The countdown is on…the parties are scheduled! The family gatherings are in full force! The presents are bought!!
And you are lactating.
How can we survive these crazy times with a baby attached to our boobs? Here is my survival guide on HOW TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS (AND TRAVEL) WITH YOUR BREASTFED BABY!
- LEAVE EARLY! Oh my goodness the amount of times I was on the side of the road breastfeeding or changing my baby. Give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination because babies tend to like being held…rather than sitting in a carseat. Everyone said to me, “Oh my baby LOVED the car!” Well my babies did not get the memo that every baby is supposed to like car rides. They cried in the car until they were about 6 months old and actually realized there is a world out there around them.
- CALL AHEAD! Are you going somewhere new or a place you have never been to with your baby? Call the person and ask if there is a room where you can sit with your baby if needed. This ensures you will have a quiet place and saves you asking, while your baby is screaming and you are on the verge of tears.
- WEAR YOUR BABY! “Can I hold your baby?” This question may come as a relief the first time someone asks you so you can to go the toilet baby free, but by the time you have the 5th person ask you and that 5th person happens to have a runny nose and cough, you may not be as excited to hand your baby over. If you are wearing your baby (in a baby carrier) then people will be much less likely to hold, touch or try to feed your baby.
- ASK FOR HELP! Before having babies many of us try to avoid asking people for help all the time or admitting that we are losing our shit and/or unable to bring something to the party. WELL, SIMPLY PUT…IT’S TIME TO GET OVER IT! Now is the time to ask for help, tell people you can’t bring a dish to the gathering and let everyone know you are exhausted and losing your shit. It’s really important (and OK) to be honest and ask for people’s help when needed. Some ideas include: “Can you please hold my baby so I can pee?” or, “No I’m sorry I can’t bring a side dish. I’ll ask my sister if she can make an extra one.” Or if you have people coming over, “I have not slept in 3 nights, my legs are hairy and my armpits smell…can you please hold my baby when you come over so I can shower before everyone arrives?”
- IT’S OK TO SAY, “NO!” This is such a tough one and a really common problem at family gatherings…EVERYONE WANTS TO FEED THE BABY. “Oh, a little bit of ice cream won’t hurt!” It’s not only OK to tell people, “No thank you!” but it’s also really important. Is your baby under the age of 6 months? Explain to people that you are following the World Health Organization guidelines of avoiding solid foods before the age of 6 months. Is your baby over the age of 6 months but not eating many solids (or any?!) let them know that breastmilk continues to be their main source of nutrition until they reach 12 months old and that you are avoiding certain foods to help keep her digestive system in tip top shape.
- BRING YOUR BABY TO A QUIET ROOM! When the time arrives, go and find that quiet room. Babies often get overwhelmed when they are at parties or in new places. It can also be very challenging (or impossible!) to breastfeed a distracted baby who is looking around while your nipple is hanging out. Sometimes all you need is a quiet space where you and your baby can cuddle, breastfeed or just hang out for a bit. This is usually enough to get your baby calm, breastfeeding and asleep…or at least happy!
Here is a little infograph I have made up in summary. I’d love for you to share if you like it! And please leave any suggestions below if you have some things to add to the list. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
The post How To Survive The Holidays With Your Breastfed Baby… appeared first on The Milk Meg.