Babymoons are all about exceptional moments, privacy and relaxation
Along with the pram, bassinet, nappies and size 000 singlets, expectant parents are adding babymoons to the long list of must-have items before their newborn arrives.
Pre-baby getaways are a growing trend in tourism, with operators tailoring packages specifically for expectant couples.
According to a poll by maternity website www.babycentre.com.au, four out of five pregnant women plan to take a holiday while expecting.
A Jetstar spokeswoman said babymoons - popular in the US and in Britain for many years - were beginning to catch on in Australia.
"It's definitely a recognised industry trend and a lot of hotels are putting babymoon packages together which are proving pretty popular," she said.
Resort group Mantra has babymoon packages at its Peppers resorts in Australia and New Zealand.
With adventure holidays off the cards, couples opt for a relaxing break with foetus-friendly food on the "womb" service menu and maybe a pregnancy massage as well.
Peppers' chief executive Bob East said most couples were hoping for a short break before the sleepless nights and endless loads of laundry descend.
"The time before a baby is born is very special and we understand that this holiday is all about exceptional moments, privacy and relaxation," he said.
But Melina Cruickshank, general manager of Australia's largest online parenting community Essential Baby, owned by Fairfax Media, said babymoons were for the privileged few.
"Babymoons are still regarded as a real luxury," she said. "Most working women who are expecting a baby are too busy working out the budget for the stroller and the furniture for the baby's room and how they'll be able to afford taking six months off work to think about a babymoon."
Obstetricians, however, are reporting such an increase in women asking about travel during pregnancy that the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists published a travel advice sheet.
Obstetrician and gynaecologist Gino Pecoraro said pregnant women needed to take a number of precautions while travelling, particularly overseas.
He advised women to travel during their second trimester and not to fly beyond 36 weeks.
"Regarding babymoons, I would suggest a one- or two-hour car trip ... rather than going a long distance," he said. "And that's for low-risk pregnancies. If there are complications ... you really need to to discuss it with your healthcare provider."
Airlines also have restrictions on pregnant travellers and women are advised to check with carriers before booking.
MOCKTAILS THEN A MUM
Jade Harris and her husband Brendan wanted a relaxing break before their baby arrived, so they booked a babymoon to the Gold Coast.
The Queens Park couple, who work in finance, spent a week in a luxury hotel by the beach two months before the arrival of Holly, now a month old.
"We really just wanted to spend some time together before Holly's arrival," Mrs Harris said. "I liked the idea of having some 'us' time before we were joined by this new little person.
"The dynamic changes completely after the baby is born, so it was really nice to have a break together... We knew it would be a long time before we had that opportunity again."
Mrs Harris, who is on maternity leave, said it had been a break from work and baby preparations. "There seems to be so much to do before a baby arrives, so it was good to just put that on hold for a week.
"We ate at gorgeous restaurants. I sat by the pool and drank yummy mocktails.
"To be honest, we didn't do that much at all. We just took time out, which is just what we both wanted."
Source: The Sun-Herald
