The Fourth Trimester is from the moment that your baby is born, until she is 3 months old! I usually tell my families that, it’s kind of a period that your baby doesn’t really realize she’s in the world quite yet! She has been so safe, secure, and snuggled up right with you her entire life. So, during those first 3 months, you have to continue that!
Babies want and need to be held and snuggled. They are growing and developing. As long as that third trimester felt for you, she would have just rather stayed right where she was! Focus on what’s important during the fourth trimester: keep the tiny baby safe, fed, & nurtured and take care of yourself!
The fourth trimester can be hard. You can expect your baby to be sleepy, fussy, and needy. This is all so tiring, I know Mama. Preparing for this is extremely important! Hire a Postpartum Doula or Newborn Care Specialist to help take care of everybody. Maybe even a housekeeper if that will make things easier. Prepare freezer meals- like yummy soups, or casseroles! Be sure to also have your cubbies set up in every room! (Last blog)!
Make sure you give yourself grace while you adjust to mom life!
Learn how you can help your baby adjust to the world. What made them feel comfy in the womb will also make them feel safe and loved now. Swaddle them, do skin-to-skin often, play white noise when they get fussy, take them outside to get fresh air, and baby wear! Practice the 5’s; Swaddle, Sway, Shush, Suck, and Side position. Think to yourself: in 5, 15, or 20 minutes, things will be different. Breathe, you’ve got this!! You are both getting to know each other.
As much as you’re getting to know your baby, you’re also adjusting to motherhood and life with a new baby! Take time to lay in bed, and bond with her! That’s what’s important- the laundry will get done, I promise! You also have to take care of yourself- make it a priority! Make sure you eat, shower, and take breaks when you need to! And drink water, all the water. You need it to recover, & its crucial if you’re breast feeding, just drink it!
Pay attention to your emotions! During this postpartum period, you’re experiencing hormonal, physical, and emotional changes. Know what resources are available that you can reach out to when you need them! A counselor, IBCLC- breastfeeding support, Doula, etc.. Motherhood is new and may seem scary, but you are the best mom for your baby. Talk to your support people. It takes a village! We know you’re super mama- but you are allowed to ask for help. Allow yourself time to heal and take it a day at a time when you need to.
The wonderful part about the Fourth Trimester is that this is also the time you are falling in love with your baby! Through all the long nights, and foggy feeling days- the beginning of a bond between you and your baby is developing. Do your best every day, reach out for help when ya need it, & love that baby! The days are long, but truly the years are short. You will make it through those first couple weeks! Enjoy these days!
For extraaaa love & support, Join our private Facebook Group: Postpartum and Newborn Care Support Group https://bit.ly/newborncarefacebookgroup
Michaela Fink's Newborn Care, LLC 