6 Changes to Expect in the Fourth Trimester
You’ve learned to manage your changing needs throughout pregnancy – but are you ready for the fourth trimester?
Many women are unprepared for all of the mental and physical health challenges that crop up when you’re postpartum. These tips will walk you through shopping for postpartum and maternity clothing, healing from a C-section, handling breastfeeding discomfort, and more.
Preparing Your Hospital Bag
Getting ready for the fourth trimester starts before you even go into labor. As you pack up your hospital bag, you can add lots of items that you will need for postpartum care. This can include comfortable clothing like slippers, a robe, socks, postpartum underwear, a nursing bra, a nightgown for nursing, and t-shirts, as well as hygiene items like lip balm. You can find all of these items and more through popular online retailers like Amazon. Just check out their postpartum and maternity shops to buy everything you need!
Handling C-Section Recovery
Maybe you were scheduled for a C-section ahead of time, or maybe you had to have one unexpectedly. Either way, recovering from this major surgery does not happen overnight. To heal after a C-section, Expecting and Empowered recommends sticking to the specific pain medication schedule that your doctor recommended, using ice and compression, taking stool softeners, and resuming physical activity as recommended by your doctor.
Coping With Breastfeeding Discomfort
You can nurture a beautiful connection with your baby by breastfeeding, and for many women, it’s very empowering – but surprisingly, it can also be quite painful! To avoid ending up with cracked or bleeding nipples, Today’s Parent recommends getting advice from a lactation consultant and using moist heat and soothing creams to ease pain.
To stay comfortable while breastfeeding, you will also want to choose a few nursing bras that fit you well. It’s important to purchase bras that are specifically designed for nursing, and not just an everyday bra with a larger cup size, as this style will not provide the support you need.
Hormonal Changes
You’ve probably read up on the symptoms of postpartum depression. But while not every mother experiences PPD, many more deal with the “baby blues.” The baby blues are caused by the dramatic hormonal changes that occur after you give birth, which can trigger low moods, sadness, and mild symptoms of depression.
The baby blues typically do not last longer than a week or two, but during this time, opening up to your partner or a close friend about what’s going on can help you process your feelings. Working with an art therapist after giving birth can also give you a creative outlet to express yourself.
Dealing With Stress
It is important to create a stress-free environment during this time so that you can focus on bonding with your baby and taking care of yourself. Here are a few tips:
- Set realistic expectations for yourself and your home. Don't try to do too much too soon.
- Delegate tasks to other family members or friends. Don't be afraid to ask for help!
- Take some time for yourself every day, even if it's just 10 minutes for a quick shower or nap.
- Have your partner create a calm and serene environment in your home by decluttering and adding some indoor plants.
“Baby Brain”
Most new parents feel overwhelmed, forgetful, and disorganised when the baby arrives – and this is perfectly normal! You’ve just taken on a major new responsibility that feels all-consuming, and suddenly, details that you previously would have remembered seem to fall by the wayside. Work with your partner to find a planning tool that suits your lifestyle, whether it’s an app or a calendar that you can both check – this will make it easier to keep track of everything on your plate and coordinate your duties!
The fourth trimester catches many new mothers off guard. It’s not easy to care for yourself when your new baby needs you at every waking moment. With these tips, you’ll be able to get ready for the postpartum period, including choosing your wardrobe, coping with the baby blues, and staying organised.
Whether you want to entertain your child or give them more confidence, visit Tappy Toes for dance and movement classes!
Photo via Pexels
