Keep Breastfeeding Through the Holidays

The holiday season can mean hectic holiday shopping, meals on the go, long road trips and lots and lots of sweets. For breastfeeding moms it can be difficult to enjoy all those holiday treats and maintain a nursing schedule with all the travel but, Sharon Mendes, RN, CPN, IBCLC, has tips to keep moms and babies healthy into the new year.

If mom is out shopping, it is legal in Pennsylvania to breastfeed in public without penalty. So regardless of whether or not someone else considers it a nuisance, obscenity or indecent exposure, at least this state does not. 

“Mothers should be able to feed their baby anywhere at any time. They also should never they be asked to leave an establishment or be asked to nurse in a bathroom,” said Mendes, the founder of Mama Milk Café - Breastfeeding Support Group in Palmerton.

Now, not all moms feel comfortable breastfeeding in public. I know I spent many a time in a public restroom or dressing room to avoid the chagrin of holiday patrons but, I did it to accommodate no one else but me. Sometimes, I would find myself in an inconvenient spot and regardless of onlookers I would cover with a blanket or even my jacket to sooth the hungry cries of the little milk monster.

Long road trips or even periods where you are away from your baby for more than a few hours can do more than interrupt the feeding schedule. When you get run-down or have a compromised immune system from colds or flu you are at risk for not only holiday mastitis, but also fluctuation in milk production.”

When I was breastfeeding my oldest son, I had mastitis right after the holidays.  Along with the fever and flu like symptoms it was so painful nurse. My doctor at the time said the only way to relieve the mastitis was to continue to pump or nurse in order to increase the flow of milk and unplug the clogged duct. With so much pain, it really takes the joy out of nursing and the holidays.

The best advice is to keep your holiday schedule, give yourself extra stops to nurse and keep a pump on hand as well as containers for expressed milk.

There is one great thing about nursing and the holiday though, is that it is important to stay hydrated and snack. Nursing moms need 1800-2200 calories or more when they are nursing which translates into a lot of holiday appetizers and treats. It is important to recognize a need for good nutrition because whatever you eat, your baby is too.

“Sweets will not affect the baby, but indulging in sweets and starch’s can lead to an abundance of yeast. Moderation is the key” said Mendes. Nursing moms should also avoid foods associated with decreased milk production like Peppermint, spearmint, sage and thyme.

Wine or alcoholic beverages can also decrease milk production but if you really need that glass of wine with the holiday meal, the American Academy of Pediatrics says to “avoid breastfeeding two hours after your dink.” Expressing milk after drinking an alcoholic beverage can help prevent baby from unintentionally imbibing. 

“The benefits of breastfeeding are so great—from decreased respiratory infections and ear infections, decreased risk of obesity, diabetes, asthma and even SIDS,” said Mendes.  

The holidays don’t have to put a glitch in your nursing schedule or lead to decreased milk production. With all the increased benefits to the baby, it is totally worth it to stay with the program. With a little guidance from a lactation consultant like Mendes and support from your family and understanding from the Mall shoppers, you can continue nursing your baby.

Above all, have a happy, healthy holiday!