Breastfeeding and Mothering during the Holidays

Winter suddenly appeared this week in the little town of northern New Mexico, USA where I live. We also had our monthly online Catholic nursing mothers meeting this week whose topic was “Breastfeeding during the Holidays.” Believe or not, the stores are already putting out all their Christmas items. It seems that the holidays and Advent are just around the corner! Are you ready?

Catholic speaker and author, Gary Zimak, has a new book out called Find Peace in Advent: 4 Weeks to Worrying Less at Christmas. Typically Gary’s focus in his books is on reducing worry and anxiety. However, this book is for all Catholics, even those who do not suffer from anxiety, because it helps keep our eyes on Jesus even during all the shopping, decorating, cooking, and gatherings in December. I would bet that most Catholics feel just a little frazzled during the holidays. I know I do! This book gives a daily thoughtful reflection, response, and prayer to go along with one of the day’s Scripture readings for all the days of Advent.

I am subscribed to a few minimalist email lists. Having five kids with toys and “stuff” everywhere makes me dream of living in a Tiny House and giving away 50% of my belongings! Realistically, though, there are little things nursing moms can do to make the holidays less stressful. This minimalist webpage has some good ideas: set intentions for the season, prioritize quality over quantity, embrace minimalist decorating, say no to overcommitment, simple meal planning, reduce social media, practice gratitude. 

I would like to mention these other ideas from the website, The Nurtured Child, that are specifically related to breastfeeding and avoiding unintentional holiday weaning: family first and people before things, it is okay to set limits with extended family visitors - ask your husband to help you, watch for feeding cues and continue to nurse your baby according to his regular routine, and do not be afraid to take baby to a quiet place to nurse especially if he is getting overstimulated.

One more thing I wanted to touch on is drinking alcohol during the holidays. According to the leading experts on medications and breastfeeding, Dr. Hale and the staff of the InfantRisk Center, you can resume breastfeeding your baby after drinking moderately once you feel neurologically normal. However, since many moms worry (see you need Gary Zimak’s book!), the InfantRisk Center has a body weight and alcohol amount calculator to help you know when it is safe to nurse your baby again.

Written by Gina Peterson