4 Reasons Why You Need to Go on A Baby-Moon
One of my favorite things to do before I have given birth during both pregnancies, is go on a baby-moon. A baby-moon is a special “last hurrah” trip to take with your spouse before the newest member of the family arrives. I thought it was a big deal to take one last vacation with my husband before the birth of our first, but it was an even bigger deal to me this pregnancy while expecting our second, and I think there are multiple factors that contribute to that. A baby-moon is important for more reasons than just a vacation. Yes, you can still vacation and travel after kids enter the picture, but there is no denying that kids do change how things go, and life will not be the same.
1. You need time with your spouse
I think this is the most obvious reason for a baby-moon, but it is important to have good quality bonding time your husband before all the changes of parenting take effect of your relationship. For good or bad, it will change. Family is built on the relationship that a husband and wife share. That relationship takes work and needs constant nurturing too. Having designated time to devote to one another and bond together is important always, but especially on the cusp of a big change. I would also agree that before the birth of a baby is not the only time this is necessary, but I do think it makes it a little more special.
Before the birth of my first son, we went to Miami. We stayed in a boutique hotel, went to the beach, went to cool restaurants, and saw sights. It was a four day vacation that left us rested, and was so much fun. Before the birth of my second son, we were on a much tighter budget, so we took a one night trip into Houston (only an hour from home) and stayed in a really nice hotel. Went to a movie, to dinner, to the pool, and I treated myself to a prenatal massage. We spent only a fraction of the money, but still had such a nice time. Money doesn’t have to be an issue when it comes to taking a baby-moon.
2. You need time away from your other children
If you are a first time mom, you clearly don’t have other children to need time away from. For me, as a pregnant mom of an 18 month old, I needed the break. I had never spent a night away from my son for his entire life. I also bed share, so I hadn’t had a good nights rest [alone] in literally 18 months. Toddlers are fun. Toddlers are wonderful, but they are also a lot of work. If I am home with my son I am usually busy chasing him, or feel pressured to accomplish tasks around the house, so removing myself to go to a place to rest without responsibilities in my face is good for my mental and physical well being. Plus, Grandma did not mind having some quality grandson time one bit.
3. Self care is important!
Pregnancy is hard. It is important to take sometime for yourself; I would go as far as to say everyday, but I know that is not always possible. It is especially not possible to live like it is your baby-moon everyday, which is why it is important to treat yourself to something. For me, this round it was a prenatal massage. I love my husband, but he is not a great masseuse. Having a skilled, trained, strong person rub my aching back and sore feet with just the right pressure, calming oils and lotions was heavenly. Whether you too, want a prenatal massage, or just some pool time to ease your body, to sleep in, take a long bath alone, to watch a T.V. show uninterrupted, it is important and you are worth it to make it happen before recovery from all that is pregnancy, labor and birth.
4. Life is about to change A LOT
I hate the idea that having a baby is the death sentence of fun- its not! But, priorities do shift once a little one is in the picture. Traveling is not impossible, but it is different. If you’re anything like my family, then you know babies can get expensive and having a disposable budget for things like travel and “fun stuff” can take a back seat. Traveling was one of my favorite things to do before I had my son, but now it is something that we don’t do as often because money is tighter. Traveling with children now usually involves a lot more planning, packing, and visiting family. It can also be stressful and exhausting. I don’t think it will be this way forever, and I look forward to the days when I can travel with my family on fun-filled family vacations that we will remember forever. Full of sightseeing and fun activities, but realistically that just isn’t the experience with babies and toddlers. Our traveling days are not over, but setting aside set time to do so with my husband is important.
Whether it is your first, second, third, or tenth baby, the baby-moon tradition should be carried on. Keeping the connect and spark alive with your spouse is important and will benefit the entire family. Honestly, the reasoning for a baby-moon shouldn’t only be important before the birth of a new little one. Take time for date nights and one-on-one time long after the baby is born, too. Your marriage is the foundation to your family, and children benefit from the strong bond, relationship and love between their parents. Plus a little personal time never hurt a Momma either!
Happy Baby-mooning!