The Fourth Trimester

By Shonelle Siegmann | Naturopath & Herbalist

There is perhaps nothing quite as life-changing as becoming a mum. 

From the excitement of nesting and preparing a nursery to the oxytocin rush of that newborn baby smell, the maiden to mother journey is a beautiful one.

It’s a time of growth, evolution, changing perceptions, and often a spiritual and consciousness awakening.

It can also be demanding and challenging at times. So although everyone is excited about holding baby, it’s crucial for parents to have support too. 

What is the fourth trimester?

The fourth trimester is a term coined by paediatrician and baby whisperer Harvey Karp, MD to describe the first three months after birth.

It’s a time when baby is still adjusting to life outside the womb, and parents are adjusting to their new role, lifestyle and routine (or lack of one!)

Unlike most animals which are usually born with the ability to walk and move about unaided, human babies are born extremely vulnerable and completely dependent on adult assistance for survival.

So a birth can mark the beginning of sleepless nights and the other challenges that come with caring for a newborn, including understanding cues and cries, learning to breastfeed or prepare formula, making important decisions about the health of your baby, and often navigating a lot of conflicting advice. 

Not to mention remembering everything you now need to pack just to get out the door.

In many cultures, mothers and babies are supported by other women in their families and villages in those early weeks after birth. 

Postpartum confinement is more common outside of the busy Western world, and mothers are fed, nourished, nurtured and allowed to rest and bond with their baby for 40 or more days after birth. 

Even if your schedule doesn’t allow for a long and restful recovery, putting the right support in place can make your fourth trimester a beautiful bonding experience.

Go hands-free with babywearing

Skin to skin contact and closeness are highly recommended to help baby transition gently to life outside the womb.

Babywearing using a fabric wrap, ring sling or structured carrier helps keep baby close to your chest, where they can be soothed by the sound of your heart beat, and rise and fall of your breath. While for parents, the closeness of babywearing boosts oxytocin, which can support breastmilk production in breastfeeding mothers.

This bonding experience is just one of the many benefits of babywearing, along with promoting physical and emotional development, and carrying baby hands-free so you can go about your day. 

Considering co-sleeping?

One of the biggest challenges during those early days and nights of parenthood is the lack of sleep. 

This can mean caring for a baby when you’re too tired to even properly care for yourself.

Many parents choose co-sleeping and bed sharing in order to enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.

While it is normal for babies to wake to feed during the night, safely sharing a sleep space can help to keep babies calm and sleep more peacefully.

Side-lying to feed can also give breastfeeding mothers more rest, compared to getting up in the night to feed in a chair or another room.

If you are considering co-sleeping, it’s recommended to follow the Safe Sleep Seven - and remember co-sleeping and bed-sharing is not recommended for smokers or following consumption of alcohol or other drugs.

Breast or bottle

Breastfeeding provides health benefits for both baby and mother, and can be a beautiful bonding experience.

The World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding until at least the age of two. While 96% of Australian mothers initiate breastfeeding, breastfeeding rates in Australia rapidly decline, with only 39% of babies exclusively breastfed at three months, and less than 15% at five months. By the age of two years, just 5% of Australian babies are still breastfed.

Although natural, breastfeeding isn’t always easy, as both mother and baby work together to learn what works for them. It is especially important to have support during the early days of your breastfeeding journey, which may include advice from a breastfeeding specialist such as an international board certified lactation consultant. 

Expressed milk, donor milk, formula or mixed feeding are alternative options to exclusive breastfeeding. Whatever your situation, the Australian Breastfeeding Association can provide information and support.

Health and nutrition

The health and wellbeing of your baby quickly becomes the central focus of your life as a new parent.

In the early days, parents are inclined to worry about every little cough, sneeze and cry, and those first weeks of colic and reflux symptoms can be difficult.

The good news is, colic and reflux usually resolve by 12 weeks, as the digestive system matures. 

It’s common for parents to have lots of questions during this time, particularly concerning the mother’s diet and potential intolerance symptoms in baby. So it can be reassuring to have professional postpartum nutrition and health support on hand to guide you.

It’s also important to ensure mothers and parents are well nourished during this busy time.

Unfortunately healthy eating is often one of the first sacrifices people make when they’re busy caring for a newborn. I know that all too well! 

Seeking nutritional health support and meal planning can make it easier to ensure you’re eating a nutrient-rich diet that also works for baby, while giving you the energy you need to keep up with your new little bundle of joy.

For nurturing and nourishment during your fourth trimester, book an appointment with Shonelle.