The 4th Trimester: How to Navigate These 5 Common Challenges
Katherine Williams of WhenTheBabySleeps.com is sharing these tips with us today. Thank you for your blog contribution, Katherine!
You just found out that you’re having a baby, and you’re trying to get ready for all of the dramatic lifestyle changes in your future. Every birthing person is familiar with the first, second, and third trimester - but today, many healthcare professionals consider the postpartum period to be “the fourth trimester” because your body and mind are still changing dramatically.If you’re looking for resources on pregnancy and the postpartum period, you can turn to Sarah McDonald. Here’s how to overcome certain challenges that many mothers face during the fourth
trimester.
First, Let’s Talk About the Positives!
The postpartum period is a special time to bond with your baby. It’s a time when you’re getting to know each other and building a special connection. You’re also learning how to feed, change, and care for your baby. The postpartum period can be exhausting, but it’s also a time of great joy. You’re getting to know this new person who you created and who is now part of your life. It’s a time of adjusting to changes in your body and your life. Newborns need a lot of care, so you may not get much sleep. You may feel like you’re not doing anything right, but don’t worry – you are! Just take things one step at a time and ask for help when you need it. You’ll get the hang of this whole parenting thing in no time. And in the meantime, enjoy all the snuggles, kisses, and gummy smiles. They’ll be gone before you know it! With that out of the way, here are some challenges to keep in mind.
1. Delegating Work Responsibilities
To prepare for parental leave, you’ll need to ensure that all of your responsibilities will be taken care of in your absence. Planning for family leave is especially complicated if you’re self-employed, but with the right approach, you can take some time away from work. It’s important to communicate with your clients early and let them know that you will be scaling back your hours for a while. If you’re concerned about missing important emails or forgetting about crucial administrative tasks, you may want to hire a virtual assistant to cover for you.
2. Breastfeeding Discomfort
Breastfeeding is not necessarily as easy or magical as it is often portrayed. In fact, it can be difficult and even painful for many families. To deal with pain during breastfeeding, MomLovesBest recommends working with a lactation consultant, using nipple cream and nipple shields, and wearing loose clothing that provides plenty of airflow. It’s also important to choose the right nursing bras. Trying to breastfeed with a nursing bra that doesn’t fit properly can be intensely uncomfortable. You’ll need a bigger cup size, so make sure to keep this in mind as you shop.
3. C-Section Recovery
While some birthing people have scheduled C-sections, some people also have to undergo emergency C-sections. If you needed to have a C-section unexpectedly, you might have been caught off guard by the difficult recovery process. It’s very important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely if you’ve had a C-section. To heal from your C-section, Very Well Family recommends taking your pain medications and stool softeners on schedule, using ice packs to soothe your incisions and using a pillow to brace them, limiting stair climbing, and asking for help whenever you need it.
4. Hormonal Shift
Giving birth brings on a dramatic hormonal shift. Obviously, pregnancy itself causes significant hormonal changes, but this does not stop once you’ve given birth. The hormonal shifts that occur after having your baby can lead to “the baby blues.” For a week or two after giving birth, you might feel like you’re in an emotional rut. Taking it easy and opening up to the other parents in your life can help you recover. However, if these feelings persist, you may want to see a therapist and get an evaluation for postpartum depression.
5. Changes in Your Body
After giving birth, you might wonder how long it will take to physically “feel like yourself again” - but it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to heal. It’s perfectly normal to have a stomach bulge after having your baby, so you do not need to worry about rushing to lose weight. Simply give yourself the rest and nutrition that you need, and in time, you can start gentle workouts again if you’d like. Walking can be a good place to start. Baby can be bundled up in the stroller, and you can get out of the house together. If you’re wondering where the best places to walk nearby are, consult a Walk Score map. It’s an easy way to see at a glance all the best local places for walking.
Many expecting mothers are unfamiliar with all of the changes that the fourth trimester brings. But being unprepared for the fourth trimester can be disarming. With these tips, you’ll be able to cope with everything from taking time off from work to managing a C-section recovery.
Want to have a positive, empowering birth experience? Contact Sarah McDonald about birth services today!