An atmosphere of relaxation, rejuvenation & personalized care
Written: by Ellen Masters Postel
Photography: Marie Josée Bédard
Walking into Qatar’s first (and only) baby and mom wellness spa will give you all the feels between the sun filled rooms, soothing music, genuine smiles and easy going vibes from the staff, and cleanliness of the facilities, you know you’re in for moments of joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Having just opened in October of 2023, Owner Linn Deman (nicknamed “Bébé” growing up) and her Team celebrated their one year anniversary. Linn explained that the spa “was born out of a deep understanding of the struggles and joys of motherhood” and wished something like this had existed when she was pregnant.
Offerings & Benefits
The spa offers a holistic approach to wellness and services for both baby and mom including baby hydrotherapy, baby massage, baby massage classes, prenatal massage, postnatal massage, and facials. Each comes with their own unique benefits and ultimately designed to enhance the mother-baby bond.
The nurturing and stimulating experience of hydrotherapy gently immerses infants in a temperature controlled and filtered water tub using different specialized baby floaters depending on the baby’s age as well as organic and sensory bath toys. The therapeutic practice offers numerous benefits including increased lung and respiratory function and circulation, strengthened balance, muscle development and coordination, improved sleep and relaxation, a boosted immune system and improved digestion to name a few. In order to create a soothing experience, the water is heated to temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and sessions are carefully designed to last between 10-20 minutes, ensuring each child’s comfort and well-being. Licensed therapists are specially trained to understand and respond to a babies’ unique cues and moods, tailoring each session to the individual needs of each baby.
We had the pleasure of watching Achilles’ first hydrotherapy session alongside his parents and grandparents, where he appeared to be calm yet super active, even as he was being weighed and fitted with the neck floaters, suitable for babies aged 1-5 months. His whole body got quite a workout. According to the team, it is common for babies to eat and sleep soundly following a session like we witnessed as it is much more than a scaled-down swimming session. Unlike adult swimming, baby hydrotherapy involves gentle, therapeutic exercises that promote motor skills, muscle strength, and relaxation in a safe, supportive environment targeting core and leg muscles that will help the babies later on practicing the sitting position and learning how to stand and walk.
After about 20 minutes of hydrotherapy, Achilles was wrapped in a fresh cloth from the towel warmer before getting a massage where he was playful and all smiles. We all erupted in laughter when he burped which is a common benefit and side effect of massage, as are other bodily functions that are stimulated by the therapies. It was truly beautiful to witness sensory and motor skill development as well as the feelings of care and connection. Some of the greatest benefits of baby massage include reducing symptoms of colic and reflux along with relief from discomfort related to gas, constipation and teething. Linn shared that parents seem to especially appreciate the benefits of more restful sleep after a massage session especially when there are flights involved.
Following the first of four sessions in their membership package, mom and dad, Aerva and Miguel Ledina seemed elated that their son was enjoying himself. After learning about Bébélux on Instagram, they researched the benefits and found the pricing to be quite reasonable. When asked if they were looking forward to their next session, in unison coupled with huge smiles they responded, “For sure!” and “Of course!”
The bonds formed during baby massage classes are a special opportunity for parents to offer a healing and nurturing touch to their little one. Linn’s vision for the shared experience is to celebrate the joys of parenthood while also offering a sense of confidence in a supportive and empowering community for learning.
Pre and post natal massage as well as facials are all about supporting mothers throughout their pregnancy journey. Gentle and specialized techniques address the unique needs and challenges mothers face, both physically and emotionally. The goal of the restorative sessions lasting 60 minutes is to offer a sense of comfort, well being, self-care, and rejuvenation amidst the changes taking place and demands of caring for a new-born. Benefits are not limited to relief from pain, swelling, and cramps; realignment of posture and muscle tone; support of hormonal balance; improved circulation and improved sleep; as well as decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression.
