Give peace a chance

Relish the Christmas holidays without compromising your own well-being or that of your new baby.

Giving birth just before or during the holidays might seem like unfortunate timing. There is the crushing pressure to buy gifts and send greeting cards, the whirl of holiday parties and, for some of us, that inexplicable drive to make elaborately festive confections.

Suffice to say that the mix of magic and madness spikes people’s stress levels and sucks up the day’s hours like an industrial-strength vacuum. But you can relish the holidays without compromising your own well-being or that of your new baby. You just have to set limits for yourself and others. If you’re used to creating the perfect Martha Stewart holiday, try to lower your expectations; think “less is more” and do exactly as much as you want.

Holiday tips

Treat yourself
Merely taking a shower doesn’t qualify. Go for a walk, soak in a tub or take 10 minutes to do yoga. Or go whole the hog, if you can: go to a day spa.
Taking care of yourself can be as simple as letting family or friends help you.

Ask for what you need
In lieu of typical new-baby or holiday gifts (do you really want another fruitcake?), be creative and consider asking for items or services that you really need.
When people ask if they can do anything, say yes, and be specific. Gifts that encourage self-indulgence can be particularly helpful – like a foot spa or a massage voucher.

Travel smart
If you must travel with your new baby, it will surely go more smoothly if you prepare in advance. Bring nappies, a first-aid kit and an extra change of clothes for your baby and yourself. If you’re flying, carrying the baby in a front carrier or sling will leave your hands free to deal with a carry-on bag and tickets.
If travelling by car, you may want to bring a hand-held breast pump to squirrel away milk in the cooler for those times when you need to feed the baby with a bottle. For instance, you should never take your baby out of his car seat and nurse while the car is moving; this is extremely unsafe. Sit next to him and give him a bottle instead.

Keep your baby healthy
Taking a baby outside during the winter will not make him sick. Sick people will make him sick. This is why it’s a good idea to avoid crowded, closed-in places.
And keep the baby away from sick kids, if possible.
While individual paediatricians may differ regarding whether to keep a newborn at home - and, if so, for how long - the American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that parents do take their babies out for fresh air, weather permitting, during the first month.