Does the paci decrease appetite?

[First Time Mom]

Might be an odd question but I was wondering if sucking on a paci for long would decrease a lo's appetite. My lo usually wakes from her naps hungry and today for her first 2 naps I had to wake her (usually I struggle to get her to nap longer), both times she still had her paci in her mouth whereas she usually spits it out in 10 minutes. During her feeds immediately after her naps I didn't find her as hungry as usual- she did feed both sides but I couldn't help but wonder if it was due to sucking on a paci for the entire naps.

[Samuel's mum]

Yes, I have heard that a paci can sometimes reduce feeding time for younger babies. I think the reasons aren't straightforward. Some of the 'desire' to nurse comes from a 'rooting' reflex that is met by using the paci. It could also be that the muscles she uses to feed are simply tired if she's being using the paci the entire time. Breastfeeding is quite labour intensive.
I found that when Sam sometimes sucked his thumb (at around 4 months - didn't last more than a few weeks) his feeding did reduce quite significantly. When he stopped, or on days he wasn't doing it, it was back to normal.

[daisymelan]

Do you think this should stop a mom from offering one in the first few days of life?  I did'nt offer one to ds until he was about 4 weeks old and by that time he didn't catch on.  I was hoping this time around I would introduce one early to avoid this problem, but I am going to have a hard think about this now.

[First Time Mom]

I didn't offer one until dd was about 5 weeks old though I wish I did sooner as I was the human paci! Now we only offer it to start nap or sleep time if needed and usually she spits it out in 10 minutes. I noticed again yesterday after her nap she was still sucking on it (that's 2 hours ) and again she didn't seem to have the enthusiasm when feeding so I now think there is a relation.

Stacy, I have a vast array of pacis, had to try so many to find which ones she liked now I have ones to match different sleepers , I have the glow in the dark- they don't glow so great and I have these ones with lids which are great if we're going out and I need to bring one for naps.

[gavinsmum]

I didn't want to offer the paci as I was worried about nipple confusion, but only lasted as the human paci for a few days.  The hospital gave him one even when I asked them not to - very frustrating!  But other than that he didn't have one for a few days.  I found that giving it to him helped hold him off untill the next feed.  My little guy was always a great eater so we had no worries after the first few days.  Babies have the natural need to suck, and it worked.  He was crying at night - not hungary.  I stuck it in and he went to sleep.  The newest research shows that they reduce the risk of SIDS.  I had mixed feelings, but it works for us.  I try to keep it just for soothing and sleeping.  I don't want a toddler walking around talking with it in his mouth.  Do what works for you!