Breastfeeding and Burnout
Breastfeeding is HARD! It can be a job of its own. From pumping, cleaning pumps, replacing parts, to storing milk, etc. The lists could go on an on. Then the holidays come…!
During the holidays, breastfeeding can feel more and more like a duty or a task rather than a reward. It feels like the costs begin to out weigh the benefits.
Your baby begins to wean themselves or go on a “nipple strike” due to missed/delayed feedings and the bottle being offered more in mom’s absence. Ways to decrease holiday weaning:
Make nursing a priority! Be sure that your baby is with you and therefore bottle feedings will not be necessary.
Pump/hand express in absence of a feeding!
Ask for help, this way you have time to nurse. This could be asking family to bring a dish or let your significant other do the clean up for the night.
If you miss a feeding, pump or hand express to account for the missed feeding. The more frequently the breast is emptied the more milk that can be expressed. Plugged ducts are small, hard lumps in the breast tissues that can be tender to touch or feel inflamed and can occur when feedings/pumps are missed.
Consuming alcohol during the holidays is not uncommon. Whether It be champagne, mulled wine, or spiked eggnog! Alcohol consumption is allowed when breast feeding. The AAP recommends occasional drinks or no more than 0.5 g alcohol per kg of body weight. They also recommend waiting 2 hours after last drink has been consumed to feed baby. This minimizes the concentration in the breast milk.
General rule of thumb: if you can drive, you can breastfeed.
Pumping and dumping does NOT speed the elimination of alcohol in the breast milk.
Consider feeding the baby stored milk if you would like to consume large amounts of alcohol, while remembering to pump.
There are breast milk test strips on the market place to screen for alcohol in the breast milk.
When traveling be sure to check regulations on liquid restrictions. When flying, breast milk is not considered a liquid medication, therefore, It does not follow by the 3-1-1 requirement for carryons. Other things to consider:
Separate your extra breast milk, bottles, and ice packs from other liquids and containers in your carryon.
Alert security before going through x-ray
Additional inspections may be necessary to your breast milk. Your milk may need swabbed, but should NOT be tasted.
If you are bringing larger quantities of milk, be able to answer questions about your trip and why large quantities are necessary for your flight.
Breast pumps are personal items that can be counted as one of your two carryons.
Other tips to remember when traveling with breast milk:
1. Fresh milk can be kept on ice packs for 24 hours and then refrigerated for 3-5 days.
2. If your frozen milk in thawed, It must be used within 24 hours.
3. Milk can be shipped to destination with dry ice
4. Most hotels can arrange for a refrigeration if your individual room does not have a fridge readily available.
5. Family and friends will be visiting during the holidays and asking questions about your parent style. You DO NOT have to defend your choices. Plan ahead for your responses to family and friends that choose to make a comment!
For example, your Aunt asks when you are going to wean your son from breastfeeding because he is too old. You might respond by saying “Our pediatrician (or the World Health Organization) recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of 2 years because..”
6. New Years resolutions do diet and exercise can be a HUGE for many people. Many mothers will try to diet while breastfeeding. Excessive exercise and restricted caloric intake can be detrimental to your milk supply. Women who are breastfeeding should consume at least 1,500-1,800 calories per day. If you choose to lose weight, It is recommended that you lose 1-1.5 pounds a week. ALWAYS stay hydrated and if you suspect a decrease in your supply, pump/nurse more frequently.
Other stressors may arise during the holidays and you may not know how to deal with them. That’s where my services come in! I am here to support you and your baby with all nursing/eating/feeding questions. Schedule a consult today!