The holidays are considered a joyous time of year but for breastfeeding moms it may also be a stressful time. A few common stressors I hear moms mention are: visiting family, traveling, and concerns about holiday foods/drinks.
Visiting Family– For some, visiting family/friends provides support and for others it does the opposite. If you family is unsupportive of breastfeeding or always wants to hold the baby so you can “get some rest” it can impact breastfeeding. It can help to set some personal boundaries and have some pat phrases to use in response to negative commentary. The hustle and bustle of the season can take its toll so try to minimize errands, minimize decorations and maximize time spent off your feet!
Traveling– When traveling with a baby, build some extra time into your plans so you won’t feel rushed or pressured to skip feedings, both of which can impact milk supply or lead to plugged ducts. Choose a comfy baby carrier, like a Moby Wrap or BabyHawk, so you can be mobile and meet your baby’s needs. Also, flying and extended road trips can make it hard to keep up with baby’s regular feeds demands so try to build extra time into your travel plans.
Food/Drink– Some moms wonder whether they can eat or drink certain foods during the holidays. As a general rule most all foods (including spicy foods, broccoli, etc) are fine for breastfeeding moms. However if your baby seems to have: rashes, eczema, colic, extra gas/fussiness or if there’s a family history of allergies, you may want to have a consultation with Luna Lactation to see if certain foods in your diet may be triggering issues for you or your baby.
As far as drinks are concerned, there are some things to be mindful of. Caffeine in moderation is considered compatible with breastfeeding. If you baby is extra wakeful or still a tiny newborn, or vasospasm pain, you may want to limit caffeine until you talk to a lactation consultant. Alcohol also can impact lactation and does transfer into the milk. It can inhibit the milk ejection (let down) reflex and flavors the milk, decreasing some babies desire to nurse. Alcohol goes into the milk quickly and at significant levels. Most women will metabolize 1 oz of alcohol (1 beer, wine, shot) in 2-3 hrs but alcohol is in the milk as long as it is in your bloodstream. Does this mean breastfeeding moms can never have a drink? No! It means you should be informed of how alcohol impacts lactation and your baby and ask your lactation consultant if you have questions.
Holiday Tips:
· Pace yourself and try not to do it all, all at once
· Don’t skip or delay breastfeeding sessions
· Set boundaries with family/friends, make sure they know breastfeeding is a priority for you
· Give yourself ample time while traveling
· Enjoy the food/drinks, know alcohol’s impact on lactation, ask if unsure
· Be gentle with yourself and your baby and create some special memories!
