Breastfeeding During the Holidays
- Rebecca McCann
- Nov 20
- 2 min read
The holiday season is officially here, and if you're breastfeeding during the holidays, you might be navigating a mix of celebration, travel, germs, and gatherings. Here are a few gentle, practical tips to help you feel more prepared for whatever this season brings.
Holiday Germs
No one wants to spend December sniffling on the couch, but if you or your little on do get sick, breastfeeding can still offer comfort and protection. It's often one of the best tools you have when illness strikes. For more tips, I put together a full guide on how to get through those days: Breastfeeding During Illness: What You Need to Know.
Can I have alcohol while breastfeeding?
Wondering if you can enjoy of "cup of cheer" this holiday season or share in a toast to ring in the New Year? The short answer is yes - an occasional drink is generally fine. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Alcohol does enter breastmilk in tiny amounts, so timing your drink can help reduce exposure during your next feed.
A standard drink typically clears your bloodstream (and breastmilk) in about 2-3 hours. Nursing or pumping right before you enjoy your drink gives you the most time to metabolize it.
If you're bed-sharing, remember that safe sleep guidelines require you to be sober.
For more information, here are a few excellent resources from the Infant Risk Center:
Social gatherings when you're breastfeeding during the holidays: fun or stressful?
You might be excited for extra hands to help you hold and soothe your baby - you deserve a break. l still remember being so relieved when my first baby was 3 months old and the grandparents pitched in to help bounce him and keep him happy at family gatherings. We still laugh about all the baby bouncing and rocking that went on that Christmas.
But...it's also completely okay if you're not comfortable with others holding your baby. Whether its concern about germs during cold-and-flu season, personal preference, or a little bit of both, you get to decide what feels right.
If you'd rather avoid baby being passed around, baby-wearing can be incredibly helpful. Snuggling your baby in a wrap or carrier not only keeps them close and calm, but it also reduces exposure to germs - and makes people less likely to ask to hold them.
Bonus tip: Baby wearing is also an excellent tool if you're traveling through airports this holiday season.
And if you need a quiet moment during all of the holiday stress...
Feeding the baby is a perfect excuse to get away. While breastfeeding in public is perfectly normal (and you should absolutely feel free to do it anywhere you choose), sometimes the noise and bustle of a holiday gathering can feel like a lot. If you need a breather, feeding can be a wonderful way to step away and catch a quiet moment with your baby. Even if your baby doesn't need to feed...nobody will be the wiser. Sneak away, snuggle your baby, scroll your phone - whatever you need to do. I won't tell. 😉
However your family celebrates, I'm wishing you a season full of health, warmth, and a little extra peace.
