Congratulations! You’ve made it past two of the biggest stages of life–pregnancy and birth–but now what? Welcome to the fourth trimester, made up of the first three months after your baby’s birth. This is the time when both you and your baby are adjusting to life outside of the womb, making it a key time in your lives. It is also a key period in pregnancy, yet it is very often overlooked or misunderstood when discussing postpartum care. In this article, we will talk about why the fourth trimester is so important, the challenges that are faced during this period, and tips for breastfeeding moms who are navigating this sensitive phase of childbirth.
Why is the Fourth Trimester So Important?
The fourth trimester is the first 3 months after your baby’s birth. It is a time of intense mental, emotional, and hormonal changes for both mom and baby. Just think about it: at this point, your body is healing and trying to adjust to not producing pregnancy-specific hormones, and you are learning how to care for a newborn. On top of it all, you are likely running on little (to no) sleep! In other words, it is a lot for any person.
This is also the time that, according to Harvard Health, many women experience postpartum mood shifts, including the “baby blues” or even postpartum depression, which affects about 1 in 7 women. While these feelings are normal, they do highlight the need for proper support and care during this time. Sadly, both postpartum depression and the fourth trimester often go underlooked, especially in comparison to other phases of pregnancy.
Challenges New Moms Face
The fourth trimester is perhaps one of the most challenging phases any parent will face, mainly due to the unusual hurdles it presents. Beyond sleep deprivation and learning what your baby needs, there is also the physical recovery from childbirth. You are likely experiencing a changing body image as you try to come to terms with the “new you.” Your body can still feel like it belongs to somebody else, and adjusting to this identity as a mother first can be overwhelming.
And then there is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding, while a beautiful bonding experience, comes with a whole set of challenges on its own. Everything from latching issues to sore nipples and supply issues can have you feeling stressed out. These concerns are all common–in fact, a study published in the American Family Physican notes that breastfeeding complications are among the top reasons new moms look for postpartum care. Looking for support and finding a community of others who have been through similar experiences can be very helpful in this aspect. Read on for a few tips that can help you navigate the whole fourth trimester period.
4 Tips for Navigating the Fourth Trimester
1. Prioritize Rest
Your body is going through a lot (to put it mildly) and you need to give it all the things it needs to survive and thrive, and that includes sleep! Sleep when you can, and don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help!
2. Build and Lean on Your Support System
The fourth trimester is nothing you want to face alone, and emotional/physical support can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Your loved ones and trusted professionals are there to support you every step of the way.
3. Seek Breastfeeding Support
Plenty of women find themselves struggling with breastfeeding in those early months. There’s no shame in asking for help and getting support from those around you, including the professionals! So we encourage you to seek breastfeeding support during these early phases.
4. Put Your Mental Health First
There is a lot going on right now, and postpartum mood swings are incredibly common. However, if things feel excessive or out of control, it is best to reach out to professionals who can help!
Support and the Fourth Trimester
While the fourth trimester is clearly important in the grand scheme of things, it is rather overlooked compared to the rest of the pregnancy journey. However, it is important that you, as a parent, be proactive in reaching out for and accepting help to make your journey easier. Remember, every mother’s journey is unique, and there is no one right way to do things, only what works best for you and your baby. If you have thoughts on the fourth trimester, make sure to share your experiences, like, and comment below to be a part of the discussion! You might also like to check out our article on five signs of returning fertility if you have questions about ovulation and breastfeeding!
Sources
- Harvard Health. (2019). The fourth trimester: What you should know. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-fourth-trimester-what-you-should-know-2019071617314
- UChicago Medicine. (n.d.). Navigating postpartum body changes in the fourth trimester. Retrieved from https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/womens-health-articles/navigating-postpartum-body-changes-in-the-fourth-trimester
- American Family Physician. (2019). Common postpartum concerns. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/1015/p485.html
- Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby. (n.d.). What is the fourth trimester?. Retrieved from https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/what-is-the-fourth-trimester
- Medical News Today. (n.d.). We need to talk more about the realities of the fourth trimester. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/we-need-to-talk-more-about-the-realities-of-the-fourth-trimester
- Columbia University. (n.d.). A mother’s guide to the fourth trimester. Retrieved from https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/mothers-guide-fourth-trimester
