Breastfeeding during the Holidays





This month we discussed breastfeeding during the holidays at our monthly online meeting.  If you were unable to join us, I thought you might like a recap. Lexy and Christelle brought up some great points!  

One concern is that the busyness and distraction of planning for the holiday season and attending holiday gatherings can lead to less frequent nursing sessions.  Breastfeeding less frequently can then possibly lead to engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis, lowered milk supply, and a surprise return of fertility. 

There are several ways you can help prevent these breastfeeding concerns. Use nap times to your advantage.  If you have a very young baby, continue to rest when your baby sleeps.  You can always delegate holiday planning to others or skip less important tasks this year. Your baby is little for such a short time! If your baby is older, you can use your baby’s nap time for activities like meal prep for a holiday gathering or online shopping for gifts. 

At holiday gatherings, wear your baby if possible so you can more easily notice feeding cues and also reduce the constant passing of baby among friends and relatives. Let relatives know that you are exclusively breastfeeding and that your baby will need to nurse often. Wear nursing friendly clothes. If your friends and family want to be helpful, ask them beforehand to bring a dish to share or give them tasks to do during the party.  If you think it is time for baby to nurse, politely excuse yourself and take baby to a quiet room to reduce distractions and to give yourself a much needed break. If you feel awkward in any way, ask your husband for help.

If you are driving a distance for the holidays, be sure to give yourself extra time to get there and expect to take frequent nursing breaks.

The holidays can be stressful, especially if you have a baby, but try to remember the true meaning of the holidays - being thankful for all our blessings and celebrating the birthday of our Lord. Ask God to give you His peace!

Written by Gina M. Peterson

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