You many have heard that breastfeeding newborns should never use a pacifier because they may experience “nipple confusion.” More and more experts are refuting this idea, especially now that pacifiers are thought to reduce the risk of SIDS. A recent study conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, in Portland, found that the percentage of babies who exclusively breastfed actually dropped after pacifiers were banned from the Mother-Baby Unit, and more moms ended up supplementing with formula. Sometimes babies can’t meet their sucking needs by breastfeeding alone. If your newborn is gaining weight appropriately and feeding well, then using a paci should be fine. When it is clear your baby is hungry, though, offer the breast, not the paci.