Before you had a child, were you a person that just cringed at the sound of a crying baby?
So many clients have shared with me how ashamed they are of their pre-baby selves. They can now relate to to those parents who wanted a nice blissful lunch date, but their sweet little newborn was just NOT in the mood. As you may have become very familiar with over the past few weeks or months, SO much noise has the potential to come out of their tiny little bodies. No worries.. we are going to share some family friendly fall activities where the whole family, moody baby included, will fit right in.
Getting out of the house can bring so much relief to families with a newborn. You can lower your risk for postpartum depression and other postpartum mood disorders, get some fresh air, and create long-lasting memories.
BUTLER'S ORCHARD
Get involved in face painting for the older kiddos, a nice stroller ride for the newest family member, and build on family traditions at your local pumpkin patch. Many farms offer face painting, playgrounds, apple picking, a farmers market, hayrides, and so much more.
For our clients in D.C. and surrounding areas in Maryland, my recommendation is Butler's Orchard. They are having a fall festival Oct. 29 & 30 and are conveniently located in Germantown, MD.
CLARK'S ELIOAK FARM
For families that are closer to Howard County, MD, my personal favorite is Clark's Elioak Farm. October 29th-30th they will be having a Halloween Costume Parade. They have an awesome petting farm that the kids will love just as much as the parents.
TINDEROGA FARMS
For our clients in Northern Virginia, Ticonderoga Farms in Chantilly, VA comes highly recommended. They have a daily fall festival until October 31st.
SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO
Get in a fun trip to the zoo before the weather gets too cold!
MARYLAND BOO AT THE ZOO
Visit the zoo in Baltimore where there is trick-or-treating, costume contests, fun carnival games, crafts, live entertainment, delicious food, and so much more. ZooBoo will be taking place until Sunday, October 30th.
TAKE A HIKE!
Well, not necessarily a hike... a walk will suffice. Take some time to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage that the DMV has to offer. Some of the most popular destinations are Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway,the Appalachian Trail, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and Deep Creek Lake. These beautiful areas are great if you have a whole weekend for a getaway. You can rent a cabin and even bring a postpartum doula along!
BONUS FALL FAVORITE
Collect a few leaves or flowers and add them to your children's baby books. They will create memories for life and they can be passed on for generations with the original leaves preserved.