As it turns out, growing a human and then birthing them is a wildly intense process for everyone involved. Spoiler alert: once the baby is out, it’s not like things get easier. In fact, many consider the first 40 days after birth to be a “4th trimester” when both baby and Mama are recovering and adjusting to a whole new world together. And yet, many parents admit to feeling not only physically depleted but totally lost when they get home from the hospital. Enter: Boram, a luxury retreat for new parents in New York City that eases the transition from hospital to home.
Postpartum retreat centers or “sanhujoriwon” have long been popular in Korea and even considered standard. Boram translates to “fruits of one’s labor” in Korean and the founder, Boram Nam, brought the concept to Manhattan after her own difficult journey recovering from her second child’s birth. This year, I got the chance to spend 3 days and nights at Boram after the birth of my own son, and they provided a pampered introduction to motherhood worth sharing.
Boram is hosted at the Langham, a luxury hotel in midtown where you’ll not only find the most comfortable beds for parents to regain their strength–but also bassinets, diapers and basically everything else you’d need for a newborn baby.
Our room was sunny and serene despite being blocks away from Bryant Park, and we were met with warmth and welcome immediately upon arrival. In fact, the knowledgeable staff of doulas, midwives, lactation consultants and nurses were by far the most valuable part of our stay at Boram. In 3 days, they helped us learn all kinds of essential skills for breastfeeding, diapering, sleep training and more while also giving us the chance at a good night sleep (sleep!) by caring for our little one overnight.
Not only did they seem to have answers to all of our questions, but they genuinely love babies and had the kind of strong but gentle “mama energy” that I craved. I also craved…so much food. The appetite after ousting a person from my body and suddenly producing breast milk, but having zero time to prep meals, made for my own version of hunger games. At Boram, they know why you are there and they know what you need. So, three delicious and perfectly planned meals according to your new nutritional needs are delivered to your room daily without question. Yes please, and thank you.
Classes and meet-ups are also available if you are feeling up for it. Sitz baths and foot soaks are included daily, and I splurged on a massage that was so life changing at that moment, I thought it should be a requirement. In fact, I felt that all of this care should be accessible to mothers recovering from birth, as it already is in many parts of the world.
For now, Boram is the first of its kind in the US and with prices starting around $800/night, it remains a luxury. But at least, it’s available. And as with most things, hopefully the success of Boram will lead to more versions around the country with options that more mothers can afford. Because all mothers deserve a little help after giving the most priceless gift there is: life.
Natalie Decleve aka "Natty Style" is a Holistic Personal Stylist based in New York City. Natalie brings style and clarity to the wardrobes and lifestyles of men and women all around the world. Effortless, confident, thoughtful. Find her on Instagram @natty_style.
[Photos via Boram NYC]
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