Blissful Beginnings: A postnatal retreat

As Blissful Beginnings opens its doors to families across the GCC, we take a deep dive into how postnatal retreats can benefit and support mothers starting this new life chapter.

Blissful Beginnings has launched its postpartum care retreats, the first of its kind in the region. Located at two luxury hotels, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Jumeirah and the Park Hyatt Hotel in Dubai Creek, Blissful Beginnings offers ground-breaking, tailored programmes for new families and their babies to support mothers navigating the delicate postpartum phase.

A history of care

Existing offerings predominantly revolve around childcare, with occasional parental support, and so Blissful Beginnings has been founded to bridge a large gap in postpartum care. Used by millions of women around the world, postnatal retreats are particularly popular and deeply ingrained in cultures throughout Asia and the Americas. In these regions, the emphasis of postnatal retreats stems from the traditional beliefs that postpartum care and recovery significantly impact a woman’s long-term health, marriage wellbeing and connection with their new-born.

The first of its kind

Inspired by the positive impact postnatal retreats have had on millions of women every day, Blissful Beginnings is the first to bring this concept to the UAE and provides a fully integrated care that focuses on maternal self-recovery and healing, coupled with attentive baby care, all within the ambiance of a soothing retreat.

Sandrine Chaker, Founder and CEO of Blissful Beginnings tells us “Blissful Beginnings has been created to fill a void in postnatal care, recognising that the current focus primarily revolves around childcare. Upon leaving the hospital, new mothers often return home to the care of nurses or nannies. However, we believe that true motherhood encompasses more than just child care. Our mission is to redefine the postpartum experience, encouraging women to embrace motherhood and embark on this incredible journey with confidence and vitality.”

Who does this help?

The journey into motherhood often unfolds with unforeseen challenges, leaving new mothers grappling with the shock of the postpartum period. Despite the anticipation and joy surrounding the birth of a child, many find themselves unprepared for the realities that follow. A recent survey conducted by BabyCenter, which involved 2,000 mothers, highlighted a significant deficiency in postpartum support for maternal health and wellbeing. The findings revealed that a mere 41% of mothers feel adequately supported during the postpartum phase. Notably, the assistance they do receive tends to revolve predominantly around the care of their new-borns. Despite 65% of mums expressing confidence in their ability to care for their new-borns upon leaving the hospital, only 47% feel equally prepared to tend to their own needs.

Sandrine says “Our approach is holistic, tackling the physical, emotional and mental aspects of the postpartum period. We understand that getting the foundations right from the very beginning is crucial to setting parents on the right path for life. Blissful Beginnings is not just a retreat; it’s a sanctuary where mothers and fathers can find the support they need, to navigate this transformative time with grace.”

A distinct offering

Responding to the need for holistic support for both mother and baby, Blissful Beginnings is distinct from traditional in-home baby care services, offering a unique getaway, seamlessly replicating the luxury and security of a healthcare setting to create a safe and trusted haven for new mothers to unwind and relax. A dedicated team of certified experts in the field of emotional support, holistic wellness therapies, lactation support and nutrition counselling accompany every new parent and baby every step of the way to transition in their new adventure as a family.

Sandrine Chaker, Founder and CEO of Blissful Beginnings.

Blissful Beginnings: An Interview

We spoke with Sandrine, Founder and CEO, in greater depth, to fully understand the ethos behind Blissful Beginnings and how exactly the experience unfolds for new mothers.

What inspired blissful beginnings?

I founded Blissful Beginnings to fill a crucial gap in postpartum care in the GCC. While traditional postpartum care in the region primarily focuses on childcare, I believe it’s essential to strike a balance between baby care and mother care. Our retreat aims to provide a holistic approach, emphasising self-recovery and healing for new parents. Many women feel pressure on their mental health by staying at home, so we offer a soothing retreat environment with a team of experts to ensure their wellbeing. Our mission at Blissful Beginnings is to redefine postpartum care and provide a transformative experience for new mothers. This goes beyond being just a service; it’s a heartfelt journey into the next era of postpartum care. We’ve created a sanctuary, a haven away from home, where new mothers not only find support but undergo a significant transformation after the beautiful chaos of childbirth.

This is a traditional concept – can you tell us more?

The concept of postnatal retreats, rooted in Asian cultures, is gaining popularity globally, especially within the US. These retreats recognise the profound impact of postpartum care on a woman’s long-term health, marriage, and overall well-being. Millions of women around the world experience these retreats as empowering and serene, focusing on the delicacy and intense relaxation needed during this transformative period.

How does this benefit new mothers and their families?

A postnatal retreat addresses common postpartum challenges comprehensively – from physical transformation and emotional roller coasters, to sleep deprivation and breastfeeding difficulties. Our retreat offers a range of services delivered by certified experts with extensive experience, combining Eastern and Western practices to ensure optimal care for both mothers and families.

Can you walk us through the experience of a retreat?

The Blissful Beginnings experience is designed to be a seamless and relaxed process. Recognising that every mother has her unique challenges, I begin by having a one-on-one session with the parents to understand and define their needs and challenges. From there, I craft a bespoke program around five pillars: emotional support, holistic wellness therapies, nutrition counselling, lactation support and childcare and bonding activities. Each woman selects two electives from these pillars, focusing on their specific needs. Throughout their stay, these five pillars are delivered, with an additional focus on the chosen electives. Activities are conducted one-on-one in the comfort of the client’s room, with a balance between mum’s recovery and family bonding. Flexibility is key, and we offer 24/7 support and care within the retreat. Our connection with parents doesn’t end when they leave. Through the Blissful Beginnings Anywhere program, parents can stay connected with us, ensuring ongoing support even after they’ve returned home.

How long is the retreat?

Clients can stay at Blissful Beginnings for a minimum of three nights, up to a month, depending on their preferences. Our programs are tailor-made, providing age-specific options categorised into premium, deluxe and exclusive. These programs address the specific needs of both mothers and babies at various stages, ensuring a personalised approach to each family’s journey. We customise every program to fit the unique needs of the parents, creating a truly individualised experience.

What is the cost and how can women book in?

Our pricing structure encompasses the selected room, featuring a program that includes up to 12 signature therapies, along with amenities for both mothers and babies within the room. All sessions are private and take place in the comfort of the guest’s own room. Pricing starts at AED 3,500 plus tax and varies based on the chosen location, whether it is Park Hyatt or Mandarin Oriental, and the specific room package selected. This ensures a seamless and personalised postpartum retreat experience. Bookings can be conveniently arranged online through our website and social media channels.

What does blissful beginnings aim to bring mothers in the region?

Our mission at Blissful Beginnings is to empower mothers as they embrace the journey into motherhood, facilitating a smooth transition into the beautiful adventure of building a family. We are equally committed to ensuring that dads are not only included, but also empowered to care for their wives and families. What we aspire to offer is a harmonious blend of serenity, empowerment and profound relaxation, aiming to make the transition into motherhood as seamless as possible. Our goal is to alleviate the current challenges of anxiety and stress that often accompany the journey into motherhood, providing a supportive and tranquil environment for mothers in the region.

For more information or to discuss your needs, visit https://digitalsaad.com/blissful/ or call 052 1888835.

Image Credit: Blissful Beginnings