How sweet is the hubster – last week when he did the grocery shopping (yes, real men do the grocery shopping!) he bought me a magazine “just because”.
Love that man!
It was as I was reading the December 2017 edition of the Australian Women’s Weekly, that I came across a snippet about the growing popularity of couples going on a “babymoon“.
Apparently it first became a “thing” in the 2000s, or so they said …
What is a Babymoon?
A babymoon is a holiday when you take when expecting a baby – your last chance to be truly relaxed and carefree for at least the next 18 years!
The hubster and I were smart enough to go on a babymoon long before it become a trend, when I was six months’ pregnant with our first child, back in early 1994.
We stayed for a week in a unit overlooking the water, at Caloundra on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
In addition to spending time at the beach, we went shopping and to restaurants to make the most of our “child free” days, visiting Noosa, Underwater World and other tourist attractions.
I didn’t have a maternity swimsuit, making do instead with a bikini I alreayd owned, and an unusual one piece I’d picked up cheaply somewhere, with a cut out for the belly!
However all didn’t go smoothly – when we arrived at our unit, we quickly noticed that it hadn’t been cleaned since the last tenants vacated. The floors and bedspread were gritty with sand, and the mirror was covered in greasy smears and fingerprints (obviously the handiwork of small children). I was so upset that our special babymoon was ruined, and cried heaps. The real estate agent we’d booked through promptly sent somebody in to clean it, but it was a very disappointing start to our holiday.
Where to go on a Babymoon
If you are pregnant and ocnsidering a babymoon, there are a few things to take into consideration:
- Go before you are hugely pregnant, as you won’t be comfortable let alone enjoy it.
- Go after the morning sickness has passed.
- Don’t go overseas. You don’t want to increase your risk of puffy ankles, deep vein thrombosis, or an upset tummy (nobody wants Bali belly but it’s even more uncomfortable when you are pregnant, not to mention the worry that it may bring on premature labour).
- And, don’t go somewhere where you will feel pressure to make the most of it and see all the sights – the idea is that you are to relax!
Your closest holiday destination is probably a good idea for the above reasons. If you are thinking of a babymoon in Australia, here are just a few ideas:
- Uluru – Stay in Australia’s Red Centre at Yulara, and wake up early to watch the sun rise, before it becomes your everyday routine ๐ .
- Islands – Whichever is closest to you! Whether it’s the Whitsundays, Kangaroo or Rottnest Island, Norfolk Island or Tasmania, an island destination is the perfect choice for a babymoon.
- Darwin and Kakadu – If it’s during the winter months, enjoy the balmy temperatures and go for an adventure in the top end.
- City Stay – Enjoy the restaurants, the shopping and the shows in Sydney, Melbourne, or any capital city really.
- Beach Babes – Or do like we did, and head to the beach. There are so many great places to choose from – the Gold or Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, Margaret River, Broome …
Did you go on a babymoon?ย And if so – where did you go, or where would you recommend?
Kez @ Awesomely Unprepared says
My husband and I went on an overnight baby moon when I was pregnant with my son. We snuck off – I was so sick of everyone coming out of the woodwork and asking if they could see me – probably in the hopes that they would be there when the waters broke or something. We went to a beachside place about an hour and a half from home. It was nice enough but I was so anxious because I couldn’t eat anything (gestational diabetes) and I was managing a bad PUPPP (pregnancy) rash! I am having a similar pregnancy now and I have a feeling that I won’t be able to wrangle another getaway before the baby! I think I’ll just have a spa day a few weeks after the baby – sounds good to me haha.
Janet Camilleri says
I don’t think we managed a babymoon with #2 either … by then we were well and truly in the thick of family life, as I imagine you are too! Spa Day sounds like a great idea – can I come too?!
Bec Senyard says
We headed away to Sydney for a weekend away before we had Esther. I was so puffy and still experiencing morning sickness. Jacob surprised me with my eternity ring though and it capped off a lovely weekend… even though I felt heavy.
Janet Camilleri says
Yes not so much fun if you are not feeling the best … but what a lovely surprise! He’s a keeper for sure ๐
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond says
So many things have changed since I was a mother or mother-to-be. I think a babymoon is a lovely idea and have noticed the trend over the last couple of years. It is a time to just be together and reflect on your relationship and to think about this wonderful little human who will be joining you in your life’s journey. Once baby arrives, there isn’t much ‘me time’ or ‘partner time’ so a dedicated time together before the baby is born is a great idea.
Janet Camilleri says
Yes hubster and I feel like we are just coming up for air now – and our kids are 23 and 21!!!