Welcome Carnival of Breastfeeding readers! This month’s topic is taking care of yourself during the holidays. Be sure to read the other Carnival posts listed below.

Before my La Leche League meeting in November, I hadn’t even thought of the possible difficulties of breastfeeding during the holidays. Even when they mentioned that “holiday weaning” would be the topic for the meeting that day, I thought it was kind of silly. Why would my baby wean just because it’s the holidays? It’s just like any other time of year and if anything moms might have more time to be around their babies during the holidays. The information I learned in my meeting invaluable and entirely changed my perspective on breastfeeding during the holidays. I feel I am now equipped with the tools to prevent holiday weaning. Here are some of my favorite tips.

Sling, sling, sling! Of course wearing your baby is a great idea where ever you go, but during the holidays it’s especially useful. You know how it is when you’re with family and everyone wants to hold the baby and next thing you know it’s two hours later and they baby comes back to you screeeeeeeeaming bloody murder. Quite often the baby has been hungry for a while, but which ever family member that had the babe at the time thinks “Oh, I can soothe this baby. I’ve soothed my babies. No need to inform the baby’s mother.” No, you can not soothe my baby. I can’t even soothe my baby without the boobs, so don’t even try. Wearing the baby means less people take them away from you. I’ve noticed that it means less touching too which is always an advantage during cold/flu season.
Bring babe with! This kind of goes along the same line as the first one because you’ll probably wear them in a sling while you’re out. Christmas shopping with a baby in a car seat or stroller sounds awkward, bulky, and stressful. I wear Peanut in my Sleepy Wrap all the time when we go shopping. It may feel tempting to leave the kiddo with someone else while you go shop when you have to drag all the gear with you, but in a sling it’s no big deal for them to tag along. Personally, I like having my little Peanut tag along. She’s mah sidekick!
Babies make perfect guests! What do you do when you’re invited to a no-children holiday function that you really want to go to? Bring them anyway! Well, to an extent. Most of the time when the invites say no kids they really mean no kids that walk and talk and run around like idiots and break things. If you show up with a little baby in a sling they’re just going to say awwwww how cuuuute. If you’re really worried about it, call ahead and talk to the host(ess) about bringing the baby and express that you’re only showing up babe in arms. If you do need (or want) to go to a holiday party sans baby, just keep it short enough that you’re back before the next feeding.

So good luck with your babe and the breastfeeding adventure. There’s no reason you should be tricked into weaning before you’re both ready. So remember breastfeeding is all about the supply and demand. Happy holidays!

Read these other Carnival of Breastfeeding posts:

Cave Mother: A Mother’s Christmas

Mama Knows Breast: A Breastfeeding Holiday Poem

Chronicles of a Nursing Mom: Don’t Forget the Pump!

Breastfeeding 1-2-3: Breastfeeding and Dehydration

Mommy News & Views: The Holidays and Being a Breastfeeding Mom

Hobo Mama: Breastfeeding and The Holidays

The Accidental Pharmacist: Motherhood Statement

Happy Bambino: How To Take Care of Ourselves During the Holidays

Breastfeeding Mums: Breastfeeding and the Holidays

Motherwear: Taking Care of Yourself During the Holidays]

Breastfeeding Moms Unite: Taking Care of a High Needs Baby During the Holidays

Blacktating: Advice for the Holidays