I’ll never forget when I was past my due date with my second baby, walking through the aisles of target and buying all the discounted Easter candy. When I got to the checkout, the cashier made typical conversation asking how far along I was. When I answered I was 41 weeks, she instantly responded “Did you know that sex can help get the baby out?” I was instantly appalled and shocked a stranger would ask me this.

Whether you’re a day late or a week late, being “overdue” can be hard. People are constantly calling and asking when the baby will make an appearance as if we are psychics, and you are obsessing over every twinge and cramp, wondering if it’s time. It can be hard to take your mind off of baby’s impending arrival, but today we are giving you a list of twenty things you can do to try. After all, once the baby comes, many of these things may not be as easy to do! Give it a look and see if anything might be fun for you!

1. A fun dinner out with your partner or friends.
2. Find some live music…maybe there will be dancing and you can dance that baby out!
3. Go to the spa for a relaxing treatment of your choice.
4. Gather some ingredients and cook dinner at home for a fun night in! Maybe even try the famous Scallini’s eggplant parmesan and see if it yields you an eggplant baby. 
5. Find a beautiful hike, and enjoy some fresh air without any extra worry.
6. Find a book you’d love to read and make a comfortable space with some delicious snacks.
7. Take a relaxing day trip to the beach.
8. Get a mani/pedi.
9. Check what is playing at the movie theatre, and enjoy a relaxing night with some popcorn.
10. Visit a float tank, for some sensory deprivation before your baby requires all five of your senses. Give this local one a call!
11. Binge watch a Netflix show of your choice.
12. Go shopping and buy yourself a cute but comfy lounge outfit for when you’re at home caring for baby. You’ll thank us!
13. Go to a yoga class.
14. Do some baking. Worst case scenario: you’ll have some sweet treats left for after baby’s arrival!
15. Get creative, whether it’s a painting, a sculpture or some crocheting.
16. Take a relaxing bath. Don’t forget ambiance!
17. Get your hair done so it’s perfect for the big day.
18. Go for a swim and feel truly weightless!
19. Go to a museum or take a class.
20. Grab some coffee or tea at a local place and people watch with a friend.

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Are you finding it difficult to get your needs met as a parent? You are absolutely not alone! This is a common part of parenting, and especially for those who are not so willing to admit they need help in a society where do-it- yourself is still in (Why is that, anyway?) it can be a hard thing to put into words exactly what you need when someone asks you if you need help.

“Just let me know if I can help with anything.”

When our friends offer this phrase, we should absolutely accept their offer! Sometimes, people don’t know exactly how to help, and are looking for any way. Verbalizing our needs can be helpful to make sure people are truly helping us in the way we need. While it can be hard, as their offer is such a blanket statement, we highly encourage you to accept! Today, we have compiled a list of things to ask for help with, so you don’t have to think about it.

• Dishes/General housecleaning
• Laundry, especially folding!
• Holding baby while everyone else rests, or so the parents can eat with both hands!
• Tending to older siblings
• Running errands
• Mowing the lawn, managing outside space
• Meal Prep, Snack Prep
• Bringing coffee or another favorite beverage
• Company keeping…parenting can be lonely!
  
  

While it is blatantly obvious that any parent could do any of these things themselves, we can’t deny how exhausting it is! Sometimes it’s good to just add an extra hand and relax. Recharging will make us better able to face the day and all of the challenging tasks of parenting. Even if we are feeling great one day, the next day could be unpredictably harder. Our biggest takeaways for our readers: don’t wait until you’re burnt out to ask for help! You are worthy of help even when things feel manageable.

Of course, this is just our list, and if there’s anything else that you think to add, by all means, do it! And when your postpartum doula is over for a shift, rest assured that they will find plenty to add without you even having to say a word, thanks to good old attunement.


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What is a babymoon?

A baby moon is a relatively new trend, similar to a honeymoon where a couple takes a trip to enjoy some time together before a new baby join their family. This idea is catching on fast, and of course! Why not? A fun trip to take care of yourself before you’re taking care of someone else sounds not only logical, but healthy!

As far as where to go and what to do, the limit does not exist! We have compiled a list of the five most ideal places in the Northeast to inspire some ideas for your perfect babymoon! Here goes nothing…

2) New York City, New York
Start spreading the news, this city has so much to offer personalities of all kinds. Go to the top of the empire state building, see the statue of liberty, catch a Broadway show or walk through central park. This destination is relatively close and an easy train ride away! Pro-tip: Pack comfortable shoes!

3) Newport, Rhode Island
Take a beautiful stroll on the cliff walk, visit the famous mansions and have a few beach days. Don’t forget to indulge in some New England clam chowder and grab a cute onesie from one of the many shops on Thames Street.

5) Waterbury, Vermont
Many ski resorts remain open for the summer, which could mean a cheaper stay going in the off season. There is surprisingly so much to do in this area. For the foodies: tour the Ben and Jerry’s and Cabot cheese factory, and don’t forget that you can take two samples! For the adventurers, enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding. For the sentimentals, take a stop in the teddy bear factor and make your baby’s first lovie together. And if you’re wanting for some beautiful scenery, take the trek up to Lake Champlain.

Already took your babymoon? Where did you go? Tell us all about it in the comments!