Can you really enjoy the holidays when you're breastfeeding?

Yes, and that’s the first thing you need to know before anything else. The holiday season with a breastfed baby isn’t a time of deprivation and restrictions. It’s a time of joy, sharing, and family reunions—and you have every right to enjoy it to the fullest, even while breastfeeding, even if it means making a few adjustments.

The list of true dietary contraindications during breastfeeding is much shorter than is often believed. Alcohol requires caution, not total abstinence. Most holiday foods—foie gras, smoked salmon, oysters, Yule log, and cheeses—can be enjoyed while breastfeeding without any particular restrictions. And when it comes to nursing on Christmas Eve, an elegant nursing top is all you need to handle the situation with discretion and style. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, even while breastfeeding.

Can you drink alcohol during the holidays while breastfeeding?

Yes, as long as you’re mindful and follow a few simple rules. Alcohol isn’t prohibited while breastfeeding—it just needs to be managed wisely. Alcohol passes into breast milk through the same mechanism as it does into the bloodstream: peak concentration occurs about an hour after consumption, and then it is gradually eliminated.

The rule of thumb to remember: it takes about 2.5 hours for a standard drink to be eliminated from your breast milk. For two drinks, allow about 5 hours. The equation is simple: the longer you wait after drinking before breastfeeding, the lower the alcohol concentration in your breast milk. Here are some practical strategies for parties: breastfeed right before you start drinking to maximize the time before the next feeding, pump your milk in advance so you have a supply ready if your baby gets hungry during the evening, and drink slowly while eating to slow down absorption. A breast pump does not remove alcohol from your milk—you must wait for your body to eliminate it naturally.

Can you eat foie gras, oysters, and smoked salmon while breastfeeding?

Yes to all three—and that’s great news for holiday celebrations. Dietary restrictions during pregnancy (listeriosis, toxoplasmosis) no longer apply after childbirth. While breastfeeding, there are no formal restrictions on foie gras, oysters, or smoked salmon.

Foie gras can be eaten without restriction while breastfeeding; neither the fats nor the vitamins it contains pose a risk to the baby through breast milk. Smoked salmon is perfectly safe to eat while breastfeeding; rich in omega-3, it can even improve the quality of breast milk. Oysters can be eaten while breastfeeding; just make sure they are fresh to avoid food poisoning, which could weaken the mother. Christmas log cake, cheeses, and deli meats—there are no restrictions while breastfeeding. Eat a variety of foods as part of a balanced diet, and enjoy your holiday meal to the fullest.

Should you let your guests know that you're breastfeeding during the holidays?

It's entirely up to you, and there's no right or wrong answer. Some moms prefer to let their close friends and family know in advance to avoid comments about the glass of wine they didn't drink or unwanted questions. Others prefer not to say anything and handle the situation discreetly as the evening goes on.

One thing is certain: you are under no obligation to justify your breastfeeding, your dietary choices, or how you handle feedings during the holidays. If positive or negative comments about your breastfeeding come up at the dinner table, you have the right to respond briefly and move on. “It’s going very well, thank you” is a complete and sufficient response. The holiday season isn’t the ideal time for debates about breastfeeding—one way or the other.

How do you handle a feeding during a holiday dinner?

This is often the situation that stresses breastfeeding moms the most before the holidays, and it’s actually much easier to handle than you might think—as long as you have the right outfit.

If you’re breastfeeding at the dinner table: With the right nursing top, you can feed discreetly without leaving your seat or interrupting the evening. Unzip the side zipper under the tablecloth, position your baby, and no one across from you will notice a thing. If you’d rather find a private spot: locate a comfortable spot in the house ahead of time—a bedroom or an adjacent living room—where you can breastfeed undisturbed during feeding time. Let your partner know so they’ll know where you are. And if someone is watching your baby during dinner: prepare one or two bottles of pumped milk in advance for the evening feedings, and enjoy your meal without worrying about the clock.

What should you wear to breastfeed in style during the holidays?

One of the trickiest fashion challenges of breastfeeding is finding an elegant party outfit that allows you to breastfeed discreetly. The good news: the 23 Mai Paris collection solves exactly this problem.

