Breastfeeding Around the Holidays: Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Season By CNML Mentor, Julie Price

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The holiday season is filled with joy, celebration, and family traditions, but for breastfeeding parents, it can also bring new challenges. Between travel, social gatherings, disrupted routines, and well-meaning relatives offering advice can all make feeding feel a little more complicated. With a bit of preparation and a lot of grace, you can still enjoy this special season while nourishing and connecting with your baby.

Here are some tips to help you enjoy the season while continuing to nourish and connect with your baby.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget to drink water or eat regular meals. Breastfeeding increases your fluid and calorie needs, so keep a water bottle handy and aim for balanced meals. If you’re on the go, pack snacks like trail mix, cheese sticks, or fruit to keep your energy up.

Protect Your Feeding Routine (as best you can!) 

Holiday schedules can be unpredictable or may cause a disruption in your family’s typical routine. Focus on controlling what you can: tuning in and responding to your baby’s feeding cues. Whether you’re traveling or at a family gathering, find a quiet space to feed when needed. Babies thrive on that familiar comfort. Feeding baby on demand and in response to their feeding cues ensures you’re removing milk frequently, helping maintain your supply.

Manage Overstimulation

Holiday lights, new or unfamiliar faces, and excitement can overwhelm little ones. Some babies may nurse more often for comfort — that’s completely normal! When possible, step into a calm space to help your baby reset. Snuggling up to feed is a beautifully simple way to slow the pace for both of you.

Handle Unwanted Advice Gracefully

You might hear comments like “You’re still nursing?” or “Maybe you should give a bottle so others can feed the baby.” A simple, confident response like, “Breastfeeding is working well for us right now,” is all you need. Trust your instincts, you know your baby best. And if needed, say a little prayer for those offering unsolicited advice!

Embrace Slow Moments

It’s tempting to rush from one event to another, but babies don’t understand holiday calendars and schedules. When you pause to nurse, let it be your reminder to slow down. These quiet moments — rocking, humming hymns and carols, and praying over your baby can turn an ordinary feeding into a sacred moment of peace in a busy season.

If you’re traveling

Pack extra breastfeeding supplies, diapers, wipes, and anything else your little one might need, and keep them easy to grab. Having a well-stocked, accessible bag can ease stress and prevent that “urgent scramble” when baby needs something right away. And just as important, prepare grace for the unexpected. Whether you’re in an airport or your in-laws’ guest room, it’s perfectly okay to step away for some calm nursing time. You’re not missing out, you’re simply meeting your baby’s needs in love.

Let Go of Expectations

Maybe the house isn’t decorated just right or you said “no” to a few invitations this year. That’s okay. You’re in a season of giving life and nurturing. God delights in your quiet faithfulness far more than picture-perfect plans.

A Prayer for Nursing Moms

Lord, thank You for the gift of motherhood. In this busy season, help me rest in Your presence, find joy in the small moments, and trust that You are guiding me through each feeding, each diaper change, and each prayer whispered in the quiet. May this time be filled with peace, gratitude, and reminders of Your faithful love.  

Our Lady of Leche, pray for us. O Holy Family, pray for us. 

Amen.

Written by CNML Mentor, Julie Price