Luxury Retreats: Help for New Moms (Pricey)

Luxury Retreats: Help for New Moms (Pricey)

Luxury Retreats: Help for New Moms (Pricey). Newborn babies are bundles of joy, but adjusting to parenthood can be overwhelming. Enter Alma Care, a Toronto business offering a luxurious postpartum retreat experience inspired by an ancient Chinese tradition. Relief in a Toronto Hotel: New Moms Embrace Postpartum Retreats

A Fresh Start for New Moms

Ashley Thomassen, a new mom, tearfully described the relief she felt upon arriving at Alma Care. After giving birth, she and her husband were met by a supportive staff ready to help them navigate the challenges of new parenthood.

Alma Care offers 24/7 assistance, from breastfeeding support to nursery care, allowing parents to get much-needed rest.

The Inspiration: China’s “Sitting the Month”

Alma Care draws inspiration from the Chinese tradition of “sitting the month.” This practice emphasizes a 30-day postpartum recovery period for new mothers, with support from family or nannies.

“Proper rest and nourishment are crucial for a mother’s well-being, which translates to a thriving baby,” said Hana McConville, Alma Care’s co-founder.

A Pricey Proposition

These retreats don’t come cheap. Costs range from $850 to $1,300 per night, depending on room size and length of stay. Home care packages are also available.

Luxury Postpartum Care Around the World

Alma Care isn’t alone in this growing trend. Similar retreats are popular in South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Costs vary depending on location and amenities but can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

McConville highlights the value proposition. Meals are prepared by dietitians and cater to both Western and Asian tastes. Rooms are stocked with postpartum supplies, and parents can unwind with massages or manicures (for an additional fee).

The most popular perk? A supervised nursery where parents can relax knowing their babies are in good hands.

A Call for Change

McConville hopes Alma Care can change the conversation around postpartum care.

Dr. Evelyn Ma, a family doctor, acknowledges the anxieties new parents face. “Having everything under one roof is a big draw,” she said but worries about affordability.

 

Gaps in Public Healthcare

Canada excels in prenatal care and childbirth support, but postpartum care can be lacking. Services vary depending on location, with some areas offering postpartum clinics or home visits from public health nurses.

Dr. Amanda Black, president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, highlights the short hospital stays for new mothers. This, coupled with often limited family support networks, creates a significant need for postpartum care.

Inspiration for the Future

While Canada’s public healthcare system is unlikely to replicate these retreats, Dr. Black sees them as a potential starting point for discussions.

McConville acknowledges the limited accessibility but is exploring offering free resources. Alma Care is currently focused on Toronto with waitlists open for Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montreal.

Worth the Investment

Thomassen, whose baby is now three months old, feels fortunate to have experienced Alma Care. She plans to return for a future child, highlighting the retreat’s value despite the cost.

Alma Care offers a glimpse into a future where luxurious postpartum retreats cater to new moms. While affordability remains a concern, these businesses can inspire broader conversations about improving postpartum care for all.