Hey everyone! This month's topic is all about the 4th Trimester! Wait, aren't there only 3 trimesters? The answer is yes and no. The pregnancy only lasts three trimesters - thank goodness - but there's something called the 4th trimester which refers to the first 12 weeks after your baby is born. And this "trimester" is just as important as the rest. The term "4th trimester" was developed to refer to recreating the kind of environment your baby had in utero. Think about it - your baby came from a dark, warm, wet, quiet(ish) environment where they were all snuggled in cozy to a bright, cold, loud world that they were not ready for. Some parents may head into parenthood expecting a cute, quiet, peaceful newborn who eats and sleeps well and only cries when they need something. Others may be prepared for sleepless nights, constant crying, endless feedings, and postpartum blues. Every baby is different and it's hard to predict exactly how your postpartum experience will go, but the good news is that there are some things you can do to help yourself and your baby adjust. If you think about the aspects of life in utero that I mentioned above, trying to mimic them with your precious new baby can ease the transition. Skin to skin contact can help your baby feel comforted, stay warm from the warmth of your skin, and calm from hearing your heart beat. It also benefits you, mama, by helping to regulate your hormones, improve milk supply, and relax. Baby wearing can have some similar benefits for when you are out and about or need to be hands free. Many babies like to be swaddled, especially when not being held. The containment that swaddling provides helps your baby feel safe and secure and provides the boundaries that they are used to from utero. Swaddling also helps to prevent arm flailing from the startle reflex that often wakes a baby up. Rocking and swaying can provide your baby with the rhythmic movement that they are accustomed to while they were in your belly. Bathing your baby and letting them relax in a tub of warm water can be very calming. After all, they were just swimming in a pool of amniotic fluid for 9 months. Just remember to wait until their umbilical cord falls off and has healed before submerging them in the tub. Your baby will feed frequently - at least every 2-3 hours in the beginning. This is completely normal! Feeding on demand and responding to your baby's cues will help keep them satisfied and comforted.
So now we've talked about your precious little newborn. Now let's talk about you, mama! Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby. And this time can be hard - especially the first 12 weeks. A major event has just occurred (one that might be new to you if you're a first-time mom), your hormones are changing rapidly, and you are likely sleep deprived. The "baby blues" are normal for the first 2 weeks after delivery where you may be having a hard time and your emotions are all over the place. But if this lasts beyond the first 2 weeks and/or you are having overwhelming emotions and feelings, severe anxiety, or harmful thoughts please see your provider as you may have postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is common, nothing to be ashamed of, and there is treatment for it! No matter how you are feeling, attending your postpartum doctor's appointment is very important! This allows your provider to assess your physical, emotional, and mental health as well as assessing your baby's care and feeds. You should be seen sometime between 2-6 weeks after delivery and then as your provider sees necessary. It is important to know that if you have fever or chills, heavy bleeding, dizziness, shortness of breath, severe headache, swelling of your lower extremities, or depression you should seek medical attention immediately. There are several serious complications that can occur after delivery, such as infection, hemorrhage, and preeclampsia that can be life-threatening if not treated. Many moms think that once they deliver their baby and get home that they are out of the woods for any delivery-related health issues, but that is not always the case. Once you have recovered and are physically able, exercise is very beneficial. Even if it's just taking a walk, try to stay active. Eating a healthy diet is also important, so try to eat nutritious foods if you can. One thing that can often be overlooked is family planning. Breastfeeding is not a guaranteed form of birth control. It is best if you have a plan in place for what method you will choose for birth control before you deliver. That way you are not having to research or stress about the decision at the last minute.
Finally, I will address a couple of the common phrases you may hear frequently. "Sleep when the baby sleeps." "It takes a village to raise a child." As a mom of three there are times when I have laughed at these phrases, especially about sleeping. There is so much to do around the house, the baby only sleeps for short spurts at a time, I'm not actually tired when they're napping. But now that our baby days are behind us, I wish I had heeded that advice. Take advantage of times when you can lay down and rest. Accept offers from friends and family to help you out. Whether it's having them hold your baby so you can take a nap or get something done, or whether it's asking for help with light chores or providing a meal - now is the time to call on close family and friends. They want to help, and whether you realize it in the moment or not, you can use the help!
I hope some, or all, of this helps you in your motherhood journey. Take care of yourself, accept help from others, and enjoy your new bundle of joy! You're going to do great, mama!