Mommymoon: Getaways for Moms

No one deserves a vacation more than you—but you may find the biggest obstacle is convincing yourself that you are allowed to actually do something for yourself. So, let’s tackle those hurdles first.

1. Mom getting away benefits everyone, not just mom, b/c mom returns more loving, sane and able to give of herself again (so don't feel guilty about leaving).

2. Your absence is usually Dad's first chance at being a primary parent--an important milestone that allows him to build confidence and appreciate what mom's been doing all this time. You’d be amazed at the long-term benefits of putting dad in charge (so don't feel guilty about leaving).

3. Finally, baby will be just fine. Much as they love you, you must remember that you are leaving them with another parent, not some random stranger you met by the side of the road (so don't feel guilty about leaving). This is especially important if you feel homesick the moment you log onto www.fly.com, as it's key to relax and know that your child is safe, even if you're not there.

As for what to do and how to plan it, here are a few tips.

First, keep it short. You’d be amazed at how a 48-hour hiatus can feel like a sabbatical when you’ve been parenting intensively. If you’re gone too long, you may not enjoy it as much because, of course, you will start to miss your little pup. So you may not want to venture too far. The point here is to create a little time to yourself, not be in transit the whole time. So make the logistics as easy as possible.

Secondly, go with a good friend, if possible another mom who will understand how much this time means to you.

Third, don’t overplan. One of the things that seems to evaporate with parenthood is spontaneous, unplanned time—window shopping, magazine reading, staring into space. Make sure you leave some good chunks of time to do nothing or anything.

And finally, pamper yourself. If you can spring for a massage, go for it. But a pedicure, a nap, a bubble bath will all give you a chance to reclaim your body and your peace of mind. Re-embrace what you love—go to a chick flick. Dress up. Stare out the window. Go for a hike. Read your book uninterrupted. Gossip. Do yoga. Eat well. Drink silly drinks. Stay up late. Sleep in. It may take you a little while to remember what you like to do when you can do anything you feel like. But there’s nothing more important than figuring that out.

And when you get home, you will feel like a new person—newly in love with your babe and full of gratitude for your spouse. Repeat as often as possible.

*Fly.com is a sponsored link, but we do really love them.