Your Baby Moon
The Importance Of A Babymoon
(+ How To Plan One)
By Lori Bregman
Doula & Healer
During pregnancy, the relationship you have with your partner goes through a transition. Together, you begin to experience a natural shift between what was and what will be. It’s an exciting, magical and beautiful time that also comes with its share of many sleepless nights, emotional ups and downs and fears and worries.
These are the months when it’s important to build a foundation and prepare to embrace the changes as a partnership. That’s why planning a babymoon (like a honeymoon) is the perfect opportunity to connect intimately with your partner and celebrate what was and what’s to come. It’s important to take the time to recharge, connect, and relax to enjoy the calm before the storm.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while planning your babymoon + my FAVE suggestions on where to book your trip:
TIP #1: Destination Relaxation
It’s important to feel refreshed, rather than depleted before birth and new parenthood. A babymoon gives you both the chance to recharge before the sleepless nights and dirty diapers. It’s beneficial, not only you and your partner—but your baby, as well.
With that said, I suggest ditching the full itinerary. Allow yourselves to go with the flow and dial in on the downtime, whether it’s lounging under a beach umbrella or a day at the spa (a prenatal/couples massage is always a good idea!)
TIP #2: Get Your Sexy On
The moment you become pregnant, it’s all about the baby. If you aren’t running to your numerous doctor appointments, you are stocking up on baby gear and nesting for the new arrival. It can be exhausting for anyone involved.
A babymoon is an excuse to switch gears and bring that romance alive. Isn’t vacation the best aphrodisiac? Before long, you’ll be worried about getting walked in on, so take advantage of it…and get your sexy on!
During pregnancy, sex and physical intimacy are incredibly beneficial. For example, it provides better sleep, a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, decreased stress levels to boost self-esteem and happiness, and a comfortable labor and delivery. Also, according to a Danish study, frequent sex may help prevent preeclampsia. Researchers believe it’s because of a protein found in sperm that can regulate the body’s immune system.
TIP #3: Do Your Research
Before booking a trip, do your research when it comes to health outbreaks (like Zika) to protect your growing family. The CDC issues up-to-date travel advisories, both domestic and international, on their website here.
Not only is it important to consider the safety of the destination, but also the safety of your journey. Airlines have set travel restrictions to cut off pregnant women from flying after 36 weeks due to increased complications.
To play it safe, I always suggest a babymoon right before the 28-week mark. This period proves to be more enjoyable anyway; because the morning sickness is behind you (hopefully) and the exhaustion from the third trimester hasn’t set in.
TIP #4: Keep Your Team on Speed Dial
Always, always, always consult your doctor/midwife and doula before traveling and get the thumbs up. It also helps them to know to be on alert if you need them or have any questions. It’s also smart to ask them advice about medical faculties in the area, just in case. The primary goal is to keep you comfortable, but most importantly—healthy.
TIP #5: Stress-Proof Your Travel Day
Remember that your babymoon is about relaxation—so keep your travel day as stress-free as possible. Think carefully about what it will take to get to your destination and be realistic about the time you can take off from work or your everyday life. Would you be okay sitting on a flight for 3+ hours? Would you instead jet off somewhere more local? These are the questions to ask yourself and to discuss with your partner.
Luckily, there are ways to stay comfortable while flying the friendly skies…you just have to prepare for them. Here’s my quick list:
Wear comfortable, loose clothing
Bring a towel and roll it up place it on your lower back for support, as well as a neck pillow.Stay SUPER hydrated. Dehydration can restrict blood flow and circulation to the uterus and placenta which can increase the risk of blood clots.
Bring healthy snacks to munch on. Avoid salt, greasy and gas producing foods (broccoli, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks) before and while traveling. To be safe, bring mint and/or ginger tea to help with trapped gas that often happens when at high altitude.
Take vitamin C (1,000 mg) while flying for a little immune boost. I love Emergen-C, which is a powder supplement you can add to your water.Elevate your legs by putting your feet up on a carry-on bag.
Wear compression socks or stockings to prevent swelling and clotting. I love the brands, Belly Bandit and Tootsies.
Wear a motion sickness wristbands that can help with sickness when traveling.
Stand, stretch and walk the cabin every hour to get circulation moving.
I personally always avoid walking through the (AIT) Advanced Imagery Technology scanners. They are the ones you stand in and they spin around you. I suggest for everyone to go through the metal detectors instead and opt for a pat down to avoid extra radiation.
Pack light! You won’t be able to lug around a bunch of suitcases and it’s a decision that your partner will appreciate!
