Breastfeeding is hard! There we said it! It’s even harder during busy periods such as the one we are experiencing now! Added pressures from making sure you have everyone's gifts sorted to running errands or travelling to visit family and friends and the endless social invites that you just wish you could say no too!
All the rushing around looking after guests, making long trips that disrupt your feeding schedule can result in some women finding that by the end of the holidays their milk production has declined due to decreased feeding and It may feel like you have “lost” your milk or baby is all of a sudden fussing and rejecting the breast.
In order to ensure this doesn’t happen to you, we have outlined some of our top tips to help you survive this busy period and continue breastfeeding with a happy healthy routine.
1: Choosing the right pump for your needs.
Considering the above and all you have to do during the holiday period being static is just not an option. The pumps you have to plug into the wall and spend long periods of time expressing just won’t suffice. That’s where the Pippeta pumps come in super handy! Pippeta currently offer two models of handsfree wearable breast pumps perfect for busy mums on the go. Each pump is easy to use, affordable, compact and discreet and won’t break the bank!
The Pippeta Compact LED Handsfree Breast Pump is discreet and lightweight as the motor is built into the soft silicone cup. It holds up to 150ml capacity, has 12 suction levels and 4 modes. This pump is perfect for busy mums on the go. The pump is also available as a 2 pack to pump that bit faster.
The Pippeta LED Wearable Handsfree Breast Pump is super comfortable and holds slightly more milk with a maximum capacity of 180ml. Similarly to the Compact it has 12 suction levels and 4 modes making pumping during the festive season easy!
2: How to set up a festive feeding station at home.
Once you have found the right pump for you it’s important to find a comfortable place to pump and build that stock of liquid gold. Here are our top picks for your feeding station:
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A sterile, dry breast pump and parts all set up ready to go.
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The Pippeta Milk Storage Bags and Milk Storage Bottles are perfect for storing your milk in the fridge or freezer or for popping straight into your bag before you head off on your holiday travels.
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Healthy, easy to handle energy filled snacks such as fresh fruit, nuts, protein bars or dark chocolate.
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Plenty of water, fill up that Stanley and stay hydrated.
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Earphones, charging cable or your favourite book to keep your mind relaxed and pass the time.
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The Pippeta Manual Milk Collector is perfect for collecting let-down. It even includes a suction base and lid to prevent spills because we all know ‘every drop counts.
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Life saving Silver Nip Cups, once you're done pumping add a little drop of breastmilk and whack them in your bra to naturally soothe and protect those nips.
3: Dealing with holiday stress while breastfeeding.
Although this time of the year is supposed to be fun we all know it can be stressful, never mind being a new mum and trying to maintain your breastfeeding routine. Here are a few things to help you manage the stress and keep it at bay:
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Plan ahead and be prepared. Have a stock of milk to keep you going or pump regularly to reduce the risk of engorgement. Try to stick as closely to your feeding schedule as possible.
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Talk to someone, maybe another mum or drop your concerns in a supportive community group such as the Pippeta Instagram page. A problem shared is a problem halved as they say. Our in house IBCLC is always on hand for 1-1 consultations. if you have purchased one of our pumps don’t forget, you get free access to lactation support.
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Skin on skin can be a wonderful way to restore a sense of connection and calm for both of you, especially if it feels like baby’s been passed around like a Christmas parcel at times.
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Get out for a walk, the fresh air can be a great quick solution to reducing stress or anxiety.
Despite these tips, If you're experiencing feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, hopelessness, or extreme worries, you should contact your GP and remember our lactation consultants are on hand.
4: Managing your supply during busy days.
During this time, your days can be hectic and you may lose track of time but it's important to ensure you manage your milk supply effectively to reduce the risk of engorgement. Try not to miss feeding cues, find a private place to pump or feed if you're feeling nervous about exposure or just need a quiet break from the noise.
5: Breastfeeding-friendly holiday outfits for mums.
Take the pressure off yourself this season you’re in your postpartum era embrace it! If you have parties or gatherings to attend, go for comfort over style always. Here are some of our fave breastfeeding friendly clothing brands:
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Seraphine perfect for both comfort, accessibility but still maintaining a touch of glamour. They are one to check out for your festive parties.
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Natal Active have a wide range of stylish, supportive and colourful activewear the epitome of comfort.
