Baby Lis: Redefining postpartum recovery in Israel

When I was pregnant with my first child, I had no clue what to expect in those first few days postpartum. Everyone talks about birth, but no one really prepares you for what comes after.

Then, a friend of mine shared her experience at a luxury baby hotel in Tel Aviv. She was raving about it, saying it was the best thing she’d ever done for herself and that it was worth every penny.

Wait, a baby hotel? What does that even mean? At the time, I thought it sounded a little extra. But when I checked in to the hotel with my family, I immediately understood what she was talking about and why she was so passionate about it.

What’s a Baby Hotel?

You can think of a Baby Hotel (“Melonit”) as a postpartum recovery center, but way more luxurious than what you probably imagined. It’s a place where you can stay after giving birth, and instead of rushing home, you get all the care you need to recover and adjust. For us international parents, it’s a game-changer, especially when family isn’t around to help during this crucial time.

What makes Baby Lis different? 

Israel has 4 baby hotels:

• Hadassah Baby hotel in Jerusalem

• Baby Assaf (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center in Tzrifin)

• Sheba Baby (Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer).

• Baby Lis (Attached to Lis Maternity in Ichilov). 
  

But here’s the difference: Baby Lis is the only privately owned hotel, operated by the Vital Hotel Chain, which also owns the Drisco Hotel in Tel Aviv. This gives it a level of luxury and personalized service that sets it apart.

Now, I know staying in a Baby hotel after birth could sound a bit weird at first. But after having stayed at Baby Lis twice (once in 2021 and again in 2024), I can confidently say that it’s one of the best decisions I made as a new mom.

Even as a second-time parent, it was the best soft landing I could have asked for. Baby Lis is not just a place to sleep after giving birth. It’s a full postpartum experience that offers a level of support and care that I’ve never seen from a standard maternity ward.

How Baby Lis is redefining postpartum recovery

Let’s start with the most important: Postpartum recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every mother’s experience is different. Some women may be fine going home from the maternity ward after just a day or two. But for others, the combination of hormonal shifts, sleepless nights, and the overwhelming feeling of "how do I take care of this tiny human?" means they’re looking for more. And for those moms, Baby Lis provides the support to make those first few days much easier.

Here’s how Baby Lis helped me (and many others) feel more supported:

1. Medical support

In Israel, most women stay in the maternity ward for 24 to 48 hours after a vaginal birth, and up to 72 hours after a C-section. But, let’s be honest, no matter how smooth the birth, it’s exhausting. The hormonal shift alone feels like an emotional rollercoaster. Not to mention caring for a newborn while your body is still recovering. We checked-in at Baby Lis after two nights in Ichilov’s maternity ward, and were pleasantly surprised  by what we found: a perfect blend of medical care and luxury:

• The comfort and luxury of a hotel: renovated rooms, a chef restaurant, a wellness area, and a team that truly cares about your wellbeing.

• The medical expertise of Ichilov Hospital: Expert support from gynecologists, neonatologists, pediatricians, lactation consultants, and nurses.
  

The team at Baby Lis made sure we felt cared for at every step. Whether it was checking on my recovery or making sure my baby’s jaundice levels were in check, everything was taken care of right there, with a simple walk across the hall to Ichilov when needed.

💡The gynecologists are available every morning between 8:00-10:00, and any medical concerns you have are addressed immediately, which is reassuring whether you had a C-section or a vaginal birth. And if your baby needs additional checks, it’s all coordinated right there. We found the peace of mind that comes from having on-site experts invaluable (especially with a first baby!).

2. Nourishment: Everything you craved in the past 9 months

Let’s talk about something most of us don’t think about enough postpartum: food. After giving birth, the last thing you want to do is worry about making yourself a meal when you’re barely getting 2 hours of sleep. One of my favorite parts of staying at Baby Lis was the food. Honestly, after months of craving runny eggs, smoked salmon, and chocolate mousse, Baby Lis made sure I could indulge in all the things I’d been missing.

