Pregnancy doesn’t have to impact your travel plans, and nothing proves this more than the babymoon.
What is a babymoon?
A babymoon is a holiday expectant parents take before their little one arrives — one last moment of calm before their lives change for good. Most couples choose to travel during the second trimester, when the morning sickness from the first trimester has worn off, but the exhaustion of the third trimester has yet to set in.
People have been taking holidays pre-parenthood for a while, but it wasn’t until recently that the name ‘babymoon’ was coined, inspired by a holiday to Mustique taken by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge while they were expecting Prince George.
Not quite convinced? Here are five reasons why a babymoon could be perfect for you.
(Photo by Sam Shin on Unsplash)
You can escape everyday life
Daily life can be draining, doubly so when you’re pregnant, so don’t underestimate the relief you’ll feel after taking a step back from it. Everyone needs a break occasionally and you most definitely deserve one if you’re a mother-to-be.
It’s true that travelling while pregnant requires a little more planning than normal, but there’ll be a holiday at the end of it, which makes it all worthwhile.
What documents do you need for a babymoon?
- A doctor’s letter clearing you to fly (many airlines require this, as highlighted by Holidaysafe).
- Your doctor’s contact details, just in case.
- The contact details for the nearest medical centre/hospital to your accommodation.
- A copy of your maternity notes. These detail the history of your entire pregnancy. If you do need medical attention while you’re away, medical staff will be able to treat you quicker if they have access to them.
- A copy of your travel insurance policy. This should cover your pregnancy, any pregnancy-related conditions, medical emergencies and complications, childbirth, and repatriation.
You can treat yourself
A babymoon can be luxurious and extravagant or fuss-free and chilled out — whatever works for you both. But no matter which route you decide to go down (it could be somewhere in the middle), make sure you treat yourself.
You could spend the break exploring your destination at a leisurely pace, tasting local gourmet food, or laying under a parasol doing absolutely nothing.
(Not sure what you can and can’t eat? Baby Centre has a detailed list of what’s not safe to eat during pregnancy.)
Many spas offer treatments designed especially for pregnant women, such as prenatal massages or body wraps, so take advantage of this if you’re in the mood to be pampered.
(Photo by Olivier Fahrni on Unsplash)
You can spend quality time with your partner
Parenthood is a huge change for you both and can be very difficult at times, but a babymoon will bring you together.
Enjoy the uninterrupted conversation, talk about your plans and hopes for the future, and make the most of spending time together before your family expands. The more honest and connected you are, the more you’ll be able to take on the challenge of parenthood together.
NCT’s guide to relationships after having a baby has plenty of advice on everything from making decisions to emotional wellbeing.
You can do what you want to
If this is your first baby, you won’t have the freedom for spontaneous travel for much longer, and it’ll be a long time before you’ll go on an adult holiday again. So do whatever you feel like, whenever you feel like it, and enjoy it without any guilt.
You can prepare for what comes next
You might want to talk all things baby, or you might want to avoid baby talk completely. Either way, a babymoon will prepare you for your new arrival by clearing your mind and helping you to refocus your priorities. Rest, relax, and you’ll go back home feeling refreshed and ready to welcome your bundle of joy.