FocusOnTheFamily

Babymoons

Written by Emily Osburne

“Barefoot and pregnant” has new meaning these days. Expectant parents are digging their toes in the sand, sipping milkshakes by the pool and enjoying their last hurrah before the baby arrives.

Such a vacation, called a “babymoon,” gives couples a chance to relax and reconnect before the late-night feedings and other new-parent challenges.

With more than four million babies born each year in North America, hotels and spas have tapped into this niche market by offering packages specifically designed for parents-to-be. They include prenatal massages, nutrition classes and free rounds of golf for expectant dads. Some hotels even offer unlimited pickles and ice cream for babymooners!

“I remember our babymoon because I had to dig a hole in the sand for my belly,” Claudia says, laughing. She and her husband, Kevin, took an extended vacation to Los Cabos, Mexico, while she was 28 weeks pregnant. “Kevin and I love to travel, and we realized that if we did not go now, it might be a long time before we could get away.”

Kevin and Claudia included the babymoon vacation in their budget from the beginning of the pregnancy. “We were on the same page about going to Cabo, so even though it was expensive, we agreed that it was worth it.”

Tips for taking a babymoon

Do . . .

• Consult your doctor before scheduling a trip. Many women say the most comfortable time to travel is during the second trimester.
• Check with the airline for their policy on expectant mothers. Some airlines require a note from a doctor.
• Locate the hospital nearest your destination.
• Include the babymoon in your budget.

Don’t . . .

• Travel after 32 weeks of pregnancy. Although some doctors allow travel plans through 36 weeks, you may not be comfortable sitting for long periods of time.
• Eat exotic fish or local delicacies that could cause trouble with the pregnancy.
• Blow your budget. If you can’t afford an expensive getaway, go to a local bed-and-breakfast or visit friends who live in another city. Be creative.

Emily Osburne and her husband lead marriage workshops for young couples.

© 2009 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.

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