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Holiday Breastfeeding Tips: Stress Less, Enjoy More

 

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8 Holiday Breastfeeding Tips: Stress Less, Enjoy More

It’s no secret that the holidays can be a stressful time, but a little preparedness can go a long way. Here are 8 Breastfeeding Tips that will help nursing moms stress less and enjoy more this holiday!

 

1. Wear clothes that are easy to nurse in.

Steer clear of tight shapewear and snug tops (this year). Snug fitting clothing could affect your milk supply and leave you vulnerable to blocked milk ducks and other breast conditions. Most women find it’s easiest to nurse in flowy, loose fitting tops. They’re forgiving as you position your baby and are easy to hold up, with your LatchPal Nursing Clip.

2. Always bring a breast pump

Even if you plan on nursing your baby, bring a breast pump. Holiday travel can throw off everyone’s schedule, including mealtimes, so you might find yourself pumping for relief.  A small hand-held  breast pump is a great for travel.

3. Eat cookies, lots of them

Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories; snack often!  Galactagogues improve milk supply and are easy to incorporate into traditional holiday cookies! You’ll actually do yourself a favor when you indulge in those Oatmeal Molasses cookies. The Oatmeal supports milk supply, while cinnamon and ginger can be added for additional benefit.

4. Know your rights when you fly

Did you know your breast pump doesn’t  count as a carry-on item? And you can fly with an unlimited amount of breastmilk? How awesome is that?! Just remember to print your traveler’s rights, ahead of time in case you’re questioned by a TSA representative.

5. Stay hydrated

It’s easy to get caught up in conversation and holiday bubbly, just remember to hydrate. There’s nothing like H2O on the rocks for a breastfeeding mama. Dehydration can quickly lead to headaches, decreased milk supply, and sluggishness- not fun.

6. Stress and Peppermint can reduce your supply

While it may not affect all moms, some are particularly sensitive to peppermint and it has been shown to reduce milk supply. If you notice a dip in milk supply it could be a combination of peppermint and travel stress. So take a breather and find a moment to decompress.

7. Stick to a schedule

Young children find comfort in daily routines and schedules. Festivities may distract you from regular feedings,  naptimes, and bedtimes.  Try to stick to a schedule as much as possible, to prevent your kids from becoming irritable and over-tired.

8. Book a hotel room with a refrigerator/freezer & bring a cooler

I never plan to pump oodles of breast milk when I’m away from home, but it always seems to happen. Bring an insulated bag or cooler to keep breast milk cool.

Wishing you and yours a beautiful holiday! xoxo, Melissa

 

 

 

Written by Melissa LaHann, Founder and CEO of Happy Fig, LLC

Like many moms before her, Melissa cradled her hungry, crying baby as she clumsily adjusted her bra and sat uncomfortably holding up her shirt. Before she knew it, her baby was squirming, her shirt was falling, and the nursing session was interrupted. She needed a better solution, so she created LatchPal, the first nursing clip of its kind.

LatchPal is a breastfeeding shirt clip that holds up a mother’s shirt during breastfeeding. It eliminates shirt re-positioning and feeding disruptions, and helps a mom nurse hands-free in comfort to maximize milk flow. LatchPal was designed with moms in mind. The multi-use solution only requires one hand to latch. It’s a must-have breastfeeding accessory and essential for post-partum moms, pumping moms, and nursing in public.