Chef Tomer Tal runs the hotel’s NINA restaurant, and the meals are both healthy and delicious, designed specifically for postpartum recovery. You get three meals a day, plus coffee and cakes available throughout the day. And if you don’t feel like dining at the restaurant, room service is available so you can enjoy everything from the comfort of your room.

💡Is the hotel suitable if you’re religious? The hotel can order kosher meals certified by the Tel Aviv Rabbinate, which you can get delivered to your room. They also have a “kosher friendly” meal which is a dairy and fish menu (no meat). On shabbat, they have a shabbat elevator and shabbat keys. 

3. The emotional support we all need 

The emotional side of postpartum recovery is often overlooked. But the truth is, the transition into motherhood is hard, especially when you don’t have your family around to help. This is where Baby Lis truly stood out. From the moment we arrived, the nurses in the tinokia (nursery) acted like they were a part of our family. They were patient and supportive, always ready to help with anything and offering guidance.

It felt like a huge step up from the maternity ward, where we didn’t feel the same personal connection. Baby Lis was so much more caring and human-centered.

And then there’s the lactation support. Baby Lis has lactation consultants available between 10 AM and 6 PM. You can sign-up for a time that works for you and get help once or multiple times a day, whether you need help with your latch, tips on how to express milk, or you just need a quick check-in to make sure that everything is going smoothly. They even have hospital-grade breast pumps available for use, and portable breast pumps in every room.

💡 While this didn’t exist when I last stayed at Baby Lis in 2024, the hotel now also offers classes and workshops with local experts (like educator Shlomit Schuster or physiotherapist Chen Alush), covering everything from movement for labor to baby care, and pelvic-floor physiotherapy. Whether you attend workshops through Baby Lis or another trusted source, I highly recommend signing up to workshops that prepare you for this life transition.The current workshops included in your Baby Lis stay are:

• Movements for labor with Chen Alush (physiotherapist) For weeks 36–40 of pregnancy | In-person + home practice Learn how to use movement, positioning, and breath to support your body during labor. This practical workshop helps reduce pain, encourage progress, and boost confidence in the lead-up to birth.
  

• Coping with a baby’s crying with Shlomit Schuster  Up to 1 month postpartum | On Zoom Understand why babies cry, how to respond with calm and confidence, and how to build trust through your reactions. This session offers emotional and practical tools for soothing your newborn (and yourself!).
  

• Pelvic floor recovery with Chen Alush (physiotherapist) Up to 1 month postpartum | On Zoom A focused session to help you reconnect with your pelvic floor through gentle exercises and expert guidance. Understand how to support your recovery and prevent long-term issues like incontinence or prolapse.
  

• A touch of love with your baby with Shlomit Schuster From 3 months postpartum | In-person + home practice This workshop introduces gentle, nurturing touch as a tool for bonding and communication. Learn baby massage techniques that support emotional and physical development, while deepening your connection.
  

4. The self-care you didn’t know you needed

As new moms, we’re so focused on caring for our newborns that we often forget about ourselves.But staying at Baby Lis helped me realize, right from the start, how essential it is to prioritize self-care, whether that’s through rest, nourishment, or simply being kind to yourself.

Baby Lis makes it easy to begin this process by offering a complimentary reflexology treatment, a massage for moms, and a sound healing session for both parents and babies. These moments are designed to remind us to pause, breathe, and appreciate the journey.

And if you need a break to nap, enjoy a meal, or simply recharge, Baby Lis has a team of nurses available to care for your baby in the nursery.

Is a stay at Baby Lis worth it?

Look, I get it. The idea of staying in a hotel after giving birth might sound strange at first. But if you’re like many international families, without family nearby, Baby Lis is like having a temporary village to rely on.It’s not just a place to sleep, it’s a support system for the most crucial days: the first days of your postpartum recovery.

So if you’re wondering if it’s worth it, I can tell you this: For me and many others, it was a game-changer. If you made aliyah and don't have family nearby, or just need a little more care and attention during the first few days after birth, Baby Lis is absolutely worth considering.

🎁 Raising Sabras community discount

If you're considering a stay at Baby Lis, you can now get 500 NIS off a 2-night stay with the code: RAISINGSABRAS at check-out.