Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN) Practice Test

Pacifier use for breastfed infants is recommended once breastfeeding is well established, typically around 3 to 4 weeks of age. This timing allows the infant to become proficient at latch and feed effectively, ensuring that they are receiving adequate nutrition from breastfeeding without interference. Introducing a pacifier too early can lead to nipple confusion or interfere with the infant's natural breastfeeding patterns, which might result in breastfeeding difficulties or inadequate milk intake. By 3 to 4 weeks, most breastfeeding issues have been resolved, and the infant is better equipped to manage both breastfeeding and pacifier use without complications. This approach supports the idea of establishing a solid breastfeeding routine first, which is crucial for both the mother and child's breastfeeding experience.