The Breastfeeding dress is the ultimate party piece—a single garment that creates a complete, polished look, with zipper openings that are completely invisible when closed, allowing you to breastfeed without undressing. Choose a dark color or a dressy fabric—velvet, fine knit , or structured jersey—for a truly festive outfit. The “ knit ” nursing sweater, worn over elegant pants or a skirt, is another popular option for New Year’s Eve celebrations—warm, chic, and functional. For more casual family gatherings, anursing sweatshirt in a neutral color paired with jeans and ankle boots is all you need to put together a festive outfit without going overboard. The key is that you like your outfit and feel comfortable in it—a mom who feels good in her outfit breastfeeds with greater ease.

How should I prepare for feedings on New Year's Eve?

New Year's Eve is often the longest night of the year, and with a breastfed baby, it can feel even longer. A few simple precautions can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

If your baby is with you on New Year’s Eve: set up a comfortable spot for feedings throughout the evening, bring extra nursing pads, and pack a light shawl to cover your shoulders while feeding. If you’re coming home late: expect that your baby may have been less calm than usual due to the noisy environment, unfamiliar hands, and irregular schedule, and be prepared for one or more extra feedings when you get home. If you drink alcohol during the evening: wait the recommended amount of time before breastfeeding, and have some pumped milk on hand for feedings that can’t wait.

How can you handle comments from family members about breastfeeding during the holidays?

Family gatherings during the holiday season are sometimes the scene of comments—some more supportive than others—about breastfeeding. “Are you still breastfeeding?” “He’ll never be independent.” “Can’t you have a drink?” “Haven’t you weaned him yet?” These questions, often asked without any ill intent, can be exhausting when you hear them for the tenth time.

Here are a few phrases that let you respond without getting upset and wrap up the topic quickly. “Yes, everything’s going very well, thank you.” “We’re happy this way.” “It’s our choice, and the baby is doing great.” “I’m under my doctor’s care—everything’s fine.” Pick your battles: holiday gatherings aren’t the right time to explain WHO guidelines or the benefits of extended breastfeeding. A short, confident response wraps up the conversation more effectively than a long speech. And if the comments are repeated and hurtful, talk to your partner beforehand so they can also defuse the situation.

How can you maintain your milk supply during the holidays and Christmas break?

The Christmas holidays often disrupt breastfeeding routines—later feedings, disrupted sleep schedules, accumulated fatigue, and alcohol consumption—and can cause a slight, temporary decrease in milk supply.

To maintain your milk supply during the holidays: continue to breastfeed or pump as regularly as possible, even if your schedule is off. Stay well-hydrated throughout holiday gatherings—alcohol and overheated rooms can quickly lead to dehydration. Eat enough during holiday meals—the temptation to snack on appetizers and then eat very little at the main meal can leave a mother undernourished. And get as much rest as the festivities allow—fatigue is the number one enemy of lactation. If your milk supply drops slightly during the holidays, it usually returns to its usual level as soon as you get back into your routine.

Is it possible to travel with the family during the holidays while breastfeeding?

Yes, and traveling during the holidays is easy with a breastfed baby—often even easier than with a bottle-fed baby—because breast milk is always available, at the right temperature, without any preparation or sterilization.

By car: Plan breaks for feedings—never try to breastfeed in a moving car. By train: Family compartments and the spaces between cars are often comfortable for a feeding. By plane: Breastfeeding is allowed and even recommended during takeoff and landing to help relieve pressure on your baby’s ears as the cabin pressure changes. Always pack more frozen expressed milk than you need if you plan to bring it with you, and check the airline’s specific regulations regarding the transport of breast milk.

What is the return policy for 23 Mai Paris nursing clothing 23 Mai Paris

You have 14 days from the date you receive your order to let us know if an item does not meet your expectations and request a refund. Please note that exchanges are not available; only refunds are offered.

Customized items featuring embroidery are excluded from this policy and cannot be returned or refunded. For any inquiries, please contact our customer service team in advance at the following email address: bonjour@23maiparis.com.

You can also find more designs here

Breastfeeding dresses Breastfeeding sweaters knit Breastfeeding sweaters Winter Christmas Nursing Sweater Warm Nursing Clothes Our blog post: Pregnancy and the Holidays—Alcohol, Foie Gras, and Cheese Our blog post: Breastfeeding Alone at Night in Winter