5 Tips for Managing the Holidays as a Breastfeeding Mama
Let’s face it. The holidays can be stressful, especially for moms. Family, friends, travel schedules, finances, the pressure to make those core memories with your kids… it’s a lot! The holiday season is upon us and if you are expecting a baby soon or have a new baby, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed.We want to help you manage your stress and anxiety surrounding the holidays!
Here are some helpful tips for surviving them as a new and/or breastfeeding mama.
Consider baby wearing
The breastmilk your baby receives plays a very important role in protecting them against all sorts of nasty bugs, but you do want to be careful with a newborn during cold and flu season especially when visiting family and friends. It can be difficult to tell well-intentioned people that they cannot hold your baby, and we aren't suggesting that you shouldn't let anyone hold. It is always a good idea not to visit people who are sick, and practice good hand hygiene. You may consider wearing your baby in a comfy wrap or carrier to keep them close and politely deter any unwanted touching or close contact from others.
Prioritize your nursing and pumping schedule
The holidays are a busy time of year with travel, parties, family gatherings and activities and it can be difficult to keep on a schedule. Having a new baby does take some spontaneity out of things and planning becomes necessary. Make sure to prioritize nursing/pumping schedules to avoid things like plugged ducts, mastitis and drops in supply. You may need to bring a cooler/ice packs with you to be able to store your pumped milk if you are not feeding it to your baby right away.
Enjoy a holiday cocktail
If you enjoy alcoholic beverages, don't be afraid to indulge—responsibly, of course. Even while breastfeeding, you are allowed to consume alcohol in moderation. Check out our blog on alcohol and breastfeeding here to learn more.
Plan your travel
If you are travelling over the holidays, planning ahead can help. If travelling by plane, check with your airline beforehand about how much breastmilk or formula you can carry on the plane, and what baby gear will be allowed vs. needs to be checked. As much as possible, plan your travel around feeding and sleeping times and if driving, you can research the best rest stops for feeding and changing diapers. Allow yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go, because we know during the holidays there will inevitably be delays and cancellations. Stay flexible, expecting that adjustments will need to be made to accommodate your feeding or pumping schedule. This should help make your holiday travel with little ones as smooth as possible.
Be confident!
Remember that you are the mom, and you know what’s best for your baby. Family gatherings can be a time when you receive a lot of unsolicited parenting advice and differing opinions about breastfeeding. It is important to set your boundaries and remain confident in your choices. You don’t owe anyone an explanation about why or how you choose to feed your baby. Stay calm, take deep breaths, and take breaks as you need to. The best part about having a nursing baby at a party is the excuse to step away privately and feed, change and nap!
Are you looking more support in postpartum and breastfeeding? Get in touch today to have all the newborn and infant feeding support right at your fingertips. Happy Holidays!
