Re: [ozmidwifery] thumb or dummy!?

[Pinky McKay]

hear! hear! Maureen too much mother blaming  - first one given a dummy in hospital because I had sore nipples (I now know better- nipple confusion probably didnt help the nipples etc). He spat it out at around 7months and wouldnt have it any more. Thank goodness - It was a pain as he lost it and couldnt find during sleep . Never went the dummy route again but no 3 sucked her thumb for a few weeks (or was it months?? I cant remember now but she certainly wasnt doing it as a toddler)- a Purist friend -first time mum exclaimed one day after watching her come off breast and put thumb in "oh you do let her suck as long as she wants!" -Friend thought my child must be self-soothing because I was a "busy" mum of three and perhaps baby was a bit neglected.   She is still my leanest built kid as an adult -I guess she needed to suck but didnt want milk .   they all have perfect teeth and she is definitely the academic of the family - the kid who had the dummy isnt too slow eiither - so much for sucking dulling their IQs -I guess its all a matter of degree and we shouldnt take it all too seriously  - lets palm them all off on some experts for a week and see how these guys manage to survive a few sleepless nights etc.   Pinky ----- Original Message ----- From: Ken Ward To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, February 24, 2003 12:55 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] thumb or dummy!? As a mother and a midwife I say do what suits. I personally would not give a dummy at 6 mths. baby can find a thumb, not so a dummy. Less hunting around and trauma when the dummy has been left behind. Thumb also more hygienic.  dentists do blame both thumbs and dummies for dental problems.  If you are going to use a dummy steer clear of the orthondic ones. Good old fashioned 'cherry' type best.   All my lot had dummies, youngest could get 2 in, and try a 3rd.  All 'off' them by about 2, no dental problems, no great traumas.  Friend's kid had a dummy till about 6. Teeth were a little bucked, but went to normal once the dummy removed.  I think there is far too much pressure on mum's. DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU.                                                                                                                                            Maureen -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of J Stewart Sent: Monday, February 24, 2003 12:13 AM To: ozmid Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ozmidwifery] thumb or dummy!? Dear List(s)!   Just looking for a little bit of general advice on an old debate! I have a six month old baby cousin [very cute!] she has taken to sucking her thumb as she is starting to get some toothy pegs! and her mum is not in favour of giving her a dummy. I was wondering what opinions are on this? I would think that sucking thumbs could effect tooth development and the direction/position in which they grow, as well as forming a hard to kick habbit in todlers, but have also heard interesting points against dummies.   Any thoughts!?   Thanks in advance! Jessica.