They often say that “it takes a village” to raise a child, but the reality of bringing a newborn home from the hospital in the United States can be quite different. For many parents, this journey involves sleepless nights, the demanding responsibility of childcare, and the challenges of mental and physical recovery, often in isolation.
However, this experience is uniquely American. In contrast, countries like China and South Korea have established customs in which new mothers take dedicated time away from their careers and household chores, receiving substantial assistance during the postnatal period.
Now, a new wave of businesses is introducing premium postnatal care concepts to the United States, offering luxurious retreats designed to support new parents during the critical period between hospital discharge and returning home.
Among these innovative ventures are:
The Boram Postnatal Retreat: Situated on the ninth floor of the prestigious Langham Hotel in New York City.
The Village Postnatal Retreat Center: Nestled within the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.
Ahma & Co: New York’s latest addition, currently welcoming customers on its waitlist.
However, the indulgence of these retreats comes at a premium price. The Village, for instance, charges $950 per night with a mandatory three-night minimum stay. On the other hand, Boram offers a rate of $900 per night for the first three nights, with reduced pricing for each additional night, and some guests opt for stays lasting up to 40 nights.
Within the opulent confines of these retreats, new mothers find everything they need. These establishments adhere to the conventional model of a five-star hotel, with some distinctive features, including:
Round-the-clock support, complete with professionally staffed nurseries for mothers seeking some personal time.
Tailored nutritional offerings aimed at promoting lactation and facilitating postpartum healing, delivered to rooms on a daily basis.
Well-appointed lounges and communal areas that foster social interactions among new parents.
Access to lactation consultants and group educational sessions, covering topics ranging from infant CPR and breastfeeding to diaper changing and swaddling techniques.
The period immediately following childbirth is crucial for maternal well-being, as it can significantly influence future health outcomes. Therefore, if these postnatal retreats become more accessible, they hold the potential to do more than just alleviate the challenges; they could potentially transform lives.
