Postpartum retreats aimed at self-care and baby bonding are becoming a trend.

child rearing

by perry ormont blumberg

Imagine this. A mother swaddles a crying newborn while frantically taking notes as the home nurse her father hires in a panic lectures her on the proper procedure for applying ointment to a newborn.

Are you already breaking out in a cold sweat? It doesn't have to be that way.

Boutique postpartum centers are common in many Asian countries, but they are rare in the United States. The tide appears to be changing, with an increasing number of postpartum retreats where new moms can recover from childbirth, interact with their newborns, and even enjoy spa services.

These sanctuaries allow new moms (and dads) to spend quality time with their babies.

Boram postpartum retreat

Advocates for the importance of maternal health have long supported postpartum centers to accommodate new moms, and this is the latest such gathering for New Yorkers to be held in Manhattan's Thompson Central Park. will be the first time.

Founded in May 2022, Boram provides 24-hour care to new families from 0 to 6 weeks postpartum. On-site, our team of nurses, lactation consultants, and postpartum doulas will guide you through topics such as breastfeeding, formula feeding, swaddling, bathing, and establishing infant routines (ding ding ding). We also have 24/7 child care supervised by trained team members, and each baby has a camera in case they need some time for themselves.

The lounge is a place to connect with other new parents, enjoy nutritious snacks and drinks, and participate in daily workshops on topics such as newborn safety, CPR, and baby attachment (including slings). Offers.

Mothers receive three delicious and nutritious meals a day for healing and recovery. For example, enjoy these things when you're not just relaxing in a sitz bath to help your perineal recovery, enjoying a foot bath to reduce swelling, or, yes, enjoying that postpartum massage your husband buys for you. .

From $950 per night, minimum 3 nights. We recommend booking four months in advance of your intended date, as there is a waiting list in some months.

4th Trimester Postpartum Retreat

Launched in October 2023 at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC, Fourth Trimester was created by Megan Francis, a mother and nurse who wanted to provide a “soft landing” for new families, including surrogacy and adoption. Established.

From the moment you arrive, you'll have access to the luxurious amenities of this iconic hotel, as well as 24/7 baby care, one-on-one care with mental health therapists, doulas, lactation experts, nurses and more. Enjoy your consultation. We will support you through this new chapter.

Speaking of luxurious amenities, when you're hungry, Kingbird offers a selection of healthy menus and dishes prepared by the hotel's award-winning chefs. All this and more is completed with instructor-led courses covering meal preparation, baby dressing, and CPR.

From $815 per night, minimum 3 nights.

Sanu postpartum retreat

“Our signature postnatal retreat is driven by the belief that a strong foundation for parenting begins with non-judgmental, mother-centered care, because a supported mother benefits the entire family.” said founder and CEO Julia Kim, who is also a mother. She made two comments in the company's press release. And it does happen.

The Watermark Hotel in Tysons, Virginia, is welcoming new parents starting in January. This physician-developed haven emphasizes personalized, tailored service. Of course, we have a 24/7 nursery with medically certified caregivers, but our rooms are also equipped with premium baby care products, high-tech night lights, and baby monitors.

Services available to new moms include all the services you would expect, including IV hydration therapy, acupuncture, scalp massage with rosemary oil, and postpartum massage.

From $995 per night, minimum 5 nights.

Armor & Company

The new facility, which opened March 15 at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach in Dana Point, Calif., features 24-hour postpartum care from doulas, newborn care specialists, lactation educators and therapists.

But what stands out is the tummy tightening care from Beribind founder Princess McKinney Kirk. Belly binding, practiced in Malaysia, helps heal the body and restore muscles and organs to their original positions.

“We are excited to bring the ancient practice of the traditional bengkun belly band to the Armagh & Co. postpartum suite,” said McKinney Kirk. “It's like giving your core muscles a gentle hug during the first few weeks after giving birth.”

From $1,650 per night, minimum 3 nights.

almacare

Another newcomer made her debut in January at the Kimpton St. George in Toronto, Canada, billing itself as the first post-natal retreat in our northern neighbor.

Hana McConville, co-founder and CEO of Alma Care, is of East Asian descent, and her participation in the Chinese tradition of “zuo yue ze” (“moon sitting”) with her two newborns inspired her to pursue postpartum care. This gave me the opportunity to bring it to Canada.

Developed in collaboration with a team of medical and wellness experts and informed by ancient traditions, the program is centered around four pillars: Rest; recover and enjoy.

Starting at $1,000 per night, minimum 3 nights. 30 days of modern Chinese confinement starts at $850 per night.

Village Postpartum Retreat Center

Published in July 2023, this San Francisco shelter for new parents was founded by Jennifer Darwin, a former labor and delivery nurse turned doula.

Enjoy the standard amenities (24/7 staffed childcare, three-times-daily in-room meal delivery, lactation consultant), plus the services of a massage therapist, pelvic floor physiotherapist, and midwife. can also do.

Need more convincing that this is worth the splurge? For those who use the pump, simply message our team and a clean part will be delivered to your room. Message us when you're finished. If you send it to them, they will store the milk and take care of everything,” one testimonial read.

From $890 per night, minimum 3 nights.