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Home › Webmother's Musings

Expecting Happy and Healthy Holidays!

By Elisa Ast All

The holidays transform pregnancy and parenthood into even more magical times of anticipation and celebration! When expecting during the holidays, every moment is more intense and meaningful. During Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's gatherings, friends and family members swarm around expectant couples wanting to share in the joy, even vicariously.

Some will pat your belly, others will give unsolicited advice – good and bad – and a few will offer horror stories or tales of triumph in the delivery room. Doors may be opened for you, food and drinks offered on shiny platters, the best seats in the house reserved for you. Though all the attention may be overwhelming, try to soak it all in and accept it gracefully. This is your moment to shine brighter than you ever have, illuminating your corner of the world with a special glow generated from within.

With all the goodies available during the holidays, keep in mind what's best for you and your baby:

  • Avoid alcoholic drinks and pastries with alcohol in them; if you're not sure what's in something, just ask! For a festive – yet nonalcoholic – drink, have a fruit juice/7-Up spritzer.
  • Stay away from cigarettes and second-hand smoke.
  • Don't fill up on appetizers and sweets; have second helpings of salad, vegetables and fruit instead. You only need an additional 300 calories.
  • To avoid heartburn, eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large, heavy meals.
  • Wear sturdy shoes or boots, and step carefully on snowy or icy walkways.

Above all, remember to enjoy yourself as you spend your last holiday season with your baby inside you, rather than in your arms! This time next year, life will be very different.

The holidays with babies and toddlers are just magical. You get to relive your own childhood and see the world again through fresh eyes. As a new family, you can build memories. A family tradition gives children the sense of belonging to their very first community. Build wonder during the holidays by re-creating your own fond memories. If you decorated the house while singing holiday songs as a child, do that with your own kids.

While you are building these foundations, make sure not to overdo the gifts. Kids can become overwhelmed and don't need as much as we'd like to give them. Overindulgence can happen because of the generosity of friends and family – and even yourself. For many parents, guilt plays a part. If we feel we are not spending enough time with our kids, we spend money to buy them things instead of giving them what they really want and need: our time.

Encourage your children to express appreciation when opening gifts, acknowledging the time and thought that went into them. Even toddlers can be encouraged to show gratitude by hugging each gift-giver after opening a present. Have your children sort through their toys and clothes to give gifts for the needy.

Be aware of babies when around holiday items. When choosing a tree, consider a smaller one that sits on a table and make sure it is secure in its stand. Don't use tinsel or glass ornaments, and be sure your Christmas tree lights are in working order. Never leave a baby alone near the tree. Always designate caregivers if you will be running around or cooking. Keep your baby away from holiday plants – mistletoe (berries), holly and poinsettia can be poisonous.