When we took a honeymoon after our wedding, it was after the wedding. It wasn’t just a vacation. It was a time to be away from our normal routines, work, people, and surroundings. A time to get to know one another as a married couple. It was a special time, and it was different from other trips we’ve taken.
I recently told a set of new parents to enjoy their babymoon and they were confused. The baby was already here. They said they had wanted to take a babymoon but couldn’t make it happen. Ah, OK, so the idea in their minds was a babymoon meant a last trip together before the baby arrived. This is one of those words that has taken on new meaning as time has passed.
I’ve always used the term “babymoon” as a special time to describe the period after the baby arrives. It’s a time to get to know your new baby, establish a good milk supply, and rest. Stay home, keep guests at a minimum, and just soak up those early days before your baby changes so much. Figure out your new rhythm with your family, whether it’s baby #1 or #6.
A trip before the baby arrives is just a trip, in my opinion. A babymoon honors the new dynamics of a family and provides family members space and time to enjoy one another and adjust. Here’s a few tips to get the most out of your babymoon:
- Make a chore chart (provided in your Birth Boot Camp workbook).
- Decide ahead-of-time how you would like to receive help from family and friends.
- Stay in your robe or pajamas (a tip from Dr Sears!) – It reminds others (and yourself) that you are taking it easy during this time.
- Decide what must be done during this time (for example, dishes, laundry, and cooking). Get help with the rest or let it go for a few days.
- Freezer meals prepared ahead-of-time are lifesavers during the babymoon.
My number one piece of advice is to put your phone away, other than to take pictures. Live in the moment. You won’t regret it. Happy Babymoon!
