Categories: Breastfeeding, Postpartum, Pumping
December 19, 2025
Last updated on December 19, 2025
The holidays have a way of bringing both joy and pressure at the same time. And when you’ve just welcomed a new baby or are days or weeks away from giving birth, the season can take on a whole new meaning. The pace is different. Your body is healing. Your emotions may be tender. And the things that once felt simple may now feel heavy or overwhelming.
This isn’t a “get everything done” season. It’s a “go at the pace that feels safe for you and your baby” season. And that’s more than enough.
Setting Boundaries with Love
The holidays often come with expectations – visitors, invitations, and longstanding traditions can bring pressure during the postpartum season. But postpartum requires gentleness, rest, and space to bond. It’s okay to create a smaller, quieter version of the holidays this year.
You can say:
- “Short visits work better for us right now.”
- “We’re keeping things calm so we can rest.”
- “We’ll let you know when we’re ready for visitors.”
- “We’re skipping events this year to focus on healing.”
Boundaries aren’t about pushing people away. They’re about protecting the healing and bonding time you and your baby need.
Preparing for Visitors
New babies naturally bring excitement, but you’re allowed to guide how and when people visit. Keeping visits short, choosing specific times, or setting health expectations can make things feel more manageable. When people ask how they can help, let them. A meal drop-off or a quick hand with chores can make your day easier and give you more time to rest and recover.
Common boundaries that help:
- Visits during certain times
- No surprise drop-ins
- Hand washing upon entering or before holding baby
- Limiting how many people hold the baby (or at all!)
- Ending visits early if you’re getting tired
Choosing what feels right for you helps create a calmer and healthier environment for you and your baby.
Feeding or Pumping Through the Holidays
No matter how you’re feeding your baby – breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or a combination – feeding adds another layer to the holiday season. Schedules may shift, routines may feel less predictable, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to keep things perfect, but to keep them manageable.
A few gentle reminders that can help:
- Feeding routines don’t have to look the same every day to be effective
- Shorter or slightly adjusted sessions still count
- It’s okay to step away from gatherings to feed or pump when you need to
- Having supplies organized ahead of time can make things feel less stressful
If you’re pumping, keeping a small pump kit ready can be especially helpful for outings or visits away from home. And if travel is part of your holiday plans, our blog Nailing Pumping on the Go During Holiday Travel shares practical tips for staying on track while away, including packing, storage, and keeping your routine flexible.
However you’re feeding your baby this season, give yourself permission to follow a rhythm that works for you. Feeding doesn’t need to fit into the holidays; the holidays can adjust around feeding.
Going Out, Staying In, or Something in Between
For many new families, staying home during the holidays feels safest and most restful. Others might choose a short visit with loved ones, or a brief outing just to get some fresh air. There’s no right or wrong way to approach this, only what feels manageable and supports your recovery. This season is all about giving yourself permission to move at a slower pace than usual.
No matter what you choose, staying in, stepping out briefly, or taking a trip, let it be centered on what feels right for your family in this moment.
Simple, Meaningful Traditions That Don’t Add Pressure
This year doesn’t need to be filled with big celebrations. Your holiday traditions can be small, gentle, and just for your little family:
- Cozy pajamas all day
- A quiet family photo
- Reading a short holiday book
- A candle, a prayer, or a moment of gratitude at night
- A keepsake ornament for baby’s first holiday
- A slow morning with cozy blankets and warm drinks
These memories often become the ones that matter most.
Supporting Your Mental and Emotional Health
Postpartum emotions can feel unpredictable, especially during the holidays. Some days may feel light and joyful, and others might feel foggy, overwhelming, or nothing like you expected. This is incredibly common in the early weeks.
Many moms experience what’s known as the “baby blues,” a short period of mood swings, tearfulness, sensitivity, and feeling easily overwhelmed. It usually shows up within the first few days after birth and often improves on its own within a few weeks. These shifts are brought on by major hormone changes, interrupted sleep, and the physical and emotional adjustment of becoming a parent.
If these feelings become stronger, last longer than a few weeks, or start making it hard to function day to day, you may be experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. That doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It simply means you need support.
Reaching out to your OB-GYN, midwife, primary care provider, or a therapist can make a meaningful difference. You can also find trusted resources, support lines, and provider directories through Postpartum Support International. The holidays can heighten emotions, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Asking for help is a healthy, strong step. Not a sign that you’re failing.
Support can also come from the people around you. Partners and trusted support people can help by checking in often, helping with day-to-day tasks, supporting feeding and pumping routines, and creating space for rest. Sometimes, just having someone notice when you’re overwhelmed and step in can make a meaningful difference.
A Final Word for This Season
You’re navigating healing, feeding, emotions, expectations, and a newborn all during one of the busiest times of year. That is a lot. And you’re doing it with more strength and tenderness than you probably realize.
This holiday season doesn’t need to look perfect. It just needs to feel safe, supportive, and right for your family. However you choose to spend it – at home, with loved ones, or in quiet moments – may it bring rest, connection, and grace for this new chapter you’re stepping into.