1. Avoid milk inhibiting foods- these have been shown to decrease milk supply when taken in high doses. You may want to take note of what you are eating/drinking this holiday. Some herbs to watch for are peppermint, spearmint, parsley & lemon balm. A little may be fine but don’t overdo it!
2. Plan Ahead! Stick to your schedules and plan your activities around it. If you know you nurse at 8am and again at 1130 am, schedule breakfast with the in-laws from 9-1030am.
3. Snacks and Water! Bring your fav hydro flask style water bottle to keep you hydrated while feeding your babe. I hear "I'm eating like I'm still pregnant" This is good! You want to eat an extra 500-600 calories per baby if you are breastfeeding. You need energy.
4. A good travel pump- If you can, a hands-free pump option is very convenient for those road trips or flights you are on. No need to have wires, just charge them the night before, and get up to 8 hours of a charged pump. If you have the money splurge on a pump, the no brand on amazon works fine. Or see if your insurance will cover one! My favorite sites for insurance covered pumps are: aeroflow, pumpingessentials and edgeparkbreastpumps Good hands free pump options: Willow Pump, and Elvie Pump
5. Extra everything, bottles, nipples, burp cloths. My favorite bottles that assist in breastfed babes are Evenflo. Slow flow nipples are your friend to help make the transition from breast to bottle smoother.
6. Alcohol- I’m sure you may indulge in a glass of champagne for the new year’s toast, or your aunt’s ‘special eggnog’, drink at your own risk but remember the rule of thumb “If you can drive, you can nurse”.
7. Traveling via flights- TSA allows for parents to bring a container of breastmilk and pumps, ice packs, etc. see here Traveling with Children | Transportation Security Administration (tsa.gov) and dependent on your airport, there may be a Mother’s room.
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