The Postpartum Babymoon

From Pre-Birth Getaway to Postpartum Sanctuary

"The house is hushed. The lights are low. / We're basking in a newborn glow. / The note we post says See You Soon. / At last - we're on our babymoon" - Hayley Barrett, author of Babymoon

What is a Babymoon and How Do You Plan One?...The 31 Best Babymoon Destinations….What is a Babymoon? Do's and Don'ts for a Perfect Trip. As I enter into the third trimester, my inbox is bombarded with Babymoon propoganda articles. In an effort of persuasion, Healthline explains, a babymoon is similar to a honeymoon, in that it’s a celebratory vacation. But instead of spending alone time with your spouse after getting married, you’re enjoying quality time together before the birth of a new baby. 

This trend has grown in popularity and babymoons are big business for the travel industry. Search Google for the term and you’ll find 1.8M hits. The babymoon is now almost as common a hotel package as Mother's Day deals, Valentine's breaks and honeymoon offers. And they usually include extras to make the expecting mother feel pampered- a prenatal massage for mother-to-be, twice-daily selection of mocktails and a choice of prenatal pillows.

When I wake up one morning to a phone notification, 10 Expert-Approved Reasons to Take a Babymoon, I’m convinced. Yes, even the experts are saying a luxurious and extravagant trip four weeks before baby arrives is beneficial for your health & relationship - I take it as a make or break for our marriage and immediately book a weekend getaway at a luxury resort in Napa, California. Unfortunately, I can’t enjoy the perfectly heated 98 degree temperature pool due to my constant concern that I might be overheating the baby. The personal mud bath rooms are off limits and the receptionist says the in-room massage isn’t recommended because they aren’t specialized in postpartum and I shouldn’t risk it. So I sip a virgin pina colada, dipping just the tips of my toes in the pool, while watching my husband float blissfully on his back in the beautiful pool and indulging in everything the resort has to offer. When the weekend is said and done, I’m not sure I felt any closer to my husband after our babymoon trip, but checking it off our list as a must-do before baby arrives, I feel like I’m doing everything the experts are telling me will make me a great mother - I’m keeping my relationship intact. 

So you might imagine my sheer surprise when,