Definition of Pacifier
Pacifier: An artificial nipple, usually made of plastic, upon which an infant can suck to gain some solace and quiet down. A pacifier is called by other names in other countries including a "dummy" in the U.K.
Pacifiers have been claimed to cause early weaning. However, a study (JAMA, July 18, 2001) was done of women who were planned to breastfeed for at least 3 months. All of the women were told how to soothe a crying or fussy child, but one group of women was told to avoid giving their baby a pacifier. Advising women not to give their baby a pacifier had no effect. The rate of early weaning was the same in both groups. The use of a pacifier does not cause early weaning.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11608
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
Drug Medical Dictionary of Terms by Letter
Medical Dictionary Term:
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
Updated & New
