Seasonal Stress and Breastfeeding

Husbands Can Help Provide a Balanced Perspective

Often it is the calm perspective of another that helps the new mother relax some of her standards and allows her to focus on the baby instead of the shopping, decorating, and entertaining. Husbands can be that voice of reason. They can be the strong and supportive protector of the mother and baby, insisting that others not interrupt their postpartum recovery in ways that jeopardize breastfeeding.

The holidays will come around again next year, and family life will be more settled. There will be time enough another time for all the trappings. Perhaps the house won't be perfectly decorated this year, and maybe the pies won't be homemade, but after all, isn't family the real cause for joy? And isn't the little child the reason for the season? And isn't the faithfulness of us one to another the spark for the festival of lights?

By breastfeeding your baby, your child receives the dual gifts of health and intimacy. Don't let the pressure of the holidays obscure their real meaning. Relax and take good care of yourselves. Happy Holidays!