Lots of people ask me what the difference is between Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Besides location, there are quite a few differences. And don’t forget about cruises and their Hawaiian escape – Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa.
Most couples look forward to a honeymoon soon after their wedding, but another practice that’s become more common over the years is what’s called a “babymoon,” or a vacation before the birth of a child. Babymoons provide partners with the opportunity to bond one-on-one before their lives change and inevitably become busier and more stressful due to parenthood. At the same time, they can serve as a joyful start to a new chapter in a couple’s story—one that involves building a loving home and raising a happy family.
Though most babymoons are planned to happen before the birth of the first child, there’s no stopping you and your partner from booking vacations for your next pregnancies. A babymoon is as flexible as a honeymoon – you can choose where to go and how long you’ll be away.
You can pull out all the stops by traveling abroad, book a modest trip to the mountains, or simply take time off work together for a staycation as a tourist in your own town. The possibilities are endless, and you and your partner are sure to enjoy the experience as long as you’re thoughtful about your planning.
Below are a few tips for traveling safely and comfortably during your babymoon and having a fun and fulfilling celebration with your partner.
1. Determine the Best Possible Time to Travel
The first thing you should do before you set any babymoon plans in stone is determine when it is safest and most appropriate for you to travel. Most moms choose to go on babymoons during their second trimester or early in the third, when pregnancy symptoms are most manageable.
It’s totally possible to go on a vacation later into your third trimester, your energy levels, fatigue, and appetite may limit your options in terms of activities to do. Also, most airlines won’t let you fly after a certain point.
Regardless of where you go and how long you’ll be gone, you and your partner have to make it a point to not overdo it and exhaust yourselves! Remember, this is a trip to relax and spend time together.
Once you’ve determined an ideal date, choose a location for your babymoon. Don’t forget to consider factors like what the weather will be like and how crowded your destination may be at this time of the year, as these can impact your overall enjoyment of the trip.
2. Make Comfort and Convenience Your Priorities While Packing
When packing for your babymoon, pick clothes that are comfy, easy to put on, and easy to wear for extended periods. Babymoon wardrobe must-haves include stretchy and stylish denim leggings, tops that don’t restrict movement, and sturdy shoes with ample support.
You’ll also want to pack clothes and accessories that are appropriate for the weather and for your chosen babymoon activities, like a coat and thermals for a winter holiday, and boots and cushioned socks for a hiking or camping excursion. Prioritize your comfort and convenience, and try avoid overpacking – a heavy suitcase or backpack may put additional strain on your body.
3. Eat Well and Eat Often
If there’s one thing you and your partner should thoroughly enjoy while you’re on your babymoon, it’s the food that’ll be available to you. Seek out delicious and nourishing meals in the cities or towns you’ll be visiting, and choose foods that will allow you to meet your ideal intake of protein, fluids, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fiber.
Your babymoon schedule may be filled with activities like long car rides and visits to popular tourist destinations. Knowing that, make it a point to take nutritious snacks and keep fluids with you. It’s often best to eat small but frequent portions during the day to keep your energy levels up (and that baby belly from feeling even more full!).
4. Relax and Take Breaks between Exciting Activities
You and your partner may be quite excited about having enough time to do a variety of things while you’re on vacation – especially when you know that free time will be a more limited resource once your family gets bigger.
But a babymoon doesn’t have to be as adventurous or jam-packed with activities as a honeymoon. Save a large portion of your time for low-key and relaxing bonding opportunities like a massage, a trip to the theater, or a romantic drive along a quiet road?
In addition, be sure to bake in plenty of rest and to take lazy-time breaks in between scheduled activities. This will let you refresh yourselves and treasure the day-to-day moments of your relationship.
5. Find Opportunities to Connect and Bond with Loved Ones
Finally, while a babymoon is the perfect chance for you to get some private time with your partner, you don’t have to spend every minute of it alone. In fact, the trip may be even more memorable if friends or family members could join you for part of it.
Nothing beats quality time with loved ones who are all too willing to pamper you and support you in concrete ways during your pregnancy!
If your parents, in-laws, or other family members live in another city, consider planning your babymoon in their area so that you can visit them and share a meal together.
Catch up with old friends you haven’t seen in a while, and enjoy their company while you dine out or sight-see. The opportunity to meet up with them may be just what you need to start this new phase of your life on a celebratory note.
Create Lasting Memories
Whether you’re headed out of town or just a few miles away from your home, with the right preparation, you and your partner can look forward to an unforgettable babymoon experience.
