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One warning that was received too many times to count: You are going todiewithout a night nurse.
Photo: Isa Rus
Now five months postpartum, I can say that I didnt die without a night nurse.
However, sometimes Ifeltlike I was dying.
My premature son barely slept for the first two months of his lifewhich meant I wasnt sleeping either.
Ahma & Co’s founders Christina DeJesus and Esther Park.
Ahma & Co is one of the latest additions to a blossoming postpartum retreat industry in the United States.
Its considered a recognized rite of passage, she says.
Maternal care [in the U.S.] is focused on pregnancy and birthing, she says.
A bedroom at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach outfitted for an Ahma & Co stay.
Ahma & Cos founders Christina DeJesus and Esther Park.
This observation isnt unique to Park.
This lack of systemic support is compounded by an absence of community, says Freihart.
The nursery room.
Because modern American society is fundamentally fragmented and highly individualistic, its extremely difficult to recreate these supportive conditions.
All of this leavesnew mothersvulnerable to mental health challenges.
Even if not, she adds, the transition to motherhood can be overwhelming.
Navigating this adjustment period is challenging.
As an American mother, I experienced this perfect storm of neglect firsthand.
I was flying but would soon crash.
In those early weeks, I felt as though I had been stranded on a desert island.
When I washed up at Ahma & Co.
I hadnt slept more than three hourscumulatively, not consecutivelyper night for over two weeks.
My mom lived several states away.
No one was coming to save me.
Except for Ahma & Co. Park and DeJesus tell me theyve since formally expanded Ahmas pre-birth care.
Once the baby arrives, its very hectic, Park says.
We want to confirm were setting you up with as much support as possible in advance.
Before sending us to our room, the Ahma & Co staff presented me with an itinerary.
I cried when I saw a massage on the agenda.
Though these workshops technically run on a set schedule, Park says guests experiences are tailored to their needs.
A bedroom at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach outfitted for an Ahma & Co stay.
The nursery is in an adjoining room.
Our bassinets are made with antimicrobial material, says Park.
That way, we dont have to constantly expose newborns to a lot of cleaning chemicals.
A lot of dads dont get involved because theyre not equipped with the information, says Park.
I then ordered room service.
All mealswhich are designed by the postpartum meal serviceChiyoare included in an Ahma & Co stay.
I was starting to get why a night nurse is such a strong recommendation.
The next day, I felt more alive than I had in weeks.
I cant underscore enough how invaluable this aspect of the service felt.
After dinner, we enjoyed an overnightcuddle sans baby.
The next morning, it was time to check out.
This was a bit of a bummer, and its why Park says parents may benefit from longer stays.
I would have stayed 100 nights, and I cried when it was time to leave.
It makes the entire enterprisepricey as it istotally worthwhile.
Our prices arent necessarily due to the stay at Waldorftheyve been an amazing partner.
Theyre due to the 24/7, high-quality care [we offer], says Park.
Park also says theyre specifically targeting partnerships with womens-health-specific insurers likeProgynyandCarrot, which currently offer coverage for doula services.
This is just step one for us, says Park.
We live in an age where were more isolated than ever, says Park.
