Globally, postnatal retreats are nothing new. In South Korea, 75%, of women take advantage of postnatal retreats. Often, this care is subsidized by the government. In the United States postnatal retreats have become a new phenomenon, offering luxury care to new moms and their partners. We often hear influencers share their stories about their wonderful experiences. But, are these retreats worth the recent hype?
1. Time to Bond with Your Baby and Recover
A common rule of postpartum is 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days near the bed. This helps mom’s recovery. A postnatal retreat center makes this kind of relaxation and recovery possible. At Boram Postnatal Retreat in NYC, moms enjoy nutritious meals, workshops, and therapeutic services. According to the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, fatigue by Day 14 postpartum was the most predictive variable for symptoms of PPD on Day 28.
2. Team of Experts
Babies don’t come with an instruction manual. Often, parents are overwhelmed in that first week after bringing a new baby home. At a postnatal retreat, you’ll be surrounded by a team of experts including lactation specialists. One study found that these centers can improve maternal role confidence and breastfeeding success.
3. Reduced Anxiety and Emotional Stress
Along with experts, mothers enjoy a built-in community during the most difficult days of postpartum. Being able to relate to one another can significantly reduce stress for moms. Most centers offer a new parent lounge and a wide variety of activities for parents to meet and interact. You won’t feel the same isolation that you may feel at home.
4. Aren’t Accessible to Everyone
The average stay at postnatal retreats is nearly $1,000 per night. This is just simply out of reach for many Americans. Unfortunately, most insurance doesn’t cover the services provided. Instead, many women don’t receive cohesive postnatal care, such as the support of a doula or lactation specialist.
5. Not Realistic
While postnatal retreats seem like a dream come true, it’s not realistic for most parents to travel to a center and leave home. Unfortunately, this type of postpartum care is currently a luxury and not the norm. While celebrities and influencers can afford this kind of retreat, most new parents need to be more realistic. One mom said that she felt a little ridiculous eating lobster and drinking champagne in her hospital gown. For some, luxury services might not make the postpartum transition easier.
Is a Postnatal Retreat Right for You?
Postnatal retreat centers may not be for everyone. Until prices come down or insurance starts covering this kind of care, it will remain a luxury. In addition, some new parents may enjoy the comfort of their own homes after bringing home a new baby. It is exciting however that this kind of care is beginning to become available in the states.