First, simplify! 
In the breastfeeding business we call December "Mastitis Month" (mastitis is a breast infection) because so many moms do too much during the holidays and neglect nursing and resting. You are more likely to develop a plugged duct and/or mastitis if you don't nurse as often as usual, or you get very fatigued.

So start preventing mastitis now by planning a simple, low-stress holiday season. Have a family meeting to agree on your gift list and a realistic budget. Divide up the tasks and plan for childcare if needed. Don't invite guests unless they plan to help with cooking and cleaning. Make shopping trips short and sweet. Better yet, don't shop. Shop by mail or send out baby pictures as gifts. Give the gift of time to people on your shopping list. Invite family and friends for short visits with you and your child/children. Each day take time to rest with your baby. Take deep breaths and take time to look at your child/children. Be thankful!

Second, moderation in all things. 
Holiday menus can be tricky to navigate when you are a breastfeeding mother. Caffeine, alcohol, and extra sugar are found in many holiday foods. Care for yourself by eating a healthy varied diet daily and drinking plenty of water. A small amount of most holiday foods is not usually a problem. Here are concerns to keep in mind:

• Caffeine can be found in chocolate, coffee, tea, cola drinks and some over the counter medications. The amount of caffeine in five or fewer regular cups of coffee will not cause a problem for most mothers and babies. However, too much caffeine can cause baby to be fussy. Most of your daily fluids should be water-based and caffeine-free.
• Alcoholic beverages are a common part of many holiday celebrations. The effects of alcohol on the breastfed baby are directly related to the amount the mother takes in. Alcohol passes freely into mother's milk, however, it is not considered harmful to the baby if the mother consumes very small quantities (one drink or less per day). If you think you might drink more than one drink at a party, plan ahead to pump your milk and have others offer this pumped milk to your baby until you are able to breastfeed again. Alcohol is metabolized very rapidly, so the safest recommendations are to avoid breastfeeding when drinking alcohol and for 2-3 hours after your last drink. Too much alcohol can inhibit your letdown and cause drowsiness, weakness, and decreased growth in your baby.

Enjoy the Gift
Remember, you have received a gift that is like no other, the gift of being a parent. Take time to enjoy that gift and share it with others, and your holiday season will be a joyous one.

by Dixie Whetsell