Plan a Babymoon before baby arrives!
Posted by Michelle Kersey on Wed, Feb 24, 2010 @ 01:26 PM
When you got married, you probably took a honeymoon. When you found out you were pregnant, did you think about taking a vacation? I didn't, but I wish I did! My first-born is now over two, and it has been over 4 years since my husband and I have had a real vacation. Now that I'm pregnant with our second, we have talked about taking a Babymoon. There are many factors to consider when thinking of taking a vacation while pregnant.
When to take a Babymoon?
Ultimately, any travel you do will be up to your Obstetrician. Most OBs recommend travel during your second trimester. Your morning sickness has pretty much diminished (if you're lucky) and you are feeling more like your old self in the second trimester. You are also not uncomfortably pregnant like in your third trimester. If you plan on flying, most airlines won't allow travel in the last few weeks before your due date. Some airlines require a doctor's note. It's best to check the policy of the airline you are flying first, and be prepared. Also, consider when your return trip is and make sure you will be OK to fly there and back!
Where to go?
This depends on what your tastes are? Do you want to be a beach bum for a week? Or, are you more of a camper and want to get away from it all in the woods? How about a short but sweet spa weekend? Couples massage, pedicure, facial... sounds blissful to almost any mom-to-be. A good advantage to doing a spa weekend is that only an extra day off is needed; saving precious vacation time for when the baby arrives. You can also search for a place within a short driving distance, think a nearby major city, and stay in a hotel. A budget friendly idea is considering going to visit friends that live somewhere else, that way you can get out of town, but don't have to pay for a hotel. Wherever you decide to go, make sure you check for local hospitals in case you need medical care.
Who gets to go?
While this seems like an odd question, I am taking a babymoon without my husband. He is in school, working full time and can't take time off. So, my son and I are going to go visit my sister in California. I haven't ever been out West, and traveling with a toddler and an infant will be next to insane if we travel after the baby is born. If you already have kids, you can still take them with you and do a family vacation. I don't know many kids that would turn down a trip to Disney! (Or adults for that matter!) Or, if you have close friends or family that could take turns watching your children, you and your husband could take a vacation for just the two of you.
Why should you go?
Take a babymoon to enjoy your last few moments of peace and quiet with your spouse. Once the baby arrives, your world will change forever. Even if this is not your first, your family dynamics will be different with a new baby. Many older children remember their last vacation before having a new sibling. It reaffirms to them that they are special to you. If you have the opportunity to take a pre-baby vacation, don't waste it. When you can't recognize your spouse through blurry, sleep deprived eyes, you will be thankful you took a babymoon!