Breastfeeding

Tips for the new mom’s night out

As the weather gets warmer, you may be itching for some much-needed “me-time” out on the town. After months of being highly focused on caring for an infant, and spending hours in yoga pants and baggy (or no) tops, it’s time for a change.

Perhaps you have not had the time or energy to “pamper yourself” as much as you would like and so use time to dress up a bit and to sparkle and look glamorous. Go for it – even if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you can still go out and enjoy looking and feeling great!

Here are a few tips for breastfeeding moms who want to have fun and look great while enjoying a night out, without compromising their breastfeeding routine and goals:

Dressing Up and Looking Glamorous

A first night out can be hard for a new mom, because you might still be adapting to your “post-baby” body and you might feel self-conscious, especially if you’ll be attending parties with other women who haven’t had babies and are looking as slender and stylish as ever. Start with a mental attitude that as a mother, you are beautiful – all your perceived negative points are totally non-existent to anyone but yourself.

Make sure you pack a few nursing bra pads in your clutch to help prevent nipple leaks and stay dry and comfortable through the evening. 

Having a Drink

Many moms like the idea of having a social drink. It’s perfectly acceptable to decline to drink – just say “I’m breastfeeding” if any explanation is required – but if you would like to drink a bit of alcohol while breastfeeding, be prepared for some advance planning, and do your health research to avoid any ill effects for your baby.

The College of Family Physicians of Canada says that nursing mothers who choose to drink alcohol while breastfeeding should carefully plan a schedule by storing milk before drinking and waiting for complete elimination of alcohol from their breastmilk after drinking. Health Canada suggests waiting 2-4 hours after drinking, and if you pump during that 4-hour period of time, do not use that milk. After 4 hours, it is generally ok to breastfeed and pump breastmilk – if the alcohol is out of your system, it’s also out of your breastmilk; alcohol does not get “trapped” in your breastmilk.

Pumping while out

Many women have a single or double electric breast pump that they use at home. However, while you are out and away from your baby, you may simply have to deal with breasts that are engorged and full. There are lots of choices when it comes to Medela breast pumps. Your lifestyle will determine which one is best for you. But when it comes to packing an “on the go” kit, even if you are an exclusive breast pumping mom at home, it might be a good idea to invest in a simple manual pump.

Despite the added complexities of going out as a new mom, be sure to treat yourself and enjoy your “me-time”… You deserve it!

Medela

Medela offers breastfeeding accessories and breast pumps to mothers in Quebec and around the world. A long-time champion of breastfeeding, Medela is the only company to develop products based on the latest research by leading breastfeeding experts and feedback from breastfeeding mothers. As a result, Medela pumps are the number one choice for healthcare professionals, healthcare facilities and mothers around the world. Only you can provide what’s best for your baby. Medela can help.


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