Breastfeeding at Christmas
December is here, and things are starting to feel festive! Whether this is your first Christmas as a breastfeeding mam or your fifth, this time of year can be surprisingly tricky.
Jen from our Best Start Team has written this blog about breastfeeding over the festive period…
Breastfeeding during the festive period
Don’t get me wrong – Christmas is magical for babies and children. You’re probably excited to dress your little one in their snowman onesie and watch their eyes widen at the sparkle of fairy lights. Christmas is wonderful, and even more so with little ones in tow.
This time of year often means busy family gatherings, and naturally everyone wants to see – and cuddle – the baby! But what does this have to do with breastfeeding?
Many mams feel nervous feeding in front of new faces; maybe you rush to latch baby quickly and discreetly, even if it’s not quite right. Maybe your little pudding gets passed around like a game of pass-the-parcel. Or perhaps well-meaning relatives reassure you that their baby “never fed that often” or that yours “can’t possibly be hungry again.”
All of these situations can lead to breasts being emptied less often or not emptied effectively. Not only can this lead to discomfort for you (and baby), it can also have a really negative effect on your self-confidence and at times even cause early cessation of breastfeeding.
There’s also the festive chaos: days spent travelling, disrupted routines, and the temptation to ignore full breasts if baby is soothed to sleep by the movement of the car. But it’s important to listen to your body. If your breasts feel full or your baby is due a feed, prioritise this – even if it delays your arrival a little. Your comfort and health matter too!
Breastfeed when you or your baby need to
Remember that this time of year may be magical, but it can also be demanding – especially for breastfeeding mams. Allow yourself the time to slow down, breastfeed when you or your baby need to, and create boundaries that support your wellbeing.
A healthy parent is one of the greatest gifts a child can have, and taking care of yourself will help you fully enjoy the warmth and wonder of the season.
For non-clinical support with breastfeeding you can call our Best Start team on 07826531575 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm) or visit our webpage.
