Can I Use a Soother and Still Breastfeed? What the Latest Research Says

Dear thoughtful parent,

If you’ve ever worried that using a soother might interfere with your breastfeeding journey, you’re not alone. For years, well-meaning advice from hospitals, antenatal classes, or even friends has warned parents off soothers — especially in the early weeks. But what does the evidence actually say?

Well, the research is changing — and so is the guidance.

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 high-quality studies looked at whether pacifiers (soothers) affect breastfeeding success in both term and preterm babies. The findings? There’s no significant difference in breastfeeding success between babies who use a soother and those who don’t. In fact, the evidence quality was ranked moderate to high — giving parents more confidence to make the right choice for their baby.

And the news for preterm babies is even more striking: using a soother was linked with a 7-day shorter hospital stay and quicker transition to full oral feeding — helping those tiniest little fighters go home sooner.

So why the confusion?

Earlier observational studies suggested soothers might reduce breastfeeding success — but newer, better-designed randomised trials show that’s simply not the case. The conclusion? The decision to use a soother should lie with the caregiver, not outdated hospital policies.

How the Qudo Calmer is Different

If you’re looking for a natural, therapeutic way to comfort your baby, the Qudo Calmer might be exactly what you need. Backed by science, and developed with medical professionals from day one, it’s designed to do more than just soothe — it’s a tool that supports baby’s suck-swallow-breathe rhythm, re-balances babies’ (structural) strain patterns and the Cranial-Sacral Rhythm, and helps soothe their nervous system, all of which contribute to symptoms of colic, reflux, or feeding challenges .

“Since 2010, I haven’t worked alone,” says Qudo founder and chiropractor Nicky Bateman.“Every step of creating the Qudo involved fellow chiropractors, GPs, and specialists. It truly takes a village – not just to raise a child, but to create something that helps thousands of them.”

Whether it’s been shared at talks for the Academy of Physical Medicine , recommended by GPs, or quietly passed from one grateful parent to another, the Qudo Calmer is changing how we think about comfort.

“He had a spell of a few unsettled evenings, and the Qudo was like magic,” says one mum (and chiropractor herself). “He absolutely loved sucking on it — and if it popped out, he fussed until it was back in again!”

And as one Doctor dad reflects: “Textbooks don’t always match real life. Since becoming a parent, I recommend the Qudo to any families struggling with persistent crying or settling issues.”

So if you’re worried about your baby’s comfort, or unsure whether a soother might help — you’re not alone. And you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just finding what works for your baby.

Because with the right support, together we are stronger.