If you’re not familiar with the word yet, you probably will soon be. A babymoon is what they call the last kid-less hurrah before your tiny bundle of joy arrives. Creating a child is no child’s play. Chances are, you are on an overdrive lately – keeping up with the doctor’s appointments, prepping the nursery, stocking up the freezer, and battling the surge of pesky pregnancy hormones. While a babymoon could be the antidote you’ve been yearning for, the timely trip-for-two comes with some prerequisites: Before booking flights, hotels or even picking a week to take time off, make a point to ask your ob-gyn doctor about travelling (especially, flying) and staying a distance away from home. Raising a tiny life within you has given you the power of instinct. So when it comes to planning a short escape, how you feel within, matters the most. Of course we’re here to help too. So read on all about babymoon and pack your bags for a veritable vacation.
Timing it Right
You have a relatively small window when it comes to planning a vacation during pregnancy. Of course, your health matters the most, but if all’s well you still have just about eight weeks for you dream vacation. Like, who wants to travel when they can barely keep down a bagel for breakfast? Or how can you embark on that road trip when you can barely fit inside the car! Most medical practitioners reckon that the sweet spot for a babymoon is lies in the second trimester (from about 14 through 28 weeks). That’s because this is the phase when you’re past the queasiness and yet not too big to get around. Some airlines have restrictions about flying in the weeks before delivery (so check your carrier’s policy before you book your tickets).
Destination Dilemma
Your slice of paradise can be just a few hour’s drive away, you just have to choose it wisely. Gone are the days when you and your partner could hit the dirt track if the road to your destination were temporarily blocked. Think of a destination that blends creature comforts with idyllic locations and soothing serenity. There’s a lot you have gone through of late: remember how you freaked out when you saw the positive sign on your home pregnancy test? Your nerves may not have settled ever since those early pregnancy weeks, so choose a vacation spot where you can put your feet up (quite literally!). An obvious choice would be a beachside resort or a cozy little hillside boutique hotel but if traveling long distances is a problem then even an in-town five star hotel weekend stay can also do a world of a good to you. Keep your imagination soaring and your mind open.
No Hurricane Tour, This
The second trimester may make you feel way more energetic than how you were feeling a couple of weeks ago, but now is not the time for you to plan a hike through the woods. Planning a road trip? Keep the schedules easy-breezy with less stopovers and detours. Choose a babymoon spot within a reasonable driving radius, say four or five driving hours, and stop for a break after every hour to stretch your legs (and pee, of course). Flying to your destination? Try to stick to nonstop flights (you really don’t want to be running for connections) and don’t forget to opt for an aisle seat so those frequent bathroom trips are easier to manage. Dreaming of a cruising trip? You may want to think again as this may entail a couple of modes of transport and hectic schedules. Plus, there’s no escaping that seasickness!
Room with a View and More
Do your research well before booking online. Request for a room that has got plenty of fresh air and light. It simply brings up your spirits! Sleeping with a basketball in your belly is tough enough at home — the last thing you want is another sleep-sapper on your babymoon. Opt for a king-sized bed as mama needs more room to sleep now and throw in some extra pillows for additional comfort and support. You may also consider bringing your own favorite pillow. Quiet is key, so pass on rooms near busy elevator corridors or close to a kiddie pool (you may not be ready for the happy squeals just yet). If your resort is a sprawling tropical paradise, make sure there are ample golf carts or shuttles to ferry you around.
Be Mindful of Medical Support
Take a copy of your medical records along, and make sure you know where the closest (and best) hospital is from where you are staying. Most hotels have a doctor-on-call facility but make sure you confirm with the management before booking your stay. 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). Once you’ve done your homework, run your plans past your ob-gyn and make sure you’ve got your insurance info with you at all times.
Why Consider a Babymoon?
With all your energy focused on the baby’s arrival, it is highly likely that you have put spending quality time with your spouse on a back-burner. Fathers-to-be often feel left out as their wives go through the bodily (and, often emotional) changes. A couple goes through a surge of myriad emotions, including fear and apprehension about the future and the family. This is a natural reaction to a change of such proportions in one’s life. Hence, experts advise that babymoons should be much more than just rest and rejuvenation – it’s all about quality bonding time. Couples should indulge in activities that they won’t be able to do with the baby around: think, a heart-to-heart conversation (remember those?) about things you love or even about the changes that the future will bring.
Things to Pack
Light Carry bag: A lightweight carry bag, preferably a waterproof one, can store all your essentials and can be stowed in the overhead cabin area, close to you. Fill it up with healthy snacks (granola bars, anyone?), moisturizer and sunscreen lotion with SPF 50 upwards, hand-sanitizer, multivitamins and other prescription drugs, sunglasses, journals and documents, and a bottle of water.
Comfortable clothes: You may want to get into your favourite pair of short shorts, but think about all the discomfort you may face wearing them. Carry comfortable clothing with lycra, like tights and jeggings, that can accommodate your growing belly.
Slip-on shoes: easy to take off during the airport security check or to put your feet up during the flight.
Hat: Carry a stylish fedora for a non-beachy destination and a wide-rimmed straw hat if it’s a beachside town then this will be quite handy to combat the harsh rays.
Swimsuit: Swimming is the best pregnancy exercise. It is relaxing and invigorating at the same time. Show off that baby bump in a cute little bikini (let’s be honest: it’s probably the tautest that tummy will be for a while), but you can choose something more modest too.
E-Reader: Enough of that ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’. Give yourself a break from the prenatal literature you have been soaking up lately. Read something nonbaby-related, maybe that guilty-pleasure bestselling romantic novel?
Evening maxi dress: Pick out a simple yet elegant empire waistline maxi dress that looks and feels fantastic for that romantic candle light dinner.
Basu and The Bees 