The holiday season is exciting and magical and might even be more so for new parents. It can also be an overwhelming time of the year, again, maybe more so for the new parents. If you have made the commitment to breastfeed, that can add in yet another element.
Getting ready for the holidays can take up so much time. Feeding also can occupy a large amount of time. How can we manage to get it all done?
With all the action going on moms of breastfeeding babies may notice that baby’s typical patterning is off. Keeping this in mind ensure you are spending the time needed to meet your baby’s needs. Not feeding baby often enough can result in plugged ducts, mastitis and a decrease in supply, not to mention decreased nourishment of baby. Why not use the baby as an excuse to lie day, relax and excuse yourself from some of the bustle?
Often, well-meaning people want to feed the baby solid foods. It is common for us to celebrate with food, so naturally people wanting to include baby, may want to share these foods with baby. You know your baby best and if s/he is not ready yet, stick to breastfeeding. Even if baby appears ready the holidays, especially if away from home, may not be the ideal time to start solids. You just never know how baby is going to react. That is why we call it an “introduction” and expect it to be a slower process. Let’s keep in mind the people who think they are doing you a favor if they offer to feed the baby a bottle for you at this time, too. A simple, “Thank you, but we are ok” is all you need!
Again, discussing our sharing in food as well celebrate, we have the supper table. But is it Ok to latch baby at the table? Of course, if you are comfortable with it the baby should be able to celebrate in the same meal time as mom. You might need an extra set of hands to help cut your food or serve you a plate. Having said that, if you feel the need to escape or are more comfortable in a quiet room to nurse than by all means this is just fine. You and your baby will decide this together.
Just as you and your baby will decide what environment is best to nurse in, you will also decide to what is best for your baby to nurse til. Some people have never seen an older baby nursing. They may make remarks or have an odd glance. There is no need to explain anything to anyone. This is a personal decision and it only matters that you know that you and your baby are benefiting from breastfeeding.
If you dress comfortably with clothes that make breastfeeding easier to manage this will help the above situations flow well. Having a simple shirt and a good nursing bra is a good place to start. For more formal gatherings, I suggest a two piece (a skirt or pants and a top), or a zippered or buttoned front dress, with maybe a scarf. Layering with a nursing camisole is also a great option.
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| Photo Credits to Rhonda Young-Pilon |
As with food, adults often celebrate with alcohol. “Whether or not to use alcohol is a choice that all breastfeeding mothers must make. The use of alcohol by breastfeeding mothers is widespread and is even considered ‘usually compatible’ with breastfeeding”. For more information about breastfeeding and alcohol visit http://www.infantrisk.com/content/alcohol-and-breastfeeding You may be shocked to find that you might be able to enjoy a drink or two this season.
Be prepared by knowing where to get help with breastfeeding if you are pregnant and expecting a new baby during the holidays. Some options are to connect online with a parenting forum, especially if travelling or house bound. Ideally, it is wise to get in touch with a lactation consultant before you deliver to ensure you know availability if need be and even give her the heads up you might be looking for extra support during the holidays. If you have access to a La Leche League meeting or prenatal breastfeeding class this will help give you come confidence about how to latch on your baby. You may also learn about how to avoid other common concerns or difficulties, which may help in case you cannot get support immediately during the holidays.
Lastly, keep in mind, the holidays will come again next year so if you need to step back this year, you can a redo next year. Babies are only babies once.