“First time moms are often anxious,” the staff shared. They elaborated on how rewarding it is to offer a sense of understanding, relaxation, pain relief, and rejuvenation. After birth, the staff aim to remain a calming presence as mom’s are navigating a new normal - things like breastfeeding, slimming or returning to their pre-baby weight, sleeping, etc.
Add-On Services
In addition to the multiple membership and packages offered, there are add-on services available such as milestone celebration (including banners, name board, and balloons), gift boxes, gift certificates (popular amongst dads wanting to pamper their wives or that make wonderful baby shower gifts), hair washing, nail clippings, organic bath and teething toys, swim diapers, organic facial serums, muslin cloths, baby massage oils, and Zeitschild products for moms and babies.
Approach & Attention to Detail
With each client, the Bébélux approach is taken, offering the highest level of service, care, and attention to detail along with special techniques to offer relaxation and the personable feel. Furthermore, with hygiene and safety being a top priority, regular sanitization and thorough cleaning occurs before and after each session, as well as a monthly deep cleaning of the specialized tubs that involves cleaning the entire system from the inside out. Follow-ups after appointments are in place to ensure the level of service expected has been received. The Bébélux approach is best evidenced by the Staff sharing how rewarding it is to get news when a mom is going into labor a few hours or days after their induction massage session, receiving pictures of newborns, positing their visits and feedback on their socials, when customers return, or refer family and friends.
Staff
We had the pleasure of watching both a hydrotherapy and massage session in action. In addition to being well trained, professional, and certified, it is clear the Staff are passionate about what they do and have such a calm demeanor. Therapist, Virginia, referred to as “Gee” (for Gee-nius as fondly called by her colleagues), shared that she loves massaging the babies, but has come to really love offering therapies to moms.
Careful care and consideration is taken into account for each and every client by conducting a thorough consultation on the first appointment and follow-up consultations at each future session. It is important for treatments to be customized to the needs of both mom and baby. Consultations cover things like first time pregnancy, high risk pregnancy, twins, term of pregnancy, and pain/discomfort. For baby - age, weight, allergies, recent sleep/nap and feeding routines, medications, (leg and neck) muscle tone, cramps or colic, etc. are reviewed. The main objective is to build a sense of trust, customize therapies, and to offer a level of customer service not experienced elsewhere.
A whole host of other things are considered such as thorough consultations, hygiene, heated beds, warm cozy towels, pregnant friendly and breastfeeding safe tea bags, carefully curated products with mom and baby in mind, age-appropriate baby floaters, personalized massage. For example, babies don’t always last 20 minutes as they can get hungry or tired. Additionally, a maximum of 2 people are allowed to join for safety purposes, to make for the most enjoyable experience for all, and to avoid over stimulating the baby. Also, a tranquil and serene environment are always observed especially when massage sessions are ongoing.
Collaborations
As a Business Owner, in addition to exceptional service and attention to detail, Linn values education, visibility and collaboration. Partnerships were formed, starting with UrPharma’s https://www.urpharmastore.com/ Owner, Founder & Pharmacist, Camille Baekelandt who is a distributor for Zeitschild, Maiwe, Insentials, and Wondr products, all of which are breast-feeling and pregnancy safe for mom and baby alike. From there, valued collaborations have since been formed with Sidra to offer a series of classes in the Cafe recently, and Linn anticipates hosting certification training for employees in the future. Another value-added offering are massage classes taught in Arabic by a renowned and skilled instructor over the course of 5 weeks. Classes are currently planned for November, December and January.
Linn is constantly listening to the needs of her clients and looking to expand the offerings of the Spa. With that, watch for future offerings including the possibility of a variety of mom and baby classes such as baby sign language. Furthermore, if you have a related mission for your business or organization, their workshop space welcomes like minded visionaries.
Experience the lasting memories of joy, love, & tranquility at Bébélux yourself or as one of the greatest gifts you can offer parents-to-be with the dedicated team that ensures each visit is filled with comfort, care and cherished memories.
Marina Twin Tower ,Tower A, 27 floor, Lusail
5000 4106
Ellen Masters Postel
Ellen is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach supporting individuals reach and even exceed their personal goals.
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