A Babymoon “Before”
Before baby arrives, treat yourself to a babymoon vacation. Babymoons are designed for optimum pampering and luxury. These “last hurrah” trips for parents-to-be provide the perfect setting to relax and reconnect as a couple before entering (or re-entering) parenthood.
Moms
and dads-to-be know that fun vacations without sippy cups and bibs may
be out of reach for a while, so they’re seizing the opportunity for one
last romantic getaway.We’ll help make sure your prebaby vacay goes off without a hitch , with these tips:
Check in with your obstetrician. Make sure that you’re clear to travel based on the stage, progression and risk level of your pregnancy.
- Consider what temperature you want to spend your vacation days in.You’re pregnant, which means sometimes you’re hot, sometimes your cold!
- If you do decide to travel overseas, make sure your health insurance covers you out of the country.
- No guests allowed. How many people did you invite to come with you on your honeymoon?
- Time it right. You wouldn’t want to travel when you are going through morning sickness the whole day? And you feel like hitting the road when you barely can fit in the car? That’s why the best time for a babymoon is during the second trimester, when you’re past the nauseatic phase but not too big to get around easily
- When packing your bags, include the contact information for the nearest medical center along with the phone number of your obstetrician.
- Remember to take a note of what you can afford. A lot of bills are coming up your way ,so dont go too far into debt.
- Make low-stress travel arrangements. Now’s not the time to head for a world tour or to go on an adventure spree.This should not be the sightseeing adventure of a lifetime but a chance to chill out before your baby comes.
- Flying to your destination? Read about Flying when pregnant .
- Planning a road trip? Choose a destination spot within a reasonable driving radius (say four or five hours) and stop every hour to stretch your legs (and visit the washroom, of course).
- Planning for a cruise? Think twice since reaching your departure point may entail a couple of modes of transportation and the risk of seasickness comes along with it.
- When picking your destination, go for a place that offers opportunities for serenity along with pregnancy-friendly activities.
- Make sure there’s medical help nearby.
- A medical emergency is a lot easier to deal with when there’s no language barrier, so book your babymoon in a country where almost everyone speaks English (or you’re fluent in its language).
- Book the right room. When making your reservation, spring for a king-sized bed and ask for extra pillows to support your body (but consider bringing your own favorite pillow ). Quiet is key, so ask about and pass on rooms near the elevator or overlooking the kiddie pool (those happy squeals are sweet, but you don’t want them waking you up just yet).
- Pamper yourself. Schedule some spa time. Book a soothing facial or a prenatal massage (but avoid shiatsu and reflexology when you’re preggers). Or try a couple’s massage so you and your partner get pampered together.
- Check out the eats ahead of time.Look for destinations that cater to pregnant moms, but don’t fall prey to over-priced amenities. Just because something costs more, doesn’t always mean it’s worth more.
- Keep mov
- ing. No matter what mode of travel, make sure to take a break from sitting to walk around and stretch. That will help ease the ankle swelling a bit and keep you as comfortable as possible.
- DO things together. Choose activities that are meaningful ways to connect – things that create memories that you’ll have forever.
- One of the nicest ways to relax whilst pregnant (which, after all, is the main purpose of your babymoon!) is to swim. The water tends to support your weight and really helps ease those aches and pains. So you may want to search for a babymoon package that either includes access to a pool, or is close to a public swimming area.
- Wear comfy shoes for your journey (particularly if you’re flying)
- Carry enough snacks. as you have probably noticed, pregnancy can make you unpredictably hungry!
- DON’T Forget Your Camera.
A Babymoon “After”
A babymoon after the little muffin has arrived is as important as your honeymoon , right after your wedding.
Why? Why? Why is there such a disparity between the way we celebrate these two major life events?
Like many new moms, you discover that along with the tender moments come really tough adjustments. New sleep times, feeding times and the realization that another human is completely dependent on you. How can moms survive this period — the “babymoon”?
New moms “should have no expectations” other than to bond with their new baby during this important time. Mothers will probably not be able to do much more than feed, change and hold their baby, and sleep.
There will be plenty of time for socializing, those first few days are precious and they are also vital for bonding with your baby and getting the hang of breastfeeding.
Devote some time to planning your Babymoon.
We’ll help make sure your postbaby vacay goes off without a hitch , with these tips:
- Don’t be afraid to say “no” to visitors.
- Decide who (if anyone) is welcome to accompany. Some people want to shut out the world and some want a little live-in help from family and friends during those first few days. Do whatever you feel like doing?
- Plan ahead. Make meals in advance that you can freeze and easily re-heat. Stock up on groceries, baby supplies, and household goods. Maybe even stock-up on a little champagne .
- Let people know. Notify friends and family in advance about your plans to eliminate “surprise”, well-intentioned guests.
- Consider asking a couple of close friends or family-members to be “on-call” just in case you need a little support or extra hands on deck.
- Unplug. Your email and social media accounts can wait – the world will not go into a frenzy if they don’t know exactly what’s happening in your celebratory cocoon. And, trust me, you don’t want a pinging computer or ringing cell-phone to wake up your baby – or you!
- Record your experience. The emotions you have right after your baby is born are unlike anything else in life. Take photos, keep a journal (even if it’s only a few lines a week) and you’ll be sure to look back on them someday with a smile.
- Sleep. Did you sleep in every morning on your
honeymoon? Take a nap before going out to dinner? Sleep is of the
utmost importance on your Babymoon. Sleep when the baby sleeps
throughout the day.
- Pamper yourself. Did you have a massage before or after your wedding? A pedicure? Treat yourself to some pampering and self-care. A little self-care goes a long way for a mom. Your husband may take care for the baby while you take some time for yourself to nap, shower or whatever it is that makes you feel better!
- Focus on breastfeeding, bonding and recovering from birth. Your baby will still be super cute a week or two from now and you can invite friends and family to come then.
- Good food. Was your wedding catered by a top, local chef? Were there decadent dinners and drinks on your honeymoon? Take the time to enjoy nutritious and delicious snacks and dinners. Nourish yourself so you can nourish your baby.
- Enjoy it. Take time to examine your cute little glorious chubbiness! Notice how intently her eyes look at your face. Sing her some songs. Snuggle her on your chest and inhale that intoxicating newborn scent on the top of his head.
- Don’t stress. Spend your babymoon enjoying your new baby and falling in love. Don’t waste one second worrying that you are a bad mom or that you’re doing it wrong. You’re not.
- And finally, just like you did on your honeymoon, TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES! And make sure that you are IN the pictures. You may not feel as beautiful as you did on your honeymoon, but trust me, you are.
A BABYMOON STAYcation:
If going out of town is out of the question, there’s no reason you can’t have a Babymoon at home!
Schedule what days you want to take off, then prepare to relax. Need
help? To prep for your babymoon at home, pick up the following
relaxation helpers:
- Flowers for throughout your house
- New, hotel-quality sheets
- A fluffy robe and slippers
- Your favorite decadent treats
- An at-home spa kit, including masks, scrubs, lotions, and candles.
- Rent several of your favorite movies.
- Turn off your blackberry, iPhone, and NO E-MAILS.
- SLEEP (that’s free!)
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