Breastfeeding Through The Holidays
The winter Holidays are a time of joy, giving, gatherings and often times, stress! This can present challenges as you navigate infant care and feeding outside of the normal routines and social expectations.
Here is a list of my favorite tips for a fantastic holiday season:
Parties, Events and Family Gatherings
Parties, events and family gatherings will have you out and about. My favorite tool for breastfeeding on the go and keeping baby close (avoiding lots of extra hands touching your newborn) is a ring sling. Keeping your baby close and utilizing a sling also helps avoid supply dips and holiday nursing strikes by keeping feeding frequent. If your holiday plans include dressing up or formal events, ring slings from Sakura Bloom are a fantastic choice! Also check out one of my favorite baby-wearing educators, Wrapping Rachel for information on how to breastfeed in a ring sling.
What to Wear?
Having easy access to your milk makers helps with feeding at an event, in a sling or pumping much more comfortable. I'm loving the options at Latched Mama!
Holiday Shopping
With a baby in the house and colder weather, often times holiday shopping is an event in itself. Give yourself a break. Support small businesses and creative makers by finding the items on your list at Etsy! One of my very favorite vendors is a local Minnesotan. She makes the sweetest little peg doll sets and does custom families too!
Protecting You and You Baby’s Space
If loved ones are suggesting to help you out by holding or feeding your baby, it may feel like a relief or it may feel like pressure. Take some time to formulate a reply that is comfortable to you before heading out to a gathering. Or better yet, give them a task! "It would be super helpful if you could get me a beverage..food...sit and talk to me while the baby and I are breastfeeding"
Can I have a Drink?
From holiday wine with dinner to toasts of bubbly on New Years Eve, is it ok to consume alcohol while breastfeeding? Here are a few tips to remember:
The amount of alcohol in milk is approximately the same as your blood alcohol level. .08% is legal intoxication in most states.
Milk does not hold onto the alcohol. As the alcohol leaves your bloodstream it also leaves your milk. No need to pump and dump to get rid of the alcohol.
Alcohol may decrease milk supply, especially in larger amounts
Babies under 3 months have less mature livers so it is harder to process alcohol.
Holidays can be stressful. Navigating breastfeeding and pumping during this time can feel like a challenge. Bottom line, take time for yourself and your baby. Lots of cuddles, snuggles and breaks in festivities. Keep mindful of getting enough sleep. Seek support from your local parent groups. We would love to see you at Health Foundations for Mom's group or Milk Hour on Thursdays! If you feel you need more support or one on one information, don't hesitate to reach out and make an appointment with an IBCLC Lactation Consultant.