Throughout the past few weeks, the entire country has experienced colder temperatures than normal! As a breastfeeding parent, it can be challenging to breastfeed when facing winter weather conditions, in addition to the cold and flu season. If you’re looking for ways to stay warm, comfortable, and healthy during this time of year, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading for helpful suggestions on how to make breastfeeding during the winter more comfortable.
❄️ How to Make Breastfeeding During Winter More Comfortable
Although it’s important to ensure you feel comfortable while breastfeeding all year long, it’s especially important to feel that way during the winter when there are cold temperatures and potentially sicknesses floating around. We can all agree that breastfeeding while feeling sick or when feeling cold is HARD.
Here’s how you can remain comfortable during this time:
1) Add on the layers. Although wearing bulky sweaters and heavy jackets is great for staying warm during this time of year, it isn’t exactly convenient when you need to breastfeed. Tinybeans recommends dressing in easy-to-access layers, such as “button-down sweaters, zip-up hoodies, scarves and nursing tops.” Additionally, they recommend a breathable nursing cover, swaddling blankets, long sleeve sleepers, sleep sacks, and a hat and mittens to ensure extra warmth and protection from cold climates.
2) Stay hydrated. As the dry winter weather is known to cause dehydration, it’s crucial that you keep yourself hydrated during this time, as suggested by Tinybeans. Whether you lean on water or an herbal tea like SOLMA, be sure to keep fluids by your side at all times so that your body is getting the hydration it needs.
3) Keep nipple cream handy. In addition to the dry air making you thirsty, it can also cause sore or cracked nipples. This can lead to infections such as thrush, as Sanrai Med explains, which is why it’s important to remain consistent with moisturizing. Check out this list of recommended nipple creams by The Bump.
Although feeling cold is a challenge that happens while breastfeeding during winter, it’s not the only one — getting sick can be a struggle, too. If you find yourself catching a cold this season, here are some things to know about how that may affect breastfeeding:
1) It’s completely safe to breastfeed while sick, as long as you’re feeling up to it. As What to Expect explains, illness doesn’t pass through breast milk. In fact, this is the best time of year to feed your baby with breast milk, as it will provide “your baby with antibodies and other immunological factors that will help keep your little one from getting sick.” If you aren’t feeling well enough, ask your partner or a caregiver to feed your baby with expressed breast milk through a bottle.
2) Practice extra good personal care and hygiene. Although this is something you’re already doing, it’s important to be even more vigilant about preventing the spread of germs. The Virginia Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics recommends washing your hands frequently, coughing or sneezing away from your baby, and getting plenty of rest.
3) Consult with a doctor before taking any medications. Breastfeeding doesn't mean that all medications are off limits, but it does mean that you need to be cautious about what you take and when. What to Expect shares that Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Antihistamines, and Decongestants are all safe to take, amongst most antibiotics. However, check with your OB/GYN, primary care doctor, or the pediatrician before you start taking anything.
During this time of year, it’s as important as ever to ensure that you’re taking care of yourself so that you can continue to provide the best care for your baby. Be sure to check out our teas at SOLMA to help provide you with the hydration you need and keep everybody happy and healthy!
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