Where are you dreaming of going for your babymoon, and what memories of it will you want to recount to your little one?
Trix is a full time writer who loves fashion and exploring. Whether at the beach or hiking a mountain, you can find her, her pup, and whichever nieces or nephews she can wrangle off on a great adventure!
The Canadian Rockies are a dream destination for many families because of the fresh air, the gorgeous views of nature, and the abundance of family-friendly activities like hiking, boating, and picnicking. But what’s meant to be a relaxing vacation can easily turn more than a little bit stressful if you’re not prepared.
Unpredictable weather is one of the hallmarks of the Canadian Rockies, and this should be one of your primary considerations when packing a suitcase for a mountain escape there.
This post and giveaway are sponsored by Momentum Health & Wellness. As always, all opinions stated are our own.
Girls are experiencing a wide range of struggles these days and are having difficulty connecting with like-minded peers. They are losing their sense of self-worth and needing to be like everyone else. Joining inspiHER welcomes all girls and ensures that it is a safe space for girls to share and connect with other girls who care about their health, without the judgement or comparisons, and can just be themselves!
These are some of my favourite, easy to grow perennials flowers for zone 3a (Edmonton, Alberta).
Judith is an eco-mom in Edmonton who is passionate about green, toxin-free, healthy living. She shares her journey and experiences on Juicy Green Mom. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
I’ve lived in Edmonton my whole life and grew up with summer memories of sitting in a cherry tree and picking raspberries in my backyard. As an adult, I’ve begun to appreciate the joys of a beautiful garden. Because I’m also a bit of a lazy gardener, I love planting perennials that will come back year after year.
Annabelle Hydrangeas (feature photo)
Hydrangeas are my absolute favourite flowers, I even had them in my wedding bouquets. When I got the opportunity to landscape my backyard from scratch, I knew I wanted some kind of hydrangeas. I had Annabelle hydrangeas put into a raised bed and they have been producing beautiful round white bouquets of blooms for me for 10 years. They do well in sun to part shade with plenty of water. Be careful selecting hydrangeas as some box stores carry varieties that don’t tolerate our cold winters.
By Mona Ismaeil
The time has come when you may find yourself in those awkward situations where you offer your colleague something to eat or drink and they say they are fasting! Ramadan is near! It doesn’t have to be awkward! Here is what you need to know about Ramadan and your workplace:
What is Ramadan?
The Holy month of Ramadan is a very spiritual month for Muslims around the world. For 30 days, Muslims will refrain from food, drink, smoking and spousal relations from sunrise to sun set. Between these hours, Muslims fast. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
There are a number of reasons Muslim fast during Ramadan. The first is that it shows devotion to Allah (God). Secondly, during periods of fasting there is a heightened spirituality and closeness to God. The time of the year includes more prayers, reading of the Holy Qur’an and gathering in remembrance of God. Next, Muslims practice self-control and finally there is a recognition of the many blessings we are granted.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims are required to give a percentage of their wealth to those in need in an act of charity.
The day I received the phone call to come and sub at my children’s school it dawned on me I hadn’t been in a classroom for 8.5 years! I had gone in to do Islamophobia sessions and worked with my own children but hadn’t done a whole school day since before my eldest was born.
I hadn’t planned to be a stay-at-home mom for that period of time. It just happened that way. I’m sure people wonder what kept me at home for so long. I was just so attached to my kids. I didn’t feel comfortable sending her to daycare. There is nothing wrong with daycare but I just couldn’t do it.
When I felt I was just about ready to get back to work and she was in school full time, we had our second. So I started that whole process all over again.
It’s hard to pick the perfect potluck dish. You want something easy to prep, a dish that will feed a crowd, and something that’s easy to transport.
Don’t worry Mamas, we’ve got you! We’ve partnered with Alberta Turkey and have created the perfect pot luck dish: Turkey Buffalo Mac n Cheese. And the best part? EVERYTHING was made in an Instant Pot because we know you have zero time this time of year. By using the Instant Pot we’ve also cut out on all the dishes you have to do. This is literally a one pot meal!
I don’t celebrate Christmas, I never have. I grew up in beautiful Jasper National Park. Although now it is a lovely diverse community, when I was growing up in the 90’s it wasn’t so diverse. There were not even a handful of Muslim families and basically 2 Arab families. Finding a sense of community based on my faith and heritage was impossible.
Luckily for me, although predominantly Caucasian, the community of Jasper National Park is made up of some of the most amazing, supportive and accepting people I have ever met. We weren’t the only minorities, but for me it sure seemed so!
