Surviving the Holidays with a Baby

It can be overwhelming to navigate the holidays with a new baby. Here are some tips to make it easier.

1. Say no. First, it is okay to decline any holiday invitations this year. I know everyone is excited to meet the baby but it is your decision whether you attend. You have the perfect excuse to stay home: you just had a baby. You may get some pushback from certain family members so find out if your partner, close friend, doula or family member would be willing to have those tough conversations for you. 2. Set limits. If you do choose to go, you get to decide how much your baby is passed around. With all the germs this time of year, your instincts may be telling you to keep the baby by your side. That is okay. You can tell grandma and auntie that they can kiss the baby next year. It can be hard to say no to people's faces so create a game plan ahead of time. You can let people know beforehand that they won't be able to hold the baby this year, or that they'll need to wash their hands and wear a mask to hold the baby. Whatever limits you choose, practice what you'll say so that it rolls off the tongue.

3. Find a quiet space. While you're at an event, take as many breaks as you need. Before arriving, ask the host which room you will be able to use as a quiet space for naptime, feeding, etc. There is nothing wrong with feeding your baby at the dinner table or anywhere else that you please. Some babies will have a hard time nursing in a new, noisy environment so it's good to have a backup plan. Don't hesitate to utilize that quiet space as often as you need.

4. Bring extra. However many diapers, clothes, etc. you think you'll need, bring more. Or, don't. If you think you might want to leave early, there's no better excuse than having a blowout with no spare clothes. Other great excuses are, "the baby needs won't be able to nap here" or "I forgot the nipple shield" (whether you use a nipple shield or not), or "my stitches are bleeding" (or any other personal postpartum facts).

5. Keep it simple. Remember that your baby won't care how much or how little you do this year. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all your intended plans, it's okay to scale back. Baby doesn't have to meet Santa this year. During Romi's first Christmas I had so many grand plans for making it the perfect Christmas. Then one by one our activities dropped off as his naptime or bedtime interfered, I was just too worn out, etc. And you know what? We still had an amazing holiday. Keeping it simple will maintain everyone's sanity.

6. Enjoy this time together. Finally, wherever you spend the holidays this year, be sure to also spend time connecting as a new family. This is your first holiday season together. Use the time to make some precious memories just for you. See if you can spend a day as a family, curled up doing not much of anything. You would be surprised how many memories can be made when you have no plans at all!

I would love to hear how this holiday season goes! Drop a comment below and let me know.

Cheers,