Baby Moon Retreat

Nourish, Prepare & Empower

in Ericeira – Portugal | 4 nights, 5 days

Note: *We will have no more Babymoon Retreats for a while, because I am pregnant myself and due in March ’24. In September ’24 we will be back with our Mama Baby Retreat and more Babymoon Retreats after that.

---

“Embrace the arrival of your little one with excitement and preparedness. Replacing worries and uncertainties with a sense of empowerment and a belief in your resilience.“

Are you yearning for a relaxing and nourishing experience, while starting to feel prepared for the transformative journey of parenthood ahead? If yes, than this retreat is designed for you. We welcome you to our beautiful romantic quinta, in the enchanting coastal town ‘Ericeira’ in Portugal, close to Lisbon.

Highlights of the retreat

• Daily Prenatal yoga classes
• Birth preparation
• Postpartum preparation
• Mama dancing session
• Pelvic fysio massage or Prenatal full body massage
• Shantala baby massage course
• First aid course for babies and children
• Receive pre-retreat a recorded Prenatal yoga class – every week by email
• 3 Live online classes, leading up to the retreat
• Delicious nourishing meals
• Romantic stay in a beautiful unique quinta

and dreamy extra’s to add to your retreat, like:

• Pregnancy photoshoot
• Acupuncture
• Personal one-on-one Pre- and Postnatal Nutrition session
• Activities for your partner like a surf class, mountain biking, etc.

• You will be treated to daily prenatal yoga classes, a soft class that incorporates lots of rest and movement that benefits your pregnant body and the birth. We focus on bringing presence, flexibility and relaxation to the pelvic area, bringing openness to the pelvis and the ability to let go. A special breathing technique is used throughout the whole class, that can support you also during the birth. Every class leads you into your own bubble, where you learn to focus completely on yourself, your breath and the subtle sensations within you.

• You receive a massage treatment as a gift, and can choose for either a Pelvic physio massage from Marta or a relaxing full body Prenatal massage from Mayra. A pelvic physio massage focusses on relieving tightness and pain from the pelvic area and muscles, preventing pregnancy discomforts and tearing during childbirth. If you would like to experience both, you can add a massage to your retreat off course.

• Our expert doula Sara will prepare you for birth and the postpartum period, understanding all the stages of birth, different scenario’s, but also very practical, how you can relieve discomfort during contractions and birth. She will also lead you through a mama dancing session on one of the afternoons.

• Learn how to give a Shantala baby massage, which is a lovely everyday ritual for you and your baby, given by our specialised doula Mayra in prenatal & baby massages. You will practice the technique and sequence on a doll and receive a handout as well.

• A first aid class for babies and children, given by our specialised nurse Ana in infant care. Helping you to prevent accidents, like when babies start to eat solids preventing choking and knowledge about how to treat wounds, bruises, etc.

• Leading up to the retreat, you will receive weekly my recorded Prenatal yoga classes in your mail, from the moment of booking, to start integrating Prenatal yoga into your pregnancy.

---

“This retreat was exactly what I needed. Starting each day with yoga and ending it surrounded by beautiful mamas at the dinner table. There’s nothing like it. The flow and connection just felt so right. I am so grateful to have taken part in such a wonderful experience. From the amaaazingly gentle but deeply felt touch during the prenatal massage to spending my afternoons in the sun reading. I was able to truly tap in and just be in my powerful pregnant body. I am filled with gratitude. Thank you to all the lovely women who were apart of this team. Thanks Lisanne. xx. Myriada“

---

If you would like to bring your partner

We welcome your partner to the retreat, but it’s also possible to come without partner! The partners can participate in all the informative and preparation sessions, as well they can enjoy additional activities like a surf class, massages, mountain biking, cold water dip in the pool, running/walking by the beach & cliffs, etc.

Note: *We will have no more Babymoon Retreats for a while, because I am pregnant myself due in March 2024. In September ’24 we will be back with our first Mama Baby Retreat and more Babymoon Retreats after that.

Location

The pregnancy retreat will be hosted at the most magical place in Ericeira, Portugal, with lots of space to enjoy yourselves in a big romantic garden, cozy houses and close to the village, ocean and beaches of Ericeira. And yet just a 40 minute drive away from Lisbon airport.

