Tis the season of holiday gatherings and events, and we know how stressful the season can be for parents with a newborn. This season is full of love and family togetherness, but it can come at a price for newborns. With the weather getting colder and families spending most of the days inside, colds and flu are a cause for concern for many parents of newborns. Because of this, it’s important for new parents to set boundaries with family and friends during holiday get-togethers. A general rule we believe is important is the ‘No touching’ rule. It seems simple enough, but we all know that there will be at least one person that wants to believe they are the exception to the rule.


Saying No
The grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., will want to cuddle and kiss on their new addition to the family, and you might be a little more hesitant to tell them ‘no.’ We get it – they’re family! But the little bundle of joy you brought into the world needs you to be the one to protect them from possible exposure to the cold and flu. If you are having trouble thinking of how to lay down the law, here are some helpful tips:

• Be Upfront and Confident – Don’t beat around the bush! Tell anyone that will be around your baby what you expect from them. They should respect your rules, as it’s for your baby!
• Be Calm – If someone is challenging/questioning your rules, try and stay calm and don’t give in. People get frustrated when they can’t kiss a cute baby, but that frustration will pass (and if it doesn’t, then it is not on you to compromise).
• Be Patient – There might be times where you might want to bend your rules but be patient and hold onto them. For example, you may have a little niece or nephew that wants to cuddle with your newborn, and as cute as that maybe you should be cautious of who is exposed to your newborn. Your baby will be grateful that you were!

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Sick and Breastfeeding
If you or your breastfed baby do become sick, the best thing you could do is continue breastfeeding. The amazing thing about breastmilk is that its composition will change to help baby’s needs. For example, your body will know if you or your baby is sick and will increase the antibodies produced in the breastmilk. So, if the breastfeeding parent stopped breastfeeding they will not only hurt their supply, but they’ll also prevent the baby from obtaining those needed antibodies.
The holidays can be a tad stressful, but don’t let that stop you or your family from enjoying it! Set your ground rules, be sure everyone fully understands, and go have a little fun. If you have any holiday stories about your baby, we’d love to hear about it on our Facebook!
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https://www.popsugar.com/moms/How-Set-Boundaries-Family-After-Baby-42985522
https://living.thebump.com/set-boundaries-family-first-baby-comes-9156.html
https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/illness-surgery/mom-illness/
https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/illness-surgery/baby-illness/

It’s getting colder and messier outside, and it’s time to start prepping for winter! If you just gave birth or are expecting to give birth in the midst of the cold months, there are some important things to keep in mind as it gets colder.  Be sure to check out the links for more detailed information! Let’s begin!

Staying Around the House

• Preventative cold and flu care- Do everything you can to prevent your family from being exposed to the cold or flu virus-
  • Flu shots for everyone in the household over 6 months old
  • Clean hands
  • Disinfectant wipes
• Set rules for when others visit.
• Don’t overdo the heating and blankets- this could cause baby to overheat!

When Going Out

• Avoid crowded areas, like grocery stores, when you can- get your groceries delivered!
• Careful not to over dress baby- Stick to easily removable layers. Watch out for overheating and over bundling baby, especially when buckled in car seat
• Make sure you are bundled yourself!
• Be mindful during checkups- other children may be sick in the office.
• Carry around disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer.

If you or your baby gets sick

• Keep breastfeeding! –
  • If you are sick, you are still able to breastfeed. It is actually recommended to continue breastfeeding because your child would already have been exposed to the disease before you began experiencing symptoms.
  • If your baby becomes sick, your breastmilk composition changes to meet their needs. This means more antibodies in your breastmilk that can help the baby fight off illness!

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We hope that this little guide was helpful! If you suspect yourself or your baby have the cold or flu, please schedule an appointment with your pediatrician as soon as possible. If you feel as though your breastmilk supply is affected by the cold or flu, please schedule with an IBCLC as soon and possible to adjust your routine.