Effect on Breastfeeding of Pacifiers and Bottle Feeding

H ealthy People 2000 goals state that 75 percent of women in this country will initiate breastfeeding and 50 percent will continue to breastfeed at 5–6 months. Currently, about 59 percent of women initiate breastfeeding and as few as 20 percent are still breastfeeding at 6 months. Proper sucking technique is believed to be critical to establishing breastfeeding and preventing early breastfeeding problems. Observational studies of pacifier use indicate a possible association with shorter breastfeeding duration; however, the effects of pacifier use and artificial nipple use during bottlefeeding or breastfeeding have not been evaluated with rigorous scientific methods. Given the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding, scientific investigation of the effect of early artificial sucking experiences on the ability of newborns to breastfeed successfully is of profound relevance and importance to maternal and child health in the United States.