Navigating the Holidays with a Newborn: Postpartum Tips for a Calmer Season

The holiday season can be one of the most joyful—and overwhelming—times of the year, especially when you’re caring for a newborn. Between family gatherings, expectations, and the demands of postpartum recovery, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. The good news? With some planning, boundaries, and support, you can enjoy a calmer, more meaningful holiday season.

Honor Your Postpartum Needs First: Your recovery and your baby’s needs come before holiday obligations. It’s okay to say no or modify traditions. Healing, rest, and bonding time matter most right now.

• Prioritize rest over rushing around. Your body is still healing.

• Keep your baby’s and your own needs at the center of decisions.

• Remember that skipping a year of gatherings doesn’t mean missing out forever.

  
  

Set Gentle Boundaries: Family and friends often mean well, but postpartum parents may need extra space and flexibility.

• Politely decline visits or large gatherings if they feel overwhelming.

• Ask guests to wash hands, stay home if sick, and respect your baby’s sleep.

• Keep visits short and supportive—no need to entertain

  
  

Simplify Your Celebrations: The holidays don’t have to look the same every year. This season, less truly can be more.

• Order food or ask loved ones to bring dishes.

• Skip gift stress—opt for a smaller exchange or heartfelt notes.

• Create new, low-pressure traditions, like cozy movie nights at home.

  
  

Support for Feeding and Sleep Routines: With travel, guests, and busy schedules, your baby’s feeding or sleep rhythm might shift—and that’s okay.

• Try to keep a familiar feeding and sleep environment when possible.

• Communicate your baby’s needs to family members so everyone’s on the same page.

• Accept help from those who can assist with feeds, meals, or household chores.

  
  

How Postpartum Doulas Can Help During the Holidays:

• Overnight Care: Let your doula handle nighttime newborn care so you can rest between celebrations.

• Emotional Support: Doulas can help you process the mix of emotions that holidays can bring.

• Practical Help: Whether it’s prepping meals, babywearing tips, or managing visitors, doulas help make this season smoother.

  
  

You don’t need to make the holidays perfect—you just need to make them peaceful enough for your growing family to feel connected and cared for. If you’re entering the holidays with a newborn, reach out to Intentional Beginnings for postpartum doula support. We’ll help you rest, recover, and make space for what truly matters this season.

-Kayden Lindeman PCD(DONA), CLC

Owner of Intentional Beginnings