There can be lots of excitement and activity leading up to the Christmas holidays. You may be planning trips to meet family and friends. The change in environment and “routine “ can lead to longer stretches between feeds, which can cause engorgement and even mastitis. Studies have shown the rates of mastitis do actually go up over the festive period. Here’s some things to keep in mind this Christmas.
A great advantage of breastfeeding is that you can feed anytime, anywhere. You don’t need to lug bottles, sterilisers etc with you. If you experience delays, you don’t have to worry as your milk is always ready to go. Travelling can mean long journeys, which can lead to your baby sleeping longer and missing feeds. I would recommend taking regular breaks on your journey to feed and allow your baby time out of their car seat to stretch.
Another great thing about breastfeeding is the protection it provides. If you are meeting lots of people and they are handling your baby there is a risk of them picking up illness. Your milk will provide those vital antibodies to help protect them. Babies can become overstimulated by the change of environment and lots of people around. These babies tend to be fussier, and may not feed as well. Well-meaning relatives may want to hold your baby or take them off for walks, leading to missed feeds. Don’t be afraid to say you need your baby back to feed them! Breastfeeding allows you to disappear for a while and have some quiet time. Babies can be very distracted in new environments, so going into a quiet room can really help them to focus on the task at hand.
When it comes to alcohol and breastfeeding, it is safe to have some alcohol. The volume of alcohol in your blood correlates with the volume in your milk. It takes the body 2 hours on average to process 1 unit of alcohol. So it would be safe to breastfeed your baby after 2 hours. If you normally bed-share it is not advised if you have had alcohol.
If you feel blocked ducts, red or lumpy spots in the breasts, bring your focus back to feeding your baby. A cold compress on the area for 10 minutes at a time can reduce discomfort and inflammation. You can take over the counter anti-inflammatories to help inflammation if needed, discuss with your pharmacist. If there is no improvement after 24-48 hours, or symptoms worsen, contact your GP. Have a safe and Happy Christmas!
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