If you are a new parent with a breastfeeding baby, you know how the best laid plans can be hijacked at any moment. Instead of being disheartened, use Valentine's Day to make connecting romantically with your loved one a priority!
Expectations can lead to disappointment, so relaxing and going with the flow will make your Valentine's Day go more smoothly. Remember to express how much you mean to each other - with a smile, a kiss, a meaningful look, a cuddle or by simply saying a heartfelt ‘I love you’. On this special day be mindful of your love for your little family and take advantage of little moments to connect.
Here are a few suggestions that can help put love into your Valentine’s Day even while breastfeeding!
Breakfast in Bed
Start your day off with a special breakfast treat! Stay in bed even a few minutes longer and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and/or a warm breakfast treat first thing.
Those few extra minutes while cuddled up in your warm comfy bed together will start your day off with a little bit of cozy love. Even if you have your little one smushed lovingly between you two, you can all enjoy the warmth and love that a yummy breakfast in bed brings in the early morning.
Collage of “Love”
Nothing is better than a handmade gift from a loved one on Valentine’s Day, especially if it is about your little family. Instead of going for a standard gift this year, gather some cute pictures of the family and make a fun collage. Memories of your first months/years as a family is a special Valentine's Day gift that can be enjoyed for years to come!
Stay-In Movie Date
Instead of going out to a crowded theater for a movie date (which is especially hard with a breastfeeding baby), create your own theater right in your living room! Light some candles, create a cozy setting of pillows and blankets, and pick a movie that will set the mood. Grab some popcorn and hot cocoa and snuggle up together - or with your little one in between you - to create an evening filled with love and deliciousness!
Dinner for “Three”
It is very hard to find time to go on a romantic dinner at a restaurant with a new infant, especially when you're breastfeeding. So instead of skipping the romantic dinner altogether, simply dine in instead of out! Set the mood with a candlelit dinner, some mood setting music, and one of your favorite meals - all in the comfort of your own home. Create a memorable, romantic night with the ones you love. Once your little one is asleep you and your partner can have a little alone time to enjoy some dessert on your romantic day.
Get Frisky
Intimacy with a new and/or breastfeeding infant can be tricky, but it's important to find time to connect as a couple. If you’re cleared for intercourse, go for it on this most romantic day of the year! If not, show your partner some affection with lots of snuggles and kissing.
DON’T forget you can get pregnant while breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding usually means you have a lower chance of getting pregnant for the first six months after giving birth, however it IS possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding. If you’re not ready for another baby, play it safe. For guys: since she's probably not on any estrogen-containing birth control while nursing, it would be sexy if you could take care of the contraception on your end.
Celebrate All Love
Yes, Valentine’s Day is a day to show your partner how much they mean to you with acts of love, but now you have another little member of your family that you both love unconditionally.
You can celebrate your day with your growing family by filling your day with family activities everyone can enjoy! Show ALL your loved ones how much they mean to you, and what better way than spending this love-filled day together.