Ah, the festive season is in full flow with days filled with visits to and from friends and family and constant requests for games of Pass the Baby.

So here are some things to remind yourself and others:

• Missing, skipping or hurrying breastfeeds is a fast-track route to discomfort, pain and infection so you just keep on feeding your baby on demand, popping out your boobs it's time for baby's breakfast, 3rd breakfast or 5th helping of lunch, and don't be apologetic about responding to your baby! Everyone else around you gets to eat all the good festive food! Why should your baby's hunger be ignored or treated as less! So, get someone to refill your plate and help feed YOU so you can get on with the loving and important job of feeding your baby.

• Holding your baby is good for baby and good for you! Baby is calmer, more likely to sleep and close to her source of food so can indicate more clearly, as she roots around your chest, that she's hungry! You may also find yourself feeling calmer knowing you've got baby with you, able to respond to whatever needs may arise rather than trying to work out which family member you last saw holding her. Of course, cuddles from others may be a lifesaver when you want to dash to the loo (although carriers are great for that too....) or you simply feel like a break, but never feel like you can't hold your baby. Now, give her head a good old oxytocin-filled sniff and carry on.

• Busy social periods can be filled with people giving you all sorts of unsolicited advice. So, just remember, if you've not asked and you're happy as things are, it's ok to tell someone "Thank you for your suggestion. I'm happy with the situation as it is at the moment but I will keep it in mind" or even "please stop giving unasked for advice. I will let you know if and when I need help". You know your baby best so keep at it and know that, should you need help, help will be all around.