Postpartum retreat aims to ‘transform’ maternity care

It’s not the story you’re likely to read online but imagine spending a portion of your postpartum days this way:

You’re nestled in a luxurious suite at The Lodge at St. Edwards Park, surrounded by lush woods and tranquil grounds, eating delicious, high-quality food and being pampered by postpartum and baby care professionals, including a staffed infant nursery.

You haven’t brought anything but your clothes—everything you need is provided. Diapers. Bath gear. Even that wonder of all wonders (according to baby swaddling guru and master marketer Dr. Harvey Karp), a Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinets by Happiest Baby.

Between naps and feedings, you step into newborn care and parenting classes, gentle fitness classes, and workshops led by licensed therapists, nutrition experts, and professionals in the area of processing birth trauma.

Not to mention the daily footbath.

Photo courtesy Yuzi Care.

A new old way of postpartum care

All that’s a far cry from the sleep-deprived, anxiety-ridden days most new parents experience following a birth. But, with the recent opening of Kenmore-based Yuzi Care, this new picture of postnatal bliss is possible for those who can afford it—as well as for some who can’t.

Founded by Stephiney Foley, a Chinese immigrant, U.S. Army veteran, mother of two, and former birth and postpartum doula, Yuzi Care launched its postnatal retreat program this summer. The total cost of an all-inclusive retreat varies based on the package and length of stay, with options ranging from $1,100 to $1,250 per night, with a 3-night minimum. Optional services can be added at additional cost. On average, families stay for seven or more days. Foley points out that in many countries, women are encouraged to take a “lying in” period of 30 days or more after birth.

A vision for care affordable to all families

Foley says her company is “committed to democratizing maternal care in America” through its Sponsor a Mom program. The program allows companies or individuals to sponsor visits for those in need, with Yuzi Care using a percentage of its revenue to match such sponsorships.

Foley says she hopes Yuzi Care will evolve to a “tri-care” model—that is, a model in which retreat costs are shared amongst employers, employees, and government assistance programs. Foley says her company is “actively” working to establish a nonprofit arm to expand its ability to support families in need.

We talked with Foley about the concept of postpartum retreat and what Yuzi Care offers. Here’s part of that conversation:

Seattle’s Child (SC): Why a postpartum luxury retreat approach?

Stephiney Foley (SF): The postpartum period is a critical time for mothers, yet it’s often overlooked, especially in America. Postnatal retreats are well-established in places like Asia, [but] the reality is that the U.S. lacks a standardized and accessible approach to postpartum care. This gap leaves many mothers to navigate this crucial time with minimal support, often in an environment that demands their attention for household chores and other responsibilities.

Our approach is about creating a “third place” for mothers during their fourth trimester—a serene, dedicated space where they can focus entirely on their recovery and bonding with their newborn. In a traditional home setting, it’s difficult for mothers to fully rest and prioritize their well-being because they’re surrounded by reminders of daily tasks like laundry or dishes. This can prevent them from truly healing and can add to the overwhelm of the postpartum period.

SC: How does a postpartum retreat or catered “lying in” period rewrite that story?

SF: By standardizing care and removing these burdens, Yuzi provides an environment that encourages mothers to care for themselves first, which is vital for their recovery and well-being. Our retreats are more than just a place to stay—they are sanctuaries designed with the specific needs of new mothers in mind, supported by a tech-enabled platform that streamlines every aspect of their stay. Our vision goes beyond what’s available in other countries; we aim to revolutionize postpartum care in America by making it accessible, standardized, and deeply personalized. This approach ensures that mothers can truly focus on their health and the well-being of their babies, setting a foundation for a stronger, healthier start to motherhood.

SC: The retreat is not a medical facility. But is it medically staffed?

SF: We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of mothers and their babies, but we maintain a clear distinction between our role as a postpartum retreat and that of a medical facility. Our care team includes advanced nurse practitioners, midwives, international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs), doulas, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and childcare specialists [trained to] recognize signs of potential medical concerns and provide care within their scope of practice. In a medical emergency, our protocol is to refer or escalate the situation to appropriate medical professionals. 

SC: What do you hope parents get out of their retreat?

SF: Our goal is for parents to leave their time with Yuzi feeling deeply cared for, confident, and connected. First and foremost, we provide comprehensive, around-the-clock care that addresses the mental, physical, and emotional needs of both parents and their babies. We want them to feel pampered and supported in a way that allows them to focus on recovery and bonding without the distractions or pressures of everyday life.

SC. Tell us about spots for families who cannot afford the cost of a retreat.

We offer pro bono spots for families who cannot afford the cost through our Sponsor a Mom program. We believe that every family deserves access to the care and support they need during the postpartum period, regardless of their financial situation.

We recently conducted a giveaway to a deserving mother, which led to thousands of outreach requests. These stories came from a diverse range of mothers, including single mothers, teen mothers, those who have struggled in their IVF journey, and immigrant mothers. The universal call for help was evident and further underscored the need for accessible postpartum care.

SC: When is the best time to take a postpartum retreat?

The best time to take a postpartum retreat is typically about a week after you deliver. This timing allows you to start your recovery process in a supportive, nurturing environment while still being close enough to the delivery to address immediate postpartum needs. We host retreats for babies up to 4 months of age.

SC: How does the retreat integrate, reflect, or challenge the idea that birth recovery should happen at home?

SF: We recognize that many families prefer to settle in at home, getting to know their baby in a familiar environment, and we see our retreat as a complementary option for those looking for an alternative or additional layer of support. We see ourselves as a complement to the existing network of birth workers in the Pacific Northwest and Seattle, providing an additional option for families who seek a more structured and supportive environment during the early postpartum period. We bring together a comprehensive care team—including doulas, midwives, IBCLCs, and other specialists—into one cohesive experience. This approach provides families with the convenience and peace of mind of having everything they need in one place while still allowing them to engage with their baby’s unique rhythms and needs.