Photo by Yan Krukau
Becoming a mum changes so much so fast. Weekends that were once peaceful and relaxing become chaotic and busy. As a new mummy, making sense of these changes can make the strongest of us feel drained and nonconfident. A surprising thing that can make a positive difference to this hazy mindset is travel.
Taking a weekend trip as a new mom can have stunning advantages. It is a chance to take a break, letting room service tackle your meals and dishes while you watch the baby kick on the playmat. Even if it feels like you’ll just be doing the whole feeding-changing-napping routine in a different location, it eases the pressure and helps you feel less isolated.
You may also be thinking of taking a weekend trip by yourself. A beautiful Business Insider story features a travel-loving mom, Tiffany Nieslanik, who advocates going for a solo trip. She says it helps her not to forget who she is outside “mom.” It feeds her soul and prepares her to avoid an identity crisis as an empty nester later.
Either way, we have collected some tips to help you have the best time on your weekend away.
Baby in Tow: Put on Your Game Face
Traveling with a baby can seem overwhelming. Their delicate little heads need support; they wake up multiple times through the night. How will they cope outside the house?
However, traveling with a baby can be a bonding time you will fondly remember. Moreover, during pregnancy, many women plan to go on a trip soon after the birth. Shelving those plans can be expensive if you won’t be entitled to refunds.
Feeding on the Go
Managing feeding will probably be one of your biggest worries during the trip. It will be easier if you’re breastfeeding as it limits the amount of equipment you must carry. However, don’t feel hassled even if you are formula-feeding your baby. Carry extra bottles and formula so you don’t run out if unforeseen events make your trip longer.
Honestly, choosing formula feeding is a challenging decision in itself. On top of that, the Similac lawsuit some US parents have filed adds to the nervousness. The concern is that some babies develop tummy and intestinal issues after consuming cow’s milk formula. These can progress to NEC or necrotizing enterocolitis, a condition that causes intestinal damage.
As mums, let’s take a deep breath and find reassurance in a pediatrician-recommended formula. TorHoerman Law notes that the baby products in the legal cases aren’t available in standard pharmacies. They are usually given only in the NICU.
Before going on the trip, check with the doctor. They know your baby and can confirm that the journey will be safe. If your baby was born early or had a low birth weight, the paediatrician may ask you to pick a human-milk-based formula.
Note that human milk fortifiers may be harder to find in remote locations. A good idea is to save the contact information of some local pharmacies that stock the baby formula you need.
Baby at Home: Tune into Yourself
In the thick of those sleep-deprived nights and tiring days, a weekend away by yourself can sound blissful. However, many new mums find that taking a solo trip like that or going out with friends is not as carefree as before. You may constantly worry about the little person at home and check with their caregiver every hour.
Tips to Prepare the Household Before You Go
Getting your home ready for a weekend without you will ease this mental load. Give clear instructions to your spouse, parent, nanny, etc., about the baby’s feeding patterns. For example, your baby may be used to feeding on demand and not every couple of hours. Ensure the caregiver has access to the paraphernalia: wipes, burp clothes, bottles, sterilizer, and scoops for formula.
If you have kept pumped milk in the refrigerator, you should label the bottles clearly with the date, time, and “use by.” Also, don’t forget to carry your breast pump. You might need to pump to keep your milk supply up and avoid leaks – ah, the thrills of new mommyhood!
Your caregiver will need instructions on the baby’s naptime and bedtime routines. For example, tell them if you usually darken the room at bedtime to mitigate day-night confusion. Do you rock the baby to sleep? When do they get their bath? These are all questions your help will need answering.
Some mums swear by keeping a familiar item near the baby for comfort. You can pick anything that smells like you, for example, a blouse.
Put the Spotlight on Yourself
Once you have sorted all that out, don’t be apprehensive about taking the time off. It’s easier said than done, but you absolutely deserve some pampering and uninterrupted me-time after the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn-baby madness.
Pack comfortable clothes, a breezy read you have meant to devour, a big water bottle to keep you hydrated, and any supplements/medication you require. We recommend packing your favorite healthy snacks, particularly if you’re nursing or recovering from the delivery.
Women’s Health recommends healthy mummy snacks like bananas, dried fruits, and seeds to get adequate nutrients. Ideally, you need to look for protein, calcium, choline, and folate.
While on the trip, avoid the temptation to check in constantly. A newborn is too little to “forget” his mama; many learn to focus their eyes properly only around 8 weeks. Instead, try to focus on connecting with your thoughts by journaling, getting a massage, sipping herbal tea by the pool…you get the gist.
Weekend trips can magically recharge the soul in a limited time. The run-up to the trip is almost as fun because you know you will wake up on Saturday morning in a different place without endless errands to run.
Things admittedly get tenfold as daunting with a baby in the equation. Even so, the benefits to your mental wellness can make it worthwhile. Going on such a trip with or without your darling gives you the confidence that such things are still possible. It might just be all the affirmation you need when life seems to have become topsy-turvy.
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