Alternative New Year’s resolutions for breastfeeding mums

Traditional New Year’s resolutions often centre around giving something up or making a drastic lifestyle change.

In fact, if you made some resolutions at the start of 2022, there’s a good chance that you’ve already broken at least some of them. Whether you’re a fan of resolutions or not, the beginning of a new year is a great time to take stock and set some goals for the next few months.

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to keep those goals positive and realistic – you’re already doing something amazing simply by feeding your little one so don’t feel you have to do anything dramatic to be able to call 2022 a success.

At Stylish Mum, we are all for celebrating those small everyday parenting wins from changing a nappy one-handed or diffusing a tantrum to managing to breastfeed in a sling or simply managing a decent stretch of sleep.

Here are our suggestions for alternative New Year’s resolutions for breastfeeding mums:

1. Take help when it’s offered

When someone asks if there’s anything they can do for help, don’t shrug off their offers to be polite. Suggest things family and friends can do to make your life easier, whether it’s holding the baby while you take a shower, preparing a meal or babysitting an older child. If you’re not sure how they can help, see if they have any suggestions of things they’d like to do to lighten your load.

2. Get breastfeeding support if you need it

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy and even if you have been doing it for a while, you may run into issues where you feel you need advice and support. Don’t suffer in silence, seek help as soon as problems arise. There are a number of different ways you can access breastfeeding support, including attending groups, speaking to your midwife, GP or health visitor, calling a helpline, getting in touch with a peer support project in your area or chatting with an expert online. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is on 0300 100 0212.

3. Cut yourself some slack

Looking after a baby is exhausting, especially when you’re breastfeeding. Keep your to-do list short and realistic and prioritise looking after yourself as well as your little one. Don’t panic if you feel you are falling behind on things in the house, take time to cuddle your baby and adjust to being a parent instead (and accept some help with the tasks which really can’t wait).

4. Believe in yourself

You know your baby best so trust your instincts and follow your baby’s cues. If something feels like it isn’t right, don’t be afraid to seek advice. Believe in yourself and your ability to look after and nurture your baby. Avoid any negative self-talk and recognise all the things you have already achieved by getting this far in your parenting journey.

5. Drink more water

Okay, so this probably sounds like one of those New Year’s resolutions you make every year and struggle to stick to but staying hydrated when you are breastfeeding is really important. Making sure you drink enough water will help you avoid fatigue and will also help your milk production. Keep a bottle of water handy before you start a breastfeed and that insatiable thirst kicks in and top it up throughout the day so you can take a sip whenever you need one.

6. Don’t compare yourself to other people

It’s easy to feel like you are the only one finding things tough, especially if you are judging your life against picture perfect social media accounts or that mum that seems to have everything sorted at the local baby group. Remember everyone has their own issues to deal with so try not to compare yourself with other people. Often if you’re honest about the things you are finding difficult, you’ll find lots of other people feel the same way. Maybe they even thought your life seemed perfect and were unfavourably comparing themselves to you. If you want like-minded mums to chat to please do join our Stylish Mum Facebook Community 

7. Stay active but don’t worry about the baby weight

Keeping yourself moving and staying active is great for both your mental and physical health but prioritise your wellbeing over any attempts to lose weight. Getting fixated on losing pounds or regaining your pre-baby body can be a lot of pressure so focus instead on taking part in some activities you enjoy like taking your little one out for a walk in the park or taking a fitness class where you can meet some other mums. There are also lots of simple exercises you can follow online in the comfort of your own home so you can fit being active around your baby and their routine (if they have one!).

8. Enjoy those little moments

It probably doesn’t feel like it right now but your breastfeeding journey will pass quickly (even if you decide to continue until your child is a toddler and beyond) so take time to enjoy those little moments of closeness you get with your little one. If your baby falls asleep on you, don’t worry about all the things you could be doing, just sit back and relax and enjoy that feeling as when your child is older, you’ll miss the times they slept in your arms. Just spending time with your child is important right now so don’t be afraid to prioritise cuddles over tackling the laundry or tidying up.