Making It Through the Holidays Postpartum

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and family togetherness. But for new moms navigating the postpartum period, the added pressure of the festive season can be overwhelming. Balancing the demands of a newborn with the expectations of holiday traditions requires careful planning, clear communication, and a strong support system.

We’re here to help, mama! And that’s why we put together this holiday survival guide for new moms.

While 96% of parents agree that the festive season is a happy time for their families, mothers also report twice as much stress as fathers during the holidays (23% compared to 12%). These high levels of stress can increase when new mamas feel pressured to attend or host a holiday party or other events—even when they're not feeling up to it.

Remember that it's okay to say no to invitations or requests that feel too demanding! Whether you're worried about putting up holiday decorations, gift-giving duties, or hosting a holiday dinner, the festive season can be a stressful time for new parents, and it's perfectly reasonable to set healthy boundaries.

One way to avoid holiday stress is by communicating your needs and limitations with your partner and extended family. Set realistic expectations for the holidays by being honest about your recovery process and the challenges of caring for a newborn. By managing these expectations early on, you can reduce the risk of disappointment and stress during the holiday season.

Here are some examples of boundary-setting communication:

• “We’re keeping visits to 1-2 hours this year to help maintain baby’s routine and my recovery. We’d love to see you from 2-4 p.m. on Christmas Day!”
• Thank you for the holiday dinner invitation! Since I’m still healing and establishing a breastfeeding routine, we’ll be celebrating at home this year. Would you like to join us for a short visit this weekend instead?”
• “While we can’t host the full family gathering this year, we’d love to do a video call to let you say hi to baby and share in the holiday spirit together!”

Clear, kind communication about your needs and limitations helps create a more enjoyable holiday season for everyone while protecting your postpartum recovery and bonding time with your little one.

Don't forget: Your well-being and your little one's health should be your top priorities!

One of the most important things new moms can do during the postpartum period is to accept help from others, and the holiday season is a perfect time to lean on your support system. 

Don't hesitate to ask family members and friends to assist with tasks like meal preparation, gift shopping and wrapping, or household chores! Studies show that social support from family and friends reduces levels of postpartum stress and anxiety during the postpartum period.

Consider delegating holiday-related tasks to your partner or other family members. This might include decorating, sending out cards, or planning family gatherings. By sharing the workload, you can conserve your energy for bonding with your new baby and taking care of yourself.

The holidays are steeped in tradition, but as a new mom, it's important to be flexible and open to creating new traditions that work for your growing family. Instead of trying to maintain pre-baby holiday routines, consider modifying celebrations to accommodate your needs and your baby's schedule.

This might mean hosting a smaller gathering at your home instead of attending a large family event. Or, you may choose to celebrate on a different day or time that works better for your family. 

Remember, the most important thing is to create meaningful memories with your loved ones, even if it looks different from previous years.

During the postpartum period, self-care is non-negotiable, mama! 

Make sure to prioritize rest, healthy eating, and gentle physical activity as your body recovers from childbirth. And don't feel guilty about taking breaks or napping when your baby sleeps. In fact, research indicates new mothers experience improved mental health when they prioritize self-care activities.

It's also crucial to prioritize your baby's needs during the holiday season. Stick to your baby's regular feeding and sleep schedule as much as possible, even if you’re cluster feeding and even if it means missing out on some holiday activities. After all, a well-rested and content baby is more important than attending every holiday event. 

If you need advice on breastfeeding during the holiday season, read our blog on Tips for Managing Family Gatherings.

Despite the challenges of navigating the holidays postpartum, it's still possible to experience the joy and magic of the season! 

Spend quality time with your loved ones and new bundle of joy by focusing on creating intimate, memorable moments with your new family unit. Take lots of pictures, start new traditions that honor your growing family, and savor the quiet moments of connection with your baby.

As you create new traditions, don't forget to involve your extended family and friends. Share your holiday vision with them and invite them to be a part of your new family's story. By working together, you can find ways to celebrate that bring everyone closer together.

The holiday season can be a wonderful time for new moms, even in the midst of the postpartum period. By setting boundaries, accepting help, and creating modified celebrations that prioritize self-care and baby's needs, you can navigate this special time with grace and joy. Remember, the greatest gift you can give yourself and your family is the gift of a happy, healthy mom and baby.