Intentionality is key when it comes to breastfeeding over the holidays. The change in routine, busy schedules and added stress of the holidays can easily lead to a breastfeeding mom’s worst nightmare: clogged ducts, mastitis, a drop in milk supply and accidental weaning. Avoid souring your holiday with these helpful tips:
Stay on top of your nutrition and take a quality prenatal or postnatal vitamin daily. It’s not just vitamins that are important; be mindful of your mineral intake as well. Breastfeeding is even more demanding on the body than pregnancy. Take care of yourself by eating nutritious meals and snacks and staying hydrated. Don’t forget those electrolytes!
Prioritize rest. With holiday travel, festivities to prepare for and gatherings to attend it can be difficult to find time for some extra z’s; especially when you factor in nursing around the clock on top of all that. Make the most of the times you have to rest and remember, burning the candle at both ends is a sure fire way to overdo it. Being overly stressed puts you at a higher risk for breastfeeding problems. Make a list of holiday priorities and be ok with saying no to things that are too much this year.
Ditch the bra occasionally. This is especially crucial for those that are within the first few months postpartum. Tight bras that restrict and restrain are often correlated with clogged ducts and mastitis. This doesn’t mean you should never wear a bra, but be mindful of avoiding tight-fitting bras or clothing and give the girls a break every once in a while.
Nurse frequently and offer the breast. With the hussle and bussle of the holiday season it can be easy to push off nursing sessions, or skip them altogether if you have a baby that is easily distracted or doesn’t show strong hunger cues. While some babies nurse more often when in a different setting, there are many that unintentionally go longer stretches between sessions if mom doesn’t take the initiative and offer the breast. This can lead to breast infections, accidental weaning or supply issues. To avoid this, remember to nurse frequently and offer the breast if your baby doesn’t initiate. Keep and eye on your baby and an eye on the clock.
Express milk if necessary. If your baby goes a little longer than usual between nursing sessions and is not interested when the breast is offered, feel free to pump or hand express if you are uncomfortable. If you are prone to supply issues or breast infections this is critical! Tip: Bring a manual hand pump along on holiday outings just in case. If all else fails, hand expression is always an option.
Take time away to nurse. Some moms and babies are perfectly content nursing in a busy environment and others are not. Even if you are comfortable nursing in public, taking your baby to a quiet space to nurse can be a great way for you both to connect and recharge.
Dedicate time daily to doing breast gymnastics. This can be helpful both in preventing and treating breast infections. It’s simple and only takes a minute! Using your hands, gently lift your breasts up then slowly move them side to side. Doing this regularly can be a game-changer for moms who are prone to clogged ducts or mastitis.
Keep your baby close. It’s easier to notice hunger cues when you are near your baby, and your baby is more likely to give them if they are with you. It’s common for friends and family to want to play “pass the baby”, but don’t be afraid to stand up for your baby’s needs and request him/her back. You can avoid having other people offer to feed your baby if you leave bottles at home. Even if you exclusively pump you can always take your baby to another room to eat in peace and reconnect with you.
The holidays can be both magical and stressful when you have a baby. Try to slow down and relax. Your baby will mirror your energy, and if you are relaxed and able to take things in stride it will be a whole lot easier for your baby to handle the change in routine and will make breastfeeding go a lot smoother.
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