So you're breastfeeding and have tackled many challenges, including breastfeeding in public... wonderful! Now it's the holiday season and you're invited to the big family Christmas party at a relative's house. Breastfeeding with passing strangers is one thing but in a room full of family and friends is quite another. Do you go with gusto and dare anyone to express their opinion about breastfeeding? Do you simply pass this year? How about just making an appearance, planning your visit between feedings? Don't torment yourself too much, the worry won't change anything. Make your decision understanding there is no perfect plan. That said, you can prepare by thinking ahead.
You decide to pass this year; don't fret about the decision and don't play the martyr:
- Cheerfully ask someone to send you pictures from the event. That's such an easy request, you'll probably receive more than you ever bargained for!
- Don't feel you have to explain yourself. Having a new baby in the home is reason enough for anyone to understand without going into too much detail. 'Tis the cold and flu season afterall!
- Everyone doesn't have to stay home. Send older children, husband, and others off with a kiss and your promise to keep your feet up and just relax with baby.
- Keep your promise!
You decide to go with gusto; realize everyone has a right to an opinion even if their opinion isn't right so:
- Remember your baby above all else. Added attention, noise, lights, and distractions may disrupt the well maintained rhythm between you and baby and things may not flow as usual.
- Don't take it upon yourself to use this day to change any dissenting opinions in your family in regard to breastfeeding. Your continued success will speak louder than any momentary verbal skirmish.
- Remember your family isn't against you. They want you to be a good Mom so just accept their advice and opinion at every baby peep as proof they care.
- Practice nodding and smiling politely while doing what you know is right anyway.
You decide to go show and tell with an exit plan carefully orchestrated between baby's somewhat typical feeding times... but:
- Realize this is family and friends. Everyone will want to speak to you and baby and this will probably be the day baby decides to change the typical.
- Since you feed on demand, this means the plan is now moot.
- SO be prepared by asking the host either before or on arrival if there's a quiet, discreet place you can retreat to take care of important matters when the need occurs.
- OR at least have a hasty exit strategy planned at early feeding cue signs, even if that means a 180 degree turn upon arrival! (Practice your princess wave and use it as you pass.)
This time of year can bring enough to fret over so don't make your breastfeeding an issue. Make your decision and carry forth with the same determination that has gotten you this far, making your adjustments as needed.
And remember... breastfeeding is a gift you give your baby that will last a lifetime.
