If you’ve got a little one on the way then you and your partner might be thinking about taking a babymoon together. I would absolutely recommend this! In fact, I’m writing this post from the Kauai airport after six fabulous days in paradise with my honey. :) This is our third baby and our first babymoon getaway (swoon) and I’d love to share some insights with you.
Below are my top tips for planning and enjoying the best babymoon possible. I’ve covered some basic logistics as well as tips for enjoyment and increasing your health and wellbeing while on vacation.
1) When is the best time to go on a babymoon?
Truly, the time to go is anytime you can swing it in your life! But there definitely is a sweet spot that may entail the most enjoyment… that late second trimester sweet spot.
Traveling during the first trimester can be tricky because most mamas are dealing with morning sickness to some degree, and we tend to be dog tired during the first trimester. By the end of your third trimester you’re also feeling pretty tired, plus you have the added complication of it being physically more difficult to move around and do some of the things that you may like to do on vacation. During the second trimester most mamas have a solid amount of energy back, your belly is starting to show (fun for vacay!), and you feel pretty good, but you’re not so big yet that everything feels “hard.” In my opinion, the perfect time to go would be anytime between weeks 20-30. But again, whenever you can make it happen is wonderful!
We traveled to Kauai during week 24 and this felt pretty perfect.
2) Is it safe to fly in your third trimester?
Yes. You should clear this with your doctor or midwife first, but in most cases it is safe for mama to fly up to week 36 or so. My midwife gave me the all the clear, but warned that if I were to travel anywhere at about week 36 or later, I should be okay with potentially having my baby there!
Having said that, flying can get very uncomfortable the further along you are. I really underestimated how uncomfortable it would be for me at 24 weeks, and I was thankful that our flight was only about six hours. If you do have a long flight make sure to pack plenty of snacks, stretch beforehand, and get up and move around every couple hours to keep your body from getting too stiff.
3) Where should you go for a babymoon?
Just about anywhere! I would generally advice against going to any country that harbors lot of truly dangerous diseases (think stomach illness or other dangerous easily transmittable diseases in third world countries) but often times this can also be navigated. I actually traveled to Ghana, West Africa during my first trimester (I already had the trip planned) and I made this work! In my opinion, the ideal place is somewhere warm and beautiful where you get to kick back and relax!
We had considered doing an epic trip to Italy (which would have been lovely!), but I’m glad we decided against that. For me, a big part of what I wanted from the trip was to REST. I wanted to come home feeling refreshed and recharged. So definitely take into account the fact that travel can be kinda draining when making your plans, and don’t over extend yourself. Better to plan something more mellow and have more energy to pamper yourself!
4) Supplements and things to pack with you
Bring all of your regular prenatal supplements with you. For me, this means prenatal multi-vitamins, fish oil capsules, and probiotic capsules (looking for a probiotic supplement you can travel with? Needed has a great shelf-stable option—use code WILDFLOWER for 20% off!). Additionally, you may like to consider a few extra supplements just in case.
Natural immune boosters are great during times of travel. My favorite is Wishgarden Herbs Prenatal Immune Boost (you can find it here). I’m also a fan of echinacea root tincture, which is also very safe for pregnancy. Personally I took both before getting on the plane! If your stomach has been queasy, I also recommend bringing some nausea relief (I love Wishgarden’s Morning Sickness Relief tincture). Roll on aromatherapy can also be super helpful for plane rides which can rattle our tummies.
Depending on where you’re traveling and how sensitive your stomach is, you may like to bring some digestive aids (like enzyme capsules or digestive assist tinctures—again I like Wishgarden’s Digestive Assist for Pregnancy). I also recommend bringing some electrolytes FOR SURE, cause we tend to get dehydrated when we travel. Personally, I also brought travel packets of collagen protein powder for an extra boost in my morning vacation coffee to help ensure I hit my protein goals each day.
Lastly, if you have trouble sleeping (this can happen more and more as our bellies grow and it gets tougher to get comfy!) you may like to bring a sleep aid. Needed has a wonderful option with ingredients like magnesium and chamomile that is safe for pregnancy and can help you relax. Also bring an eye mask (or a simple bandana to cover your eyes with) in case your room has a lot of artificial lighting in it. On that note, ask your hotel for lots of extra pillows so you can get yourself comfy at night. We want you to rest up while you’re on vacation, mama!
5) Tips for eating out
While it’s absolutely okay to indulge now and then (especially on your babymoon!), maintaining a healthy diet while you travel will help you feel your best, increase your energy, and help you come back feeling refreshed, not sluggish. Two simple ways to do this are 1) focus on protein. Travel food tends to be high in processed carbs and this isn’t necessarily what our bodies need extra of when we’re growing babies. Focus on protein first. 2) include veggies every single day. Restaurant food can also tend to be lacking in the produce department. Choose dishes that include veggies, or ask for substitutions. Get the side salad instead of French fries (at least half the time!). Ask if you an have sautéed spinach instead of rice. Often times restaurants will be accommodating—you just have to ask! Small tweaks like these help keep your digestion running smoothly and add nutrients to your vacay diet.
6) Bring snacks with you
You should also bring some solid snacks with you so you never find yourself in a bind. Nuts, beef jerky, and energy bars can be great options. Avoid perishable foods and anything that could get claimed at customs.
7) Indulge in some self-care
Vacation is a great time to really indulge in some selfcare. Maybe you can schedule yourself a prenatal massage (heavenly after a flight!) or even a facial. If you’re tighter on a budget do what I did—bring the spa to your hotel room! I brought a few face masks with me, a loofa, pumice stone, and some new amazing smelling body oil and pampered myself all week long. In fact, one of the first things I did when we arrived at our hotel was take a nice warm shower. I shaved, exfoliated my skin, and then I gave myself a pedicure and did some press-on nails (haha sometimes you gotta live a little!). With a 1yo and 3yo at home I hardly ever get time to indulge in pampering my body like that, so I really took advantage on this trip and it felt amazing!
Have a wonderful babymoon, mama! Remember, it doesn’t matter so much where you go or for how long you can get away. The whole point is to celebrate yourself, reconnect with your partner, and enjoy some R&R. Even a weekend at a local hotel can do the trick! Cheers to you, mama!
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