As I start to tread third trimester waters my husband and I embark on our first “babymoon!”
So what’s a babymoon and is it really necessary? In short a baby moon is a relaxing vacation parents take before their arrival of a newborn. Now that I have returned to the hustle and bustle of New York City life I have a few reasons why if you are a first time mama like myself you may want to consider planning your own “baby-moon.”
Self-Care
It’s the concept of doing for YOU before your life is dedicated fully to another human being. As a first time mama the unexpected news of a pregnancy sent me into an anxiety attack. Let me be real. I barely take care of myself- how am I going to take care of another human being? These questions amongst other things raced through my mind as I gazed at my positive pregnancy test. During this baby moon I focused on me and did things I thoroughly enjoyed. I woke up whenever I wanted, made cereal for breakfast lunch and dinner(well only some days; b/c I still am a wife), worked on my makeup skills, binged watched my favorite telenovelas and worked out twice a day. We had one night out on the town (was too tired for anything more than that). The point is I did things that may not be guaranteed during the “mama” initiation process. Define whatever self-care is for you and INDULGE. This baby moon allowed me to selfish GUILT FREE for the last time.
Rest/Relaxation
I am used to hearing from my friends and family that have young children that they lack sleep, social life, energy etc. A baby-moon is the time for you and your partner to get that rest that you may not get for quite sometime (0-5 years maybe). Also, if you have multiple kids the chances of getting away may become dismal with costs and finding babysitting. This is a great time for companionship. My husband and I were only married for 2 months before we found out we were pregnant. We used this week to simply love on each other. Only, the Lord knows how many sexy “date nights” we will have once our new roomie gets here.
Reflection
Getting away allows you to reflect on your journey towards motherhood. Gosh, God chose me… ME to carry life! What an amazing honor and blessing it is to bring life into this world! I am moved to tears when I think about the number of women who can not have children. Mamas, we are truly fortunate to be able to carry life- this is a gift from God. Reflect on this.
Psalm 127:3 “Behold children are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the womb a reward”
Location, location, location
If you are planning a baby moon its important that you look into what diseases are out there. Its 2016 and Zika is still relevant in most tropical Caribbean countries where we would ordinarily go. We chose Bermuda and Hawaii. You also want to make sure to go somewhere medically sound in case of an emergency.
If anyone knows me knows that I LOVE Bermuda! I’ve been visiting this country since I was young and fell in love. We had our dream wedding here in May 2016. We chose this destination to relax, stay in, read the bible and pray for our little one. We also took one evening out to take our maternity pictures on one of the islands beautiful private beaches.
It was quite cold in Bermuda so Hawaii was next on our list for a babymoon. Now let me be honest Hawaii was bit of a stretch for me because it was a 9 hour flight. I do not suggest this! We were just determined to go somewhere we haven’t been that was hot and Zika free. If you are determined to travel long distance make sure you pack tons of snacks, ask for water every hour and walk around the cabin often.
Timing
Timing is everything! Go during your second or beginning of your third trimeter. My strong suggestion is second trimester. This is the best part of EVERY womans pregnancy because you feel like yourself again. First trimester feels like a non stop hangover and who wants to go vacation like that? I just started my third trimester. Third trimester can be pretty tough with braxton hicks contractions every hour on the hour and carrying a heavy load. For me, a pretty fit pregnant gal, traveling during my 7th month wasn’t arduous. I wanted to go closest as possible to the baby’s arrival, however, consider this closely. Walking through a large international airport like JFK is not easy feat.
Happy Planning Mamas! Let me know your thoughts below. Are you considering a baby moon? If so where are you thinking? Let’s keep the convo going!
Blog written by the owner of Fabulous Freddys- Janice Fredericks Spell. Follow her journey on social media @mrsfabulousfreddys on snapchat and instragram.
Our Dream Babymoon + Why Every First-Time Mama Needs One As I start to tread third trimester waters my husband and I embark on our first “babymoon!”