Yes, babymoon is a thing! Babymoon is the name coined to refer to a short holiday taken by expecting couples to spend some time alone before their baby's arrival. Indulging in your own babymoon makes a lot of sense — after all, pregnancy is a lot of hard work!
Unlike a honeymoon, a babymoon is a special getaway made by a couple to relax and reconnect, both which are crucial during a busy (and stressful) time like pregnancy. It can also serve as a rite of passage as you transition from being a couple to a family.
By being able to spend quality time together, a babymoon vacation greatly benefits both the couple’s relationship and the mom’s health and wellness. Here are more reasons why you should go on a babymoon.
What are the benefits of a babymoon?
1. You get to have a time out from the daily grind.
Expect to have your hands full when you’re pregnant! Aside from your regular personal responsibilities (like work, for example), this time, you also have to exert more effort in taking care of your overall health for the sake of your growing baby. Plus, you also have to prepare for your child’s arrival, which includes nesting and maybe a baby shower!
Devoting time for a babymoon helps you get away from these responsibilities (at least temporarily) and focus on your personal well-being. Pregnancy and, more importantly, childbirth are both life-altering events, and having some time for recharging and rejuvenation before baby’s arrival will do you wonders!
2. You get to have time to reflect on child raising.
Just in case we need to emphasize this more clearly, being pregnant with your first child is a major life-changing event for both you and your partner! This means you need to sit down (if you haven’t already) and reflect on how you’re going to raise your child. While this can be done at home, you will probably have more mindful thoughts about child-rearing during your babymoon.
Some of the things you can discuss during your babymoon are decisions like your feeding choices, your sleeping arrangement, and your nursery theme preferences. You may even get to decide on your baby’s name during this time!
3. You get to have quality time with your partner.
Finally, one of the most important benefits of going on a babymoon vacation is being able to spend quality time with your partner. Again, having a baby changes your life, and even if you’re clear on your objective to keep the spark alive, your relationship will definitely change. Take advantage of this time when it’s still only the two of you!
Turn your babymoon into a romantic second honeymoon (because your sex life will never be the same again!) and focus on being one and connected with your significant other.
When is the best time to go on a babymoon?
The best time to go on a babymoon is when you’re feeling your best. While this may vary (every pregnancy is different), usually, pregnant women feel best during the second trimester. During this point, your body has already adjusted and your nausea and acid reflux have calmed down. At the same time, your belly has already grown but is not yet too big that it makes moving around difficult.
With all these said, prudence should still be practiced. If you’re planning on going on a trip overseas or somewhere that requires you to fly, always get your doctor’s clearance.
How do you make the most out of your babymoon?
Now that you have decided on going on a babymoon with your significant other, the question is, how do you make the most out of this vacation?
First, make travel plans with your overall wellness in mind. While it’s tempting to go on wild adventures, remember that you have to take care of your health. Avoid visiting places with extreme climates, contagious endemic diseases, or other risky conditions that can put you and your baby in danger.
Next, do some research and find out if you are going to have easy access to medical facilities. Ask for your doctor’s approval of these facilities — even better, try to get their recommendation for a doctor you can visit during the trip.
Finally, just enjoy the vacation! If you’re the type to plan your travel itinerary to the last detail, this may not be the best time to do that. Relax, spend quiet time with your loved one, have meaningful conversations, and stop and smell the flowers (while you still can).