Casa Paço d’Ilhas, our intimate, unique and charming retreat location offers much more than meets the eye. The cozy 8 accommodations feature comfortable beds, with mosquito nets, heating, and an inviting touch to every detail. All nestled in the garden of this beautiful quinta.

You have the peace and tranquility of being in the countryside on a hilltop, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, yet you are only a 5-10 min drive away from the beaches and the picturesque fishermen’s village Ericeira in Portugal. Ericeira will steal your heart with all its romantic little streets, cobblestones and houses.

If you would like to come a day/some days earlier, or leave later, let me know and I can send you the possibilities based on the availability.

Food

Just like they have given their care and love to every little detail in the houses, Casa Paço d’Ilhas is renowned for their food as well. Each day of the Mama Baby retreat, you will be treated to a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner, served buffet-style in the charismatic main house, complete with a bar and fireplace. We can ask the chef’s also to prepare something for your baby, in case they are already trying/eating solids.

---

Prices

Note: *We will have no more Babymoon Retreats for a while, because I am pregnant myself and due in March ’24. In September we will be back with our Mama Baby Retreat and more Babymoon Retreats after that.

Booking & cancellation policy

• To secure your spot, a 50% advance payment is required upon booking.
• The remaining 50% is due one month before the retreat start date, you will receive a notification by mail.
• For cancellations 90+ days prior to start of the retreat, a 100% refund will be given.
• For cancellations 30+ days prior to start of the retreat, a 50% refund of the total amount will be given.
• For cancellations less than 30 days prior to the start of the retreat, there is no refund. If the retreat is fully booked and the cancelled accommodation could be occupied by someone else, you will receive a 50% refund less a reasonable administration fee.
• Flights, travel costs, trip cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the price. It’s recommended to have a cancellation insurance, in case you are medically not allowed to fly anymore, or in case you get sick before the retreat.

I hope you are as excited as I am. Any questions don’t hesitate to contact me through email or Whatsapp.

or

---

Sample day schedule

The airport of Lisbon is only 40 minutes away of Ericeira. We can reserve a transfer for you from the airport, this is €50,- one way. It’s also possible to take an Uber. If you want to be more flexible, you can rent a car from the airport.

If you would like to come a day/some days earlier, or leave later, let me know and I can send you the possibilities based on the availability.

---

About me

My name is Lisanne, 37 years, and I am living since 7 years in Ericeira, Portugal, but born in the Netherlands. After teaching yoga for a few years, I had the desire to go much deeper into my ‘home base’, the root, our sacred pelvis. I had the feeling that I always felt a constant holding or bracing in my root and pelvic area. Dedicated to feel more relaxed in my root, I deepened my training in Pelvic yoga, as fascinated as I was later also Pre- and Postnatal yoga.

Guiding expecting moms in the last years through yoga classes and bringing them together in an intimate group, has been the most profound feeling. There is a magical energy that is shared and felt.

In the beginning of 2022 I was lucky enough to be pregnant of my first. Somewhere in this journey of pregnancy, I dreamed of a pregnancy retreat where I could go to while being pregnant, to have a relaxing time among other parents, and have the time to prepare ourselves for what is to come, including my partner. This pregnancy retreat is my creation after one year of motherhood.

Read more about my journey here.

---

Meet the rest of our loving team

Sara

Our doula Sara, a loved and respected doula who has made a significant impact on the realm of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Sara works with bellies. Bellies that dance, bellies that breed and carry life. She loves how Motherhood can be sacred and transforming. The paths it makes us take, the adventures we encounter along the way, and the unexpected twists and turns. She recognises how the journey of motherhood acts as a vehicle for self-discovery and a powerful means of forging connections with others.

She is passionate about breathwork, and bodywork connected to pregnancy, birth and postpartum. She trained as a Doula in the UK with Nurturing Birth, and has the honour of witnessing babies being born in varied contexts, choices and situations. Her experiences have also sensitised her to the disparities in birth options available to women in different countries, prompting her to take action in Portugal. This led her to found the Portuguese Birthrights Association where she puts her energy into every day so that human rights in pregnancy and birth become reality in Portugal. More about her work here.

