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The clocks have gone back and Halloween is in the rear view mirror. It can only mean one thing: Christmas is round the corner! Busy breastfeeding mums need all the help they can get to prepare for the Festive period. Baby’s first Christmas is a precious occasion. Make the most of the run-up to Christmas with get ahead hacks that fit round your breastfeeding and breast pumping schedule, leaving you to relax and enjoy the big day with your little one.
Christmas hacks that fit round your breastfeeding and breast pumping schedule
Christmas Cards
Many people love to send Christmas cards, and a new baby in the family provides a great opportunity to share photos of your little one. Get ahead by writing your Christmas card list. If you plan to create your own cards featuring a seasonal photograph, get organised in November and arrange a photoshoot. This can be done professionally, with final images being sent to printers for a high-quality finish. Alternatively, take your own snaps and use a digital program such as Canva or Adobe Express to customise your own cards.
A hands free breast-pump, such as the Momcozy M5 wearable breast pump allows you to conveniently pump and maintain your breastmilk supply whilst you tinker on the computer creating your own cuter than cute cards. Online apps also allow you to create address labels which can then be easily stuck to envelopes, and you’ll have a ready-made address list for next year.
Some mums donate to charity as an alternative to sending Christmas cards. If this idea fits with your own values, consider which charity you’d like to support. You can easily let family and friends know your plans via social media, raising awareness for your chosen charity in the process.
Diaries at the Ready
The Festive Season involves lots of invites and social gatherings. Take time to plan what feels good for you to say “yes” to, and when and where you’ll benefit from down time. Get ahead by identifying the friends and family you want to spend time with. Contact people well in advance of December so you can negotiate times and dates and get these into your diary.
If you plan to meet at a venue, contact the restaurant or party venue to get the booking secured. As a breastfeeding mummy, its fine to also set aside self-care days if you know your energy levels will benefit from this. Don’t forget to schedule hair or beauty appointments which tend to be fully booked once December arrives.
Meal Planning and Baking
A homemade Christmas cake or pudding brings a touch of class to any festive celebration. Seasonal delights benefit from being prepared well in advance of the big day. Brandy infused Christmas cake that’s been left to mature tastes delicious! Get ahead by sourcing a couple of recipes you’d like to try and purchase your ingredients. A home day baking can involve your little one as they watch you weighing and combining ingredients.
The traditional day for making Christmas puddings and fruit cakes is known as “Stir up Sunday” and falls on Sunday 26th November this year. Whenever you choose to bake, you can easily schedule breastfeeds and breast pumping around the occasional check on how things are progressing in the oven.
Get ahead, too, with general meal planning for the Christmas period and for New Year. Make ahead and freeze a range of delicious one pot meals and suppers as well as canapes and bakes. Identify which meals you’ll be providing over the holiday period and create a schedule for when you can get some of these made in advance. Stay relaxed whilst you cook by ensuring you wear comfortable, loose clothing. The soft and wireless Momcozy’s pumping bra gives you the freedom to sift, stir and sauté festive delights whilst you pump hands-free in comfort.
As well as festive food prep, don’t forget drink pairing options to give you plenty of time to stock up and avoid last minute panics.
Get Ahead Gifting
Gifting is an important part of Christmas. Get ahead of last-minute panic shopping chaos by planning who you want to buy for. Look to create a budget so you avoid any unexpected bills come January. Experience type gifts and vouchers are great get ahead presents for breastfeeding mummies because you can browse and book online from the comfort of your sofa whilst you’re sitting feeding your little one.
A gift experience voucher in an envelope also saves the need to wrap a gift. Win, win! But, if you do decide to exchange gifts that require wrapping, look to make life easier by using paper gift bags or fabric drawstring bags. These are an eco-friendly choice in that they can be reused. But for busy breastfeeding mums, the more immediate benefit is that you’ll save a lot of time and hassle in wrapping gifts with fiddly paper and ribbon. When you’re shopping in November, pick up a selection of gift bags so you’re prepared to package and present your gifts.
Consider Outsourcing
It’s only fair mums get to relax and enjoy Christmas with their little one. If you have flexibility in your budget, get ahead by arranging to outsource one or two household tasks that will make life easier in the run up to the busy festive period. Cleaning and garden maintenance services can all be scheduled to take some of the pressure off you as parents. You may like to book in a one-off deep clean or even make use of the services of external caterers to lighten the load with party preparation.
Get ahead by considering how you feel about making use of external help. Remember, as a breastfeeding mummy, you’re already working hard to feed your baby. If you’re wondering how long should I pump?, or if it helps you get ahead, look to get things arranged with local cleaners and/or caterers.
And don’t forget, feeding your baby can be outsourced too to trusted friends and family, without the need to compromise on what you feed your little one. Pumping, storing and then bottle feeding your baby allows them to get the benefit of your breastmilk whilst someone else feeds them. Use the time to take a much-needed nap, or to head out for Christmas drinks with friends.
So, keep your cool this winter as you get ahead with your Christmas prep so you can enjoy festive memory making with your little one when the big day comes.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
