Pregnancy is an exhilarating journey filled with anticipation and emotions, especially as the due date draws near. Amidst this transformative period, every mom-to-be deserves a sanctuary to hit pause, connect, and prepare for the arrival of their little one. Enter Mom'z—a series of all-inclusive, intimate retreats for pregnant women where fear dissipates, connections flourish, and empowerment takes center stage.

At Mom'z, they truly grasp the diverse needs of expectant mothers, igniting their inspiration to curate extraordinary Babymoon retreats. Picture eco-friendly havens spread across beautiful destinations like Paris, London, Mallorca, and Barcelona. From wellness activities to pampering sessions, each retreat is meticulously designed to cater to every facet of a mom-to-be's journey.

Led by top-notch maternity experts, Mom'z retreats offer not just a getaway but a holistic experience including expert guidance, and a community of like-minded moms-to-be all in one place.

We're captivated by the story behind these exceptional experiences and eager to introduce you to Shirin, the visionary founder on a mission to redefine the Babymoon experience. Join us as we delve into the details of crafting nurturing, luxurious retreats that empower and connect moms-to-be. For the magic lies not just in the destinations but in the thoughtful details that make Mom'z retreats a solo babymoon like no other.

1) What inspired you to create retreats specifically designed for expectant moms?

Mom'z started with our founder, Shirin Fardi, a young mother who encountered self-doubt, uncertainty and fears during her first pregnancy. As a certified yoga and meditation instructor, she found strength and peace through her teachings in yoga and mindfulness. Recognizing that many expecting mothers share similar needs for support, encouragement, and guidance, Shirin collaborated with well-being experts, MBSR coaches, doulas, and pediatricians to create a holistic program for pregnant women to experience motherhood without the unnecessary and harmful negative effects of fear, insecurity, stress, anxiety, guilt and exhaustion. So they can instead enjoy motherhood with a full sense of inspiration, fulfillment, wonderment and immense joy. And this is how our (Solo) Babymoon was created: A retreat for moms-to-be to relax, (re)connect with themselves, their pregnancy, and their baby. It's also an opportunity to build connections with other like-minded women on a similar journey.

2) Can you elaborate on the specific experiences or programs within your retreats that foster a sense of community and connection among the expectant mothers attending?

We welcome women from diverse backgrounds, each with her own unique story. Our activities (sharing circles, meditation sessions, shared meals, etc.) create a space for opening up, sharing experiences, discussing fears and hopes, and being vulnerable. In a world where families are often distant, and busy lifestyles prevail, our Solo Babymoon is crafted to rekindle the tradition of women supporting women. We believe in the power of sisterhood in motherhood and aim to foster new connections within small, intimate groups of up to 12 people.

3) How do you ensure that each attendee’s experience is personalized and tailored to their individual needs during their stay?

An example of a community meal. Photo credit: Mom’z.

We carefully review each submission, where participants share details about their physical activity, dietary preferences, and specific goals for the retreat. Tailoring the experience to their needs, we ensure our chef considers allergies, food intolerances, and cravings for each mom-to-be. In yoga classes, we modify exercises based on different levels and address any pain areas. Our knowledge classes cover a range of topics requested by moms-to-be.

4) What criteria or values guide your selection of maternity experts who contribute to the holistic program offered at your retreats?

Our contributors share our passion for prioritizing women's well-being to help them become happier and more nurturing mothers. We love collaborating with facilitators who are mothers themselves, bringing real-life experiences to the table. Our team is represented by incredible women from various parts of the world, including doulas, midwives, and wellness experts with years of experience and a gentle approach to motherhood.

5) Could you share a success story or anecdote from a previous retreat where an expectant mother experienced significant transformation or empowerment through your program?

One of the key aspects we focus on in the retreat is addressing the fear and stress of labour. Many first-time mothers face uncertainty about what to expect and deal with anxiety. We practise guided visualisations and meditations to confront and soothe these fears. The techniques learned during the retreat are continued at home, which helps participants shift their mindset and draw strength from their innate instincts. Some participants have even reached a point where they rely so much on their bodies that they breeze through the latent phase of birth. One of our past participants was at a family dinner when her water broke, she progressed rapidly, arriving at the hospital fully dilated and ready to push. We remember the anxiety she had about labour on the day we met her, and we're so proud of the mental and emotional work she did following the retreat.

6) We always include this question for our guests, what does “bliss” mean to you? Where do you find it?

“For me, bliss is inner peace unaffected by external factors. Connecting with others, finding a sense of purpose in life, and having meaningful experiences are ways to discover this joy, whether you're a mother or not.” Shirin