that I didn't even realize I was her pacifier. DTY was never interested in a pacifier (me or otherwise) as soon as she was done eating she would pop off the breast and didn't care that there was nothing in her mouth. TB- always wants something in his mouth!
Let me just say, I love breastfeeding. I love being able to provide my child with nourishment, comfort, love and security. I am very grateful that I am able to breastfeed. Grateful that none of my children have had issues with latching on, or difficulties with breastfeeding. I breastfeed on demand for the first couple months of my baby's life. I want them to understand that I will meet their needs, I will take care of them, I will listen when they cry. I don't, however, like being used 24/7 as a pacifier.
So, the search for the perfect pacifier began.
We started with Soothies (because he gladly took one at the hospital).
We lost his for a few days after he came home,
now he refuses to even let me put one NEAR his mouth.
Next we tried NUK. He thinks its a great chew toy.
A friend suggested Gerber's pacifier.
Thus far, this is the most successful.
He allows it to be put into his mouth.
He thinks about sucking on it.
He waits a few minutes before he spits it across the room.

Last night I held and bounced him with this pacifier in his mouth. I even made up a binkie song to go along with our dance. Eventually, he fell asleep with a pacifier (not a breast) in his mouth. Today he used it without the song (but still required the dance). For the most part, it is still just a toy, and I am still the preferred pacifier. *sigh*

Any advice on getting a baby to take a pacifier? I really wonder if I am just not a pacifier type mommy.

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