Rama Sreekant
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Rama Sreekant | Updated : August 22, 2013 12:31 PM IST
An increasing number of couples are taking off on what's been affectionately called a babymoon, just before the baby arrives. It's a honeymoon, but different. You could even consider it your second honeymoon.
Celebrating threesomes
Earlier this year, print and online news channels in India and abroad were chock-a-block with news of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who were celebrating the impending arrival of their first child with a babymoon to the island of Mustique.The good news is that you don't need to have the bank balance of the rich and famous to enjoy a babymoon.
US-based Indian couple, Shubhi Anand and Amit Sharma babymooned in their second trimester (July 2012). Since Shubhi was not comfortable boarding a plane, they chose to go on a week-long trip along the East Coast. 'It was great to get away from the routine and soak in the joy of being pregnant. We had been waiting for this 'good news' for a very long time and a babymoon was the perfect way to celebrate the expected addition to our family,' says Shubhi. (Read: 7 weird cravings during pregnancy!)
While babymooning has been in vogue in the West for a while, it is only recently that India caught on to this trend.
As expected, the hospitality and leisure industry is cashing in. ESPA Spa, The Leela Palace Udaipur offers pre and post-natal treatment a nurturing body treatment carefully designed to relax the body and tone the skin of pregnant and nursing mothers, during this special time.
Avani Patel and Manjari Varma, founders of Broken Compass, which specializes in tailor-made travel packages, tell us that minimum road travel, a thoughtfully chosen property, a doctor on call (if possible), destinations that are not secluded yet uncommon, moderate sightseeing and low-intensity activities are the usual requirements of expectant couples.
'Beach destinations are a big hit because they usually don't involve much activity. Nature lovers like the hills, as well; as long as the property is good and not secluded,' they add.
Taking a trip during the second trimester is not only considered safe, but it is also the best time for couples to re-ignite their passion and prepare for a life-changing experience.
Dr Padma Iyer, a leading gynaecologist from Mumbai says, 'It is important for couples to spend quality time together. With lifestyle changes and high stress levels, it's a good idea to spend some exclusive time together before the baby arrives.'
Some parents-to-be leave no stone unturned to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect. Sachin Shah and his wife, Megha escaped to an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico for their babymoon in 2011.
'I got a pre-natal massage from a 7-star spa. We also got a maternity photo shoot by a professional photographer,' she says. If long-distance travel does not appeal to you, choose a place closer to home, say Prakash and Smita D'Cunha, who babymooned in Mahabaleshwar, in December 2011.
'We weren't too comfortable travelling far as this was our first child. Babymooning in a new country or remote place involves the risk of picking up food allergies. We wanted to be careful,' shares Smita, who was happy to go on long nature walks and soak in the divinity of pregnancy amidst the mountains.
Pregnancies are inevitably filled with the drama of back pain, sleepless nights, swollen feet. Of course, you deserve to treat yourself, whilst you still can. Whether you choose a tropical getaway or a nature trail, savour every moment and celebrate while the cupcake is busy baking. This just may be your last fling before baby makes three.
Also read: 'Save-cation' - a quick fix solution to marital problems
Content Source: https://dnasyndication.com/
