Pacifiers in the NICU: a lactation consultant's view.

Many infants, especially premature infants, may benefit from the regular use of pacifiers in the NICU. The NICU nurse who has a variety of pacifiers to choose from can select the one that best meets the infant's needs. But although mother's milk at the breast may not be the choice of all mothers, or may not be an option, it ought to be viewed as the norm. Full-term infants at the breast generally do better with no pacifiers at all. For the NICU patient, smooth transition to successful oral feedings at the breast or bottle is an important step in the direction of home.