Coping with a newborn’s challenges? This service can assist you – for $850 per night

A new postnatal retreat in Toronto is offering exhausted new parents a luxury escape from the challenges of early parenthood. Alma Care, located inside the Kimpton Saint George Hotel, provides round-the-clock support for families adjusting to life with a newborn.

Inspired by the Chinese tradition of “sitting the month,” where new moms receive 30 days of postpartum care, Alma Care offers a range of services including help with breastfeeding, nursery care for the baby, and nutritious meals for the mother. The retreat, which costs between $850 and $1,300 per night, aims to provide a supportive environment for new parents to rest and recover.

While the concept of postnatal retreats is more common in countries like China and South Korea, Alma Care is one of the first of its kind in Canada. Co-founder Hana McConville believes that by providing comprehensive care under one roof, families can thrive during the challenging postpartum period.

However, some critics argue that such services should be more accessible to all families, regardless of their financial situation. Dr. Evelyn Ma, a family doctor in Calgary, acknowledges the benefits of having support readily available but raises concerns about the affordability of these services for lower-income families.

Despite the luxury price tag, Alma Care has received positive feedback from parents like Ashley Thomassen, who found the retreat invaluable in her recovery and bonding with her baby. With plans to expand to other Canadian cities, Alma Care hopes to provide more families with the support they need during the postpartum period.