There’s been talk recently of having a girl’s overnight retreat. Three out of four of us are still breastfeeding, but their kids are older than mine, so I am contemplating if I can go since my daughter still nurses through the night.
Then yesterday when I was out for lunch with my daughters I noticed the new Hollyhock calendar was out. If you haven’t heard of Hollyhock, consider this link as a gift. Before I met my husband and had kids I treated myself to two short getaways there and I have been dying to go back ever since. Nothing beats a hot tub overlooking the ocean, gourmet vegetarian meals, lazy days on the beach or hiking through the woods, sipping teas with herbs grown from their bountiful garden, and meeting amazing people from around the world.
It was while I was daydreaming of a getaway that my toddler fell over backwards in her chair. She was okay, but I felt guilty for not watching her more carefully. No retreat for me, I sighed, but then I thought again.
Wouldn’t it be grand if there were retreats for young breastfeeding families? Where you could go with your breastfeeding baby or toddler and other young children and still feel like you’re getting away? Where you could have lunch and read a book and not have to worry about making sure your children didn’t fall out of their chairs? For many of us, a weekend at the grandparents is as close as we get to a getaway, and some of us don’t even have that. Of course if these magical places exist they’re likely to be pricey, but let’s take a look anyway.
Baby Club Med is an additional child minding service offered at select Club Med resorts. Babies must be at least four months old and can virtually stay in care all day while mom and dad take in the sights. From the website it sounds like you pay for the day but can drop-off and pick-up your child anytime within their hours. They mention supplying your own formula so I’m not sure they cater to the interruptions of the breastfeeding crowd, but if a Club Med vacation is your thing, you might want to give them a call. All of the other “family-friendly” resorts I found welcome children ages 4 and up.
For family cruises, on a Carnival Cruise “Fun Ship” children need to be at least two. On the other family cruises children need to be three. Cruise staff provide hours of child-centered activities and entertainment while you can enjoy the adult activities. Parents can drop in and visit their child at any time.
Now for some specialty retreats: The Parrot Mill Inn in Chatham, NJ has a special suite called The Mother’s Nest where new moms can come while they get used to the new lifestyle of night wakings and lost sleep. A lactation consultant is available around the clock for questions and support and will change diapers and put your baby to bed for you. As some moms are released from hospitals without getting breastfeeding mastered, this could be an educational as well as a rejuvenating getaway. You can read more about it here.
The Spa at La Costa in San Diego County, CA also caters to new moms. While mom enjoys a body treatment or a quiet meal her baby can be cared for for up to two hours. You can read more about it here.
After doing my research I realized that breastfeeding family holidays are not such a hot item. If you want to getaway when your child is still nursing maybe the plan should be to bring along a relative or nanny who can baby sit while you get the break you need. As nice as it is to have a few options, all I usually want is a little time to read a book in peace. And that just means it’s time to schedule some more alone time and leave the kids with their dad. It makes sense to keep it simple. Anyway, I know that one day I’ll get back to Hollyhock. One day…
What do other breastfeeding moms do to “get away”? Can you share any breastfeeding family friendly vacations or retreats? Feel free to share any other comments you may have.
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Oh Hollyhock… I’ve been dreaming of going there since long before I had my first child (he’s 11 now). Between pregnancy and breastfeeding I haven’t been yet, but every year when the calendar comes out, I dream about going. I decided some time there will be my present to myself when my youngest is weaned. He’s just turned three… maybe this fall? Somehow, though… I’m no longer in so much of a hurry. This is my last baby, and I’m happy he’s still nursing. I’m sure Hollyhock will wait another year…
What a splendid topic, Melodie!
Breastfeeding moms oftentimes feel so “cooped up” and out of touch with the mainstream of life.
Your article eloquently brings to light some fabulous choices for getaways! Breastfeeding moms definitely can benefit from a little well-deserved pampering.
Write On!
MELANIE
In the Ottawa area, there is a women’s weekend away nature/camping experience thing where nursing babies are welcome to go along. I haven’t been, but I have heard it is a fabulous and empowering weekend.
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