During the retreat, Sara’s presence will be invaluable in supporting you on your journey. Her expertise will shine through as she facilitates birth and postpartum preparation sessions, equipping you with the tools and knowledge you need for this transformative phase. Additionally, her guidance in the mama dancing session will create a beautiful and empowering experience, celebrating the physical and emotional journey of motherhood through movement and connection.

---

Marta

Meet Marta, our warm and experienced pelvic physiotherapist who brings a deep passion for women’s health to her practice. With over a decade of specialised expertise in this field, Marta has been dedicated to helping women and couples during one of the most transformative phases of their lives – pregnancy and postpartum.

In our retreat, Marta offers a unique one-on-one treatment that includes a soothing massage of key areas such as the belly, hips, gluteus, buttocks, and lower back. This therapeutic touch serves not only to alleviate pain or discomfort during pregnancy but also to create space for the growing belly.

Optionally, her expertise extends to performing an internal massage of the pelvic floor muscles, targeting pain and tension in this important area. Through this practice, she can also assess and screen the pelvic floor muscles, evaluating your ability to relax and engage them, thus enhancing your bodies awareness and control duing birth as well.

Some of the many benefits of pelvic physio therapy during pregnancy:

• reduction of lower back pain
• reducing labor time
• pain relief strategies during labour
• reduced risk of perineal tearing during the expulsive phase
• improved body awareness and ability to relax
• reduction of urinary and fecal incontinence
• the best postpartum recovery
• information, teaching and empowerment

My personal experience can only support this, after birth the doctor could not believe I only needed 1 stitch, when she would have expected me to have a lot more. My recovery therefore was super fast and smooth. I am forever grateful to have found Marta on my path during pregnancy.

---

Ana

Meet Ana, our nursing professional. Ana’s journey as a nursing professional has been marked by a deep passion for maternal and infant care, coupled with an unwavering commitment to mental health and home care. Since obtaining her basic degree in nursing in 2011, Ana has gained extensive experience working as a midwife/nurse in hospitals.

Ana’s love for nursing is particularly evident in her specialisation within the realm of mental health and home care. Through her work, she has identified and addressed the significant deficiencies in healthcare accessibility, particularly in the context of home care. It’s in this environment that Ana feels the most at home, making a profound impact on mothers’ lives and creating a sense of comfort and security during their healing journey.

For our retreat, Ana will contribute her expertise by providing a first aid course and accident prevention training specifically tailored to babies and children. This course will cover essential techniques for handling common situations, such as treating wounds, cuts, bruises, and addressing choking incidents. Ana’s extensive experience in maternal and infant care ensures that you will receive thorough and practical guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of your little one in the future.

More about her work here.

---

Mayra

Meet Mayra, our Shantala baby massage specialist and prenatal massage therapist. Mayra is a compassionate and dedicated birth doula who is committed to providing unwavering support to women and families throughout their transformative journey from pregnancy to postpartum. Her mission is deeply rooted in her belief in the power of connection, care, and the profound impact of touch during this remarkable time in a woman’s life.

Her approach to touch goes beyond mere relaxation; it delves into the realm of connection, creating a bridge between a woman and her own body. Mayra understands that touch is not only a physical act but a means of fostering a deeper bond between a woman and her changing body, allowing her to fully embrace the experience of pregnancy.

For our retreat, Mayra will offer her Prenatal full body massages, based on Ayurvedic Yoga massage, the treatment she offers is not only restorative but also promotes essential elements of well-being, including enhanced blood circulation, relaxation, and the flow of prana (life force energy).

Additionally, she will guide us through the Shantala baby massage, a mini course to learn how to give your baby a massage. Some of the benefits are:

• Bonding
• Prevents and helps dealing with colics
• Postural development
• Motor skills
• Breathing capacity
• Blood circulation
• Endorphins production
• Relaxation
• and much more!

