By Ruth Maguire from boobingit
The festive season is often painted as magical – twinkling lights, cosy gatherings, joyful celebrations. But for breastfeeding and pumping mums, it can also be exhausting, overstimulating, emotional, and full of pressure. You’re navigating feeding schedules, pumping sessions, sleepless nights and the needs of a young baby – all while the world around you speeds up.
So this Christmas, here’s your gentle reminder: you matter too. Your rest, your wellbeing, your peace – they’re all essential. Not optional.
Photo courtesy of Emily Hardwicke
Here are some simple, realistic self-care strategies for breastfeeding and pumping mums during the festive rush:
1. Protect Your Feeding & Pumping Rhythm
The holidays can throw off routines – meals shift, outings happen, schedules blur. But feeding and pumping are biological needs, not inconveniences.
✨ If you need to slip away to nurse or use your breast pump, that’s okay.
✨ If you excuse yourself from the table to express, that’s okay.
✨ If you turn down an outing because your baby needs you, that’s more than okay.
Your baby and your body set the rhythm – not the holiday calendar.
2. Wear What Makes Feeding Easier
Holiday wardrobes don’t have to compromise feeding ease. Choose clothes that support discretion and comfort – whether that’s a festive knit, zip-front fleece, feeding-friendly dress, or button-down pyjamas.
Being able to feed or pump comfortably can take away a surprising amount of stress.
Photo courtesy of Samantha Christine Taylor
3. Set Gentle Boundaries
Family can be well-meaning…and sometimes overwhelming.
You’re allowed to say:
✨ “We’re staying home this year.”
✨ “Baby will come to you when ready.”
✨ “We’re skipping that event.”
✨ “No, we’re not introducing solids yet.”
✨ “I don’t need advice.”
Boundaries are not defensive – they’re protective.
4. Make Feeding Moments Little Sanctuaries
Every feed can be a breath in the storm.
Try:
✨dimmed lighting
✨cosy blanket
✨favourite candle
✨calming playlist or soft background audio
✨a nourishing snack
✨slow, intentional breaths
These tiny rituals can anchor you during a busy season.
Image courtesy of Kirsty Young
5. Nourish Yourself, Not Just Your Baby
Your body is doing something remarkable – creating milk and sustaining another human.
Try to:
✨drink water regularly
✨enjoy festive snacks guilt-free
✨eat foods that feel good
✨rest whenever possible
The energy it takes for your body to make milk and feed your baby is a lot! The festive season is the perfect time to indulge in your favourite festive treats and put your feet up!
6. Ask for – and accept – help
You don’t have to do it all. Let others:
✨wrap gifts
✨prep meals
✨entertain older children
✨tidy up
✨hold the baby after feeding
It doesn’t lessen you. It strengthens you.
Photo courtesy of Georgina Withers
7. Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down
You are not failing if:
✨your home isn’t decorated perfectly
✨presents aren’t beautifully wrapped
✨you don’t attend every gathering
✨Christmas doesn’t feel the same as “before baby”
This season may be quieter, slower, softer – and that’s okay. There will be future festive seasons with more energy and less milk-making.
8. Remember: You Are Enough
As I often tell breastfeeding parents:
Your baby doesn’t need a perfect Christmas – they just need you.
Your voice. Your warmth. Your comfort. Your heartbeat. Your milk.
Years from now, you may not remember the Christmas table settings, but you’ll remember feeding your baby beside twinkling lights, or rocking them in the quiet of a winter evening.
This stage is fleeting – and deeply important.
Wishing you a gentle, nurturing festive season – one filled with connection, support, and moments of calm amid the sparkle.
