Surviving Holiday Gatherings with a Breastfed Infant: Holistic Tips for Moms
The holidays are a special time, but they can bring extra challenges for moms caring for a breastfed baby. These holistic, natural tips will help you navigate the season with ease and joy.
Embrace Babywearing
A soft, natural-fiber baby carrier is a must-have for holiday gatherings. Babywearing keeps your little one calm, encourages bonding, and makes discreet nursing easier. It’s also a great way to keep overstimulated babies grounded in noisy environments while freeing up your hands for a warm cup of tea or a plate of holiday treats.
Find a Nursing-Friendly Spot
Identify a calm, cozy area where you can nurse and reconnect with your baby if things get overwhelming. Younger babies may need assistance latching and older babies can be easily distracted by their environment, making nursing harder. If visiting another home, ask the host when you arrive if there’s a quiet room you could use. As a last resort, you can hide out in your car if you desire privacy.
Pack Your Essentials
Prepare a small, holistic care kit with nursing pads, a burp cloth, muslin swaddle, snacks, and water. Don’t forget any other tools you may need like nipple shields or ointment.
Follow Your Baby’s Lead
Stick to your baby’s usual feeding and nap schedule as much as possible. Nurse on demand and don’t be afraid to step away from the day’s events if you or baby are overstimulated.
Use Direct, Polite Responses to Comments
Holiday gatherings often come with well-meaning but unsolicited advice. Respond confidently yet kindly:
- “The baby is eating again!?”
“Yes, breastfeeding keeps us both happy and calm during busy days like this.” 🙂
- “Can’t you just give a bottle?”
“We’re choosing to breastfeed without bottles right now, thanks. Can you pass the rolls?” 🍞
- “You need to feed that baby some real food!”
“We’re waiting a bit longer for table food and baby get’s all she needs from breastmilk.” 🍽️
- “Isn’t it time to wean him?”
“It’s recommended to nurse for 1-2 years, actually! I’m sure he’ll wean before college.” 😏
- “You should probably cover up while nursing…”
“We’re actually quite comfortable at the moment! Maybe you could look elsewhere instead?” 👀
Focus on Nourishment for You and Your Baby
Remember to eat mindfully and choose nutrient-dense holiday foods. Look for dishes with whole grains, leafy greens, and healthy fats to support your milk supply and energy levels. Sip on herbal teas like nettle or red raspberry leaf to stay hydrated and balanced.
Enjoy the Moment
The holidays are fleeting, so embrace this special time with your baby. Babywear, nurse, and rest as needed, trusting that you’re meeting your baby’s needs in the most natural way possible.
Looking for more helpful info for breastfeeding and the postpartum season? The Prenatal & Postpartum Nutrition Ebook is available now!
What are your favorite holistic tips for managing the holidays with a baby? Share your insights in the comments below!
