The 4th trimester: What you need t0 know.
What is the 4th trimester?
Thinking of the first three months following birth as the 4th trimester, is an idea that was initially created by infant specialist and physician, Dr. Harvey Karp. It is the idea that human babies are not born ready…and that parents need a little more time too. It is a crucial time of adjustment, learning, and growth for both parents and their newborn. It is a period filled with many physical and emotional changes, and many people feel pressure to "get back to normal" after birth. However, there is something to be said for taking time to get to know your baby and allowing yourself to adjust to the changes of parenthood. The fourth trimester can be a challenging time, but it is also an incredibly special and rewarding period as families bond and grow together.
"Our babies aren't like horses. They can't run the first day of life. And so we need to recognize that they're evicted from the womb three months before they're ready for the world."
- Dr. Harvey Karp
The adjustment for babies.
During the fourth trimester, babies go through a major adjustment as they transition from the womb to the outside world. They are learning how to regulate their body temperature, sleep, eat, and are getting used to the sights, sounds, and sensations of the world around them. Let’s look at the changes babies are going through during the 4th trimester:
Contact. This is one of the biggest adjustments for your baby. Inside the womb, your baby felt constantly held and protected. Once they are born they experience the feeling of being alone for the first time. It is important to remember that babies are driven by instincts. As loving parents, we prepare our home for them before they arrive. We create safe, independent sleep spaces - maybe we even spent