Just the Two of Us

A babymoon for two

The realities of parenthood are looming, but before you start counting down the days ’til your due date remember to take some time out with a pre-baby holiday.

What should you expect when you’re expecting? Well, everyone you meet will ask if you’re having a boy or a girl and, if they have little ones of their own, take great pleasure in telling you all about their non-stop nappy-changing schedule. Let’s face it. All you really want to know is how to enjoy the next nine months. The answer lies in the increasingly popular babymoon.

Why take a babymoon?

Contemplating the transition from couple to family of three is exciting, but it can also be daunting. That’s why it’s important to share your hopes and fears with your other half – preferably somewhere sunny. Taking a babymoon doesn’t mean crying into your mocktail and lamenting the end of your carefree existence. It’s a time of nervous anticipation waiting for your new bundle of joy. This is the perfect time to relax and reflect on the changes ahead as you take on the new titles of mum and dad.

When should you plan it?

Use your commonsense when picking dates. If you’re feeling sleepy and sick during the first three months it’s unlikely you’ll want to hit the road, while there is a higher chance of going into labour after week 37, so you won’t want to stray too far from home then. The Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website says flying is not harmful to you or your baby but once you are past the 28-week mark many airlines will want to see a letter confirming your due date, so ask your doctor or obstetrician to give you the all clear before booking that two-week Asian odyssey. As with everything to do during pregnancy, you (and everyone else it seems) can never ask too many questions, especially if you are heading abroad – what should you avoid eating, what medicines are safe to take, what happens if you don’t feel well?

Where should you go?

Now the exciting part – where are you going to spend your last childfree holiday? You might not be able to reach your feet anymore, but someone else can, so book a pre-natal pedicure, pregnancy massage and anything else to make your swollen ankles and backache more bearable. From Bali to Byron Bay, heaps of spa resorts offer bespoke packages with a mother-to-be focus. But what if you want to walk (or waddle) to the beat of your own drum?

Ask each other questions and by a process of elimination you’ll discover your destination. Do you want to stay at home or travel abroad? Perhaps you have your eye on a far-flung adventure and don’t plan to fly long haul with your little one. On the other hand, if saving your cents for the school fund is a priority, why not take an internal flight or drive somewhere in Australia you have never visited before?

Maybe the experience you are looking for dictates the destination. Are you city slickers or beach bums? Do you get your kicks in the great outdoors or the inside of a shopping centre? Call a planning session and ask the important questions – you’ll soon be on your way to babymoon bliss.