Anticipating the joy of first time childbirth and motherhood is inseparable from preparing for the realities of the postpartum period.

No amount of online forums, books, and advice from friends and family can ever truly prepare you for this new stage in life. Usually during this period, new mothers opt to spend this delicate time at home where a family member or nanny is around to help while recovering from birth. Recent years, however have seen a growing number of modern moms opting for confinement centres – a post-childbirth tradition widely practiced mainly in East and Southeast Asia where the objective is to provide comprehensive support and recovery during postpartum week.

Enter: Blissful Beginnings. The first of its kind in the GCC, this luxury retreat is aimed at new mothers seeking environments that offer a holistic approach to recuperation through a good amount of pampering, 24/7 care for their newborns, and more. Located in Park Hyatt Dubai Creek and Mandarin Oriental Dubai, packages start from Dhs3,500 and Dhs6,000 per night, respectively.

Here, Founder Sandrine Chaker talks about bringing this concept to life and what to expect when checking in.

Tell us about the concept behind Blissful Beginnings.

At Blissful Beginnings, my vision was to create a sanctuary that redefines postpartum care for new mothers in the GCC. I saw a significant gap in how postpartum care was traditionally approached, focusing mainly on childcare. It’s not just a service, but a journey into a new era of maternal wellbeing. I wanted to create a sanctuary, a place where new mothers could find transformation and solace after the intense experience of childbirth. Here, we offer more than support; we offer a home away from home, where confidence and joy intertwine, allowing mothers to embrace this beautiful new chapter of their lives with love and serenity.

What was your Aha! Moment that got this company started.

The idea for Blissful Beginnings came to me when I realised the profound need for more comprehensive postpartum care in our region. I saw that while traditional methods focused on the child, the mother’s well-being often took a backseat. This realisation was my ‘Aha!’ moment, and it inspired me to start a retreat that equally prioritises the mother’s recovery and wellness, alongside the care of the newborn.

What kind of environment at Blissful Beginnings can one expect?

The environment at Blissful Beginnings is crafted to be a tranquil and supportive haven, a retreat from the outside world where mothers can wholly focus on their recovery and bonding with their babies. In creating this sanctuary, I have brought together a team of experts, each with more than 10 years of experience in their respective fields. These professionals are dedicated to providing the best care and support, ensuring that every mother’s experience is enveloped in luxury, comfort, and a sense of home. This space is more than just a retreat; it’s a secure and peaceful haven designed to nurture mothers during this transformative period in their lives.

How do you work with new mothers on this journey? Where do you start when it comes to working with a new client or is there a one-size-fits-all approach?

Every mother’s journey is unique, and at Blissful Beginnings, we honour this individuality. Our approach starts with a personal session to understand each mother’s specific needs and challenges. From there, we craft a bespoke program focusing on emotional support, wellness therapies, nutrition, lactation and bonding with the child. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s deeply personal and tailored to each mother’s journey.

What are the benefits of checking in this postpartum care retreat?

Checking into Blissful Beginnings offers new mothers a comprehensive support system. It’s not just about physical recovery; it’s about emotional and mental rejuvenation too. Mothers benefit from expert care in emotional support, wellness therapies and nutrition counseling, ensuring they transition into motherhood feeling confident, relaxed and empowered.

What are the services and cultural practices, if any, available on board that come with postnatal support?

In creating Blissful Beginnings, I was deeply inspired by the rich tapestry of cultural practices from around the world, especially those rooted in Asian and American traditions. We offer an array of services that reflect these global perspectives. Additionally, we pay close attention to cultural sensitivities and preferences, ensuring that every mother feels respected and at ease in our care. It’s about bringing the best of the world to our mothers, helping them to recover and bond with their newborns in a setting that feels both familiar and luxuriously new.

Is this open to all mothers? Are there any restrictions and regulations within the UAE that one needs to be aware of?

We strive to make Blissful Beginnings accessible to all mothers. While we operate within the regulatory framework of the UAE, our mission is to provide support and care to every mother who walks through our doors, regardless of their background.

How important is nutrition and variety in terms of dining when it comes to postnatal stay?

Nutrition is crucial in the postpartum period. At Blissful Beginnings, we place a strong emphasis on providing mothers with nutritious, varied meals that cater to their specific dietary needs during recovery. It’s about nurturing the body as well as the soul.

How do you approach client development and retention?

Our connection with our clients doesn’t end at checkout. Through our ‘Blissful Beginnings anywhere’ program, we maintain ongoing support, ensuring that our mothers continue to feel supported and connected even after they return home. This continuous care helps in developing lasting relationships with our clients.

What have been the driving factors that led to growth and scaling of the company in the UAE?

The growth of Blissful Beginnings in the UAE has been driven by our unique approach to postpartum care, addressing a real need in the region. Our focus on luxurious accommodations coupled with comprehensive, personalised postnatal support services has resonated with new mothers, contributing to our growth and popularity.

What have you learnt in all of this and what advice would you give to those wanting to carve out their own path?

This journey has taught me the profound importance of holistic postpartum care. My advice to anyone wanting to carve out their own path is to listen to your heart, identify a need, and create a solution that comes from a place of passion and empathy. It’s about making a difference in people’s lives, one mother, one family at a time.

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