A New Kind of Postpartum Care
Words by Christine VanDyk
Born less than two years after his sister, Jack arrived early with nut-brown hair and the longest eyelashes I’d ever seen.
It wasn’t as if the postpartum experience of caring for a newborn took me out completely, but late at night, when the screaming wouldn’t stop, it felt suspiciously close. With two little ones to care for and a job awaiting my return, I felt the pressure to bounce back as quickly this time as I had the last. I was bone-tired, and I wanted my mom, but my parents were busy, my life was too full, and I needed help.
New moms today are navigating those early weeks with far less hands-on help than previous generations had. Between recovering from childbirth, managing day-to-day responsibilities, caring for a newborn, and tending to older children, the need for rest and support has never been greater. That’s why many are turning to the latest trend in Southern travel: postpartum retreats. While the concept seems new, mothers in other countries have been embracing similar traditions for centuries. In China, it’s known as “sitting the month,” a time of intentional rest and nourishment. Across Latin cultures, mothers observe la cuarentena—“the quarantine”—a 40-day period of recovery surrounded by family. And in South Korea, an estimated 80% of mothers spend time in postpartum care centers designed to help them heal and bond with their babies, according to The New York Times.
Post-birth getaways offer care for the often-overlooked “fourth trimester,” creating space for new moms to rest, recover, and nurture early connection with their babies. Stays typically last anywhere from a long weekend to several weeks, and many provide around-the-clock support from nurses and wellness professionals, as well as nourishing meals and guidance on infant care and sleep. Some even include spa services, giving new moms a much-needed chance to truly relax and rejuvenate.
A handful of postpartum retreats are now opening across the South, offering a range of care and comfort—from wellness resorts to intimate centers designed to nurture both mother and child. Here are a few that are redefining what it means to recover well.
Ziva Postpartum Retreat | Charlotte, North Carolina
This serene space inside Le Meridien Hotel offers continuous newborn care, while moms heal from childbirth. Guests stay up to 12 weeks in this community of women, leaving renewed and confident. Services include doula care, a 24-hour nursery, wellness programs, sleep training, nutritious meals, and lactation support.
The Ruby | Houston, Texas
From night nurses to massages, The Ruby elevates postnatal care to a high-end resort experience. Mothers unwind in a prestigious hotel, where they relax and enjoy 24/7 support for themselves and their baby. Postpartum recovery needn’t be rushed, and in this tranquil retreat, moms have all the time they need to recover and rebuild their strength.
Sanu | Tysons, Virginia
Developed by physicians, Sanu offers a blend of medical expertise and holistic care. This retreat inside the Watermark Hotel is designed for mothers and their little ones, including adopted parents, and thoughtfully includes dads, partners, siblings, and pets. It also boasts an intentional emphasis on wellness and mental health, such as access to licensed therapists.
Haven Postnatal Retreat | Atlanta, Georgia
After repeatedly experiencing postpartum depression, one mom created Atlanta’s first postnatal retreat. Tucked inside the Four Seasons, Haven offers 24-hour care, workshops, gourmet meals, massages, and even lavish baby products. It’s a way to pamper mothers when they need it most.
Ìyá Postpartum Retreat | Fort Worth, Texas
Named for the Yoruba word for “mother,” this sanctuary helps moms rediscover their strength, heal their bodies, and bond with their babies. Soon to open in Summer 2026, Ìyá will offer continuous care, nutritious meals, newborn classes, massages, lactation support, and infant CPR. Guests can now book a brief recharge of three nights or up to a month for a more immersive experience.
Imagine leaving the hospital and arriving somewhere calm, where you can rest, eat well, and learn your baby’s rhythms without the pressure of doing it all: recovering from birth, caring for your newborn and other family members, and keeping up with daily tasks, all at the same time. Whether close to home or in a beautiful setting a few hours away, these retreats are a reminder that caring for yourself is one of the most important parts of caring for your child.