---

Patchi

Meet Patchi, our certified herbalist and licensed acupuncturist. She completed her Doctoral (DACM) and Masters (MSTOM) at Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego and New York which included 4800 hours of clinical and didactical hours in Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Western medicine. After having a busy clinic in New York for many years she moved to Ericeira and now proudly serves the community and those visiting. Through acupuncture and Chinese medicine she reconnects women to their bodies and serves as a vehicle to help women feel grounded, worthy and empowered in their journey.

Prenatal acupuncture can help in so many ways:

• From relieving nausea early in the first weeks of pregnancy.
• To reducing anxiety and resetting your nervous system to help promote relaxation.
• Acupuncture can also help turn breech babies and relieve pain in the back, pelvis or headaches.
• Towards the end of the pregnancy acupuncture can help prepare the body for labor by promoting relaxation, balancing hormones and reducing the duration of labor.
• No matter how far you are in your pregnancy, Patchi’s helping hand will support and nourish you to feel ready for your next steps as a mom.

You can book a session with her as an extra during the retreat, either individual (€75,-) or in a shared setting (€50,-).

Bruna

Meet Bruna, our sweet and joyful photographer. She loves to record feelings and people’s stories in a free, true, and simple way.

‘Photographing people is a constant inspiration for me, I learn every day with my sensibility I am able to navigate through different scenarios and capture feelings, expressed in every detail, look, and emotion. The main focus of my work is to use natural light to capture candid moments with elegance and authenticity.’

Being a photographer is much more than capturing moments of people’s life, it’s being connected with them. She creates a safe and easy atmosphere, which makes the experience very pleasant.

In your retreat you have the option to book a photography shoot with Bruna. If you would like to do so, it’s best to let us know beforehand. Contact us to receive more info about prices etc.

More about her work here.

---

Reviews

Some kind words of some of the women I have had the honour to have had in my groups/retreats over the past years.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Babymoon Retreats (@baby.moon.retreats)

“This retreat was exactly what I needed. Starting each day with yoga and ending it surrounded by beautiful mamas at the dinner table. There’s nothing like it. The flow and connection just felt so right. I am so grateful to have taken part in such a wonderful experience. From the amaaazingly gentle but deeply felt touch during the prenatal massage to spending my afternoons in the sun reading. I was able to truly tap in and just be in my powerful pregnant body. I am filled with gratitude. Thank you to all the lovely women who were apart of this team. thanks Lisanne. xx. Myriada“

“If you are pregnant this is the sign you need to book the most beautiful experience with other expecting moms ❤️ You will learn every single detail of birth/postpartum, you will feel relaxed and taken care of, and you will build a community of motherhood that we all need at this time in our lives. I absolutely recommend it! Thanks, Dani Silva“

“The retreat was simply wonderful.  It was above all expectations. The venue, the organisation, the energy, the activities, the food, wow, all amazing. It gave me lots of strengths for the upcoming months of pregnancy, and I feel that I’m much more prepared!! Thanks Lisanne for this and looking forward to the mommy-baby retreat 🙂 Have a great day!! Regards, Viki“

“I practice prenatal yoga classes with Lisanne and I love it. Each yoga class makes my day special. I feel so relaxed, calm after each class. Lisanne manages to bring some special atmosphere in every class. After each session, I feel so connected with my mind, my body, my baby..it makes my day different. I absolutely recommend! | from Stasya Pakhomova“

“Lisanne’s attention to movement, the body and spirit is impeccable. Lisanne embodies the teacher we all need to encounter, during all phases of life, but most of all when we need to feel nurtured and loved – especially during and after pregnancy. Thank you. | from Kaylee Boraso“

“I found Lisanne when I was 10 weeks pregnant and in need of some movement and meditation. Her prenatal yoga classes are nothing short of divine ✨ The sessions kept me from feeling stiff throughout my pregnancy and the breathwork prepared me for quite a calm labour. Postpartum, I attended her baby & me yoga classes with my infant son and I found a happy balance between meditation and being with my baby. Lisanne is incredible, I can’t recommend her enough! | from Katie Sideris“

“I’ve been doing pregnancy yoga with Lisanne for the second time around 🙂 She is the most caring person with calming vibes, her classes are always a pleasure to go to✨ | Csilla Bognar“

Read more reviews.