10 Tips to Planning Your Babymoon

Related Content

• Your Baby's Room
• Taking a Road Trip with Baby

Here are some ways to enjoy those precious first days at home with your baby

By Karen Herriot

Just as a newborn may need to be swaddled for comfort, so too new parents need to be wrapped in the protective shelter of their own home where they can spend time resting and bonding with the baby.  Coined by Sheila Kitzinger in her 1996 classic The Year After Childbirth, "babymoon" refers to the growing trend where couples are setting aside the first few days after the birth to enjoy the preciously short time with the newborn. Here are some tips for planning your babymoon.

1. Take the phone off the hook. Leave a polite message saying that you are taking a few days to adjust to life with the new baby.

2. Delay hosting visitors. Let everyone know you will post online updates when you are able but that it will be a while before they can visit.

3. Spend most of your day in bed. Have your partner bring meals in to you. Set up a station so you have all the essentials close at hand: a glass of water or pot of tea, a journal to jot down the details of your birth and perhaps a baby book (see below, however).

4. Let your baby be your guide. Books and elders can be wonderful, but let your baby be your first reference. Babymooning gives you the space to watch your child for subtle pre-crying cues, and then follow your own instinct in responding rather than referring elsewhere for answers.

5. Stay in your pyjamas. Something about putting on regular clothes shifts you into a more active gear and you might find yourself carrying ‘just one’ load of laundry downstairs.

6. Say yes to generosity. If anyone asks “Is there anything we can do?” say “Yes!  Please bring food!” If someone you trust offers to stay with you for a few days and do chores – accept!  A mother-in-law or friend who knows your house and can cook and clean for you is invaluable.

7. Cover the clocks. Your body is still in recovery mode, your milk is coming in, the baby needs to nurse on demand, so (as in labour) let your body and your baby be your guide.

8. Experience the healing power of water. Besides the recommended sitz baths, take some time to wash your hair and settle into a steamy tub — a great place for reflecting on your labour and birth experience.

9. Enjoy a media fast. Keep the radio, television and computer turned off. The quiet allows you to slowly discover the natural rhythms of your new life and to begin it with awareness and clarity.

10. It’s never too late. Don’t be afraid to start the babymoon whenever it works for you. If you have a hectic first week because you didn’t want to turn away visitors, and find yourself weepy, stressed and overwhelmed, turn everything off, put a sign on the door and have a family nap!