Welcoming a baby into the world is one of the most beautiful and miraculous events a woman can experience. While expectant mothers can find plenty of information regarding what to expect throughout pregnancy, the fourth trimester is often overlooked. This is the period of time after birth when the mother is adjusting to her postpartum body and learning to care for her newborn. In this article, The Cortona Foundation offers tips and guidance to help you navigate this overwhelming time!

Know What to Expect

The fourth trimester comes with a variety of new challenges for moms, from postpartum depression and feelings of isolation to sleep deprivation and nipple pain.

• Physical Challenges: According to What to Expect, some of the most common physical challenges facing new moms include postpartum bleeding, breastfeeding difficulties, perineal pain, sleep deprivation, and hormonal changes. You can mitigate these issues with light exercise, doctor’s visits, sitz baths, a healthy diet, and plenty of sleep (or as much sleep as your newborn will allow).
• Emotional Challenges: It’s also common for women to experience emotional challenges after giving birth. New moms may experience feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, body image concerns, and relationship strain.  These feelings are completely normal. However, when these “baby blues” stick around for more than a few weeks, consider seeking help for postpartum depression.

Invest in Self-Care Supplies

Over the course of your pregnancy, you likely received plenty of gifts for your baby, but few items for yourself. Consider treating yourself to a few self-care supplies that will help you navigate the physical and emotional challenges that come with new motherhood. For example, a postpartum belly wrap can help support your abdominal muscles as they heal, while nipple cream can soothe sore or cracked nipples from breastfeeding.  

In addition, wearing supportive nursing bras is always a good idea. Because you and your baby have sensitive skin, look for soft and versatile nursing bras and other maternal wear made from breathable materials like cotton or bamboo. You’ll also want to get some washable nursing pads to protect your clothing from leaks, absorb sweat, and offer another layer of comfort for chafed nipples.

Create a Dual Function Room

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing your living space. One smart strategy to tackle this challenge is to create a dual-use room before the baby arrives, which can serve as the baby's room and a home office.  

By establishing this versatile space, you can maximize the time you spend with your little one. Transforming a room in this way not only optimizes the use of your available space but also ensures that you're always within arm's reach of your baby while working. Moreover, it's worth documenting any work or improvements you make to your home during this process, as it could potentially increase your home's value in the long run, offering financial benefits for your family down the road.

Make Work Arrangements for Your Peace of Mind

Your job is the last thing you need to worry about during the fourth trimester. Make work arrangements so you can enjoy precious time with your newborn free from work-related stress. Prepare for your leave by communicating with your clients, customers, and team well ahead of time so you’re all on the same page. You may want to delegate your responsibilities to trusted team members and outsource extra work to a virtual assistant. Working Momkind also suggests working ahead, automating what you can, and scheduling your social media posts in advance.

After You Return to Work

Returning to work after becoming a new mother can be a challenging transition, but it's essential to find ways to maintain a strong connection with your family. One effective strategy is to carve out dedicated time for family moments, even in the midst of a busy schedule. One powerful way to do this is by consistently connecting at bedtime. Make it a habit to be present during your child's bedtime routine, whether it's reading a bedtime story, singing a lullaby, or simply tucking them in. This time not only provides an opportunity for bonding but also helps your child feel secure and cherished. Additionally, creating special experiences together, such as weekend outings or family game nights, can reinforce your family's sense of togetherness and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

It Takes a Village

Introducing a newborn into the family often necessitates a bit of extra help around the house, and involving older children can be a practical solution. Encouraging them to keep their rooms tidy can be made more appealing by turning it into a simple, light-hearted game. This method not only helps in keeping the house in order but also gently teaches the children about responsibility. For example, making a game out of organizing their toys or clothes can be an effective way to engage them without overwhelming them. This approach not only eases some of the burdens on the parents but also helps the older siblings feel involved and useful during this significant family transition.

Take Care of Yourself

Practicing self-care is essential for surviving (and thriving) throughout the fourth trimester. Engage in habits and activities that will help you sleep better, stress less, manage your emotions, and have more energy during the day. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. At the same time, be prepared to say “no” when someone asks for your time and energy.  

Regular exercise can go a long way toward improving how you feel in the weeks following the birth of your child. Postpartum exercise will help ease stress, heal your body, improve your sleep quality, and reduce symptoms of postpartum depression. Get together with some other fitness-focused new moms and start a stroller jogging club or yoga group!

The fourth trimester can be an overwhelming period for new mothers, but it’s also a time of joy and excitement! Plan ahead by making work arrangements to reduce stress including spending less time at the workplace, investing in helpful supplies like nursing pads, and creating a postpartum self-care plan. By being prepared for the physical and emotional challenges that can arise during this time, the fourth trimester will go much more smoothly for you and your newborn.