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Beyond Nine a brand best known for their breastfeeding friendly jumpsuits we particularly love the Poppy Jumpsuit (which has poppers down the front).
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Lesh a relatively new brand to the market founded by breastfeeding mama Kat who’s mission is to make breastfeeding carefree, sustainable, and enjoyable by providing leak proof nursing bras to limit those embarrassing moments.
6: How to include your partner in the feeding process.
Feeding is a shared experience. Here at Pippeta we believe it is a collective effort that includes dads and other caregivers. Here’s just a few ways you can get the extra help and support you deserve by involving others in the feeding process:
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Pumping for Bonding: Express milk with a hands-free pump to allow dads and caregivers to bottle-feed, fostering their connection with the baby.
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Nighttime Support: Share night feeds by prepping milk in advance, letting others take over while you get some much-needed rest.
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Washing and Sterilising: Let others handle bottle and pump part cleaning to save you time and effort.
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Emotional Support: Lean on your partner or loved ones for encouragement during challenging feeding moments.
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Feeding on the Go: Involve caregivers to help pack and prepare feeding essentials for outings, ensuring you’re always ready.
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Meal Prep for You: While you focus on feeding, have others step in to make sure you’re nourished and hydrated.
7: Staying hydrated during indulgent festive meals.
Breast milk is more than 80% water, so if you’re not drinking enough while breastfeeding, this can have an impact on your milk production and affect your baby’s ability to feed. Therefore, taking care of your own hydration is key and will also prevent the risks associated with dehydration for both you and baby.
*Please refer to our previous blog post for more tips around Breastfeeding and alcohol.
8: Setting boundaries with relatives around feeding.
A new baby at Christmas is like the star on top of the tree—everyone wants a turn to admire, hold, and be close to them, but remember, even the star needs a little peace and stability. Set boundaries, take space for skin on skin and private feeds and make sure you don’t miss any of those all important feeding cues amidst this chaos.
9: How to pack and prepare for breastfeeding when making trips.
If you’re lucky you’ll be staying in your home comforts for the holiday but if you have to travel and see family even for just a day trip it’s always best to be prepared. Here are a few of our ‘top tips’:
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Build up your breast milk supply before travelling, always take more than you need just in case. Remember milk still needs to be handled and stored with care and refrigerated/frozen as soon as possible upon arrival.
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Always take your pump and all accessories.
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Have your transport planned in advance, try to plan stops around your usual feeding routine if it’s a long journey.
10: Finding time for self-care.
Finding ‘you time’ can be a struggle at the best of times but self-care is more important than ever during this busy period. Even small, intentional moments can make a world of difference. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea, taking a relaxing bath, or having a few moments to breathe while baby naps, these little acts can help you recharge.
Our Silver Nip Cups are a perfect addition to your festive self-care routine. Designed to soothe and protect sore nipples naturally, they’re a simple way to prioritise your comfort. Think of them as a mini spa treatment for mums, offering a moment of calm amidst the chaos.
So, as you plan your holiday activities, remember to schedule time for yourself. Because a happy, rested mum is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and your family.
11: Celebrating your breastfeeding wins this year.
Finally, As the year comes to a close, take a moment to pause and reflect on all that you’ve achieved, no matter how big or small. Breastfeeding is a journey, and every feed, every ounce pumped, every challenge faced and overcome is a testament to your strength and commitment.
Celebrate those sleepless nights, the moments of connection, and the milestones you’ve both reached. Whether this year brought triumphs, challenges, or a mix of both, remember that your efforts have made a world of difference for you and your baby. You’re incredible, and as we step into a new year, let’s carry forward that same resilience and self-love. Here's to all your wins—because they deserve to be celebrated.
Further Reading:
Holidays, Celebrations and Breastfeeding-
https://laleche.org.uk/holidays-celebrations-and-breastfeeding/
Anxiety and Breastfeeding- https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/anxiety/
Breastfeeding while travelling-
https://lactationnetwork.com/blog/breastfeeding-while-traveling-for-work/
Sources:
Martin CR, Ling PR, Blackburn GL. Review of Infant Feeding: Key Features of Breast Milk and Infant Formula. Nutrients. 2016 May 11;8(5):279. doi: 10.3390/nu8050279. PMID: 27187450; PMCID: PMC4882692.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any health or feeding-related concerns, we strongly encourage you to consult your healthcare professional or a certified lactation consultant.