This pacifier looks huge but it is the right size for him!
My mind has been changed on the subject of pacifiers for our little Jac. After a great deal of discussion with Jac's nurse last night I have learned why pacifiers are a good thing for preemies. Jac is just reaching the gestational age when he will start non-nutritive sucking - but he needs something to practice on so when it comes time to breast feed he has worked out the suck, swallow, breathe mechanism (which will develop around 37 weeks (he will be at 35 weeks on Wednesday). Also, as Jac's CNS (Central Nervous System) matures and he gets better at regulating all of his functions the pacifier can help him learn to soothe himself through difficult moments.
I saw evidence of this last night when we did one diaper change without the pacifier and one with it. During both we moved very slowly and respected Jac's cues. During the first diaper change his nurse and I spent quite a bit of effort to keep his arms and legs contained and calm. During the second diaper change with the pacifier I was able to hold the pacifier for him (he can't hold it in his mouth) and leave his arms for him to regulate. It is very important for Jac to learn this - that he can get through cares without getting upset - and he did really well.
Before I thought he was spitting the pacifier out but really it is just that he can't hold it in himself.
Jac's ability to regulate his state and his body is getting better every day and the NIDCAP training is designed to support this growth! Jac can now look me in the eye for short periods of time, move his arms and legs in a non-jerky way (when he is not agitated) and move his head a bit! Go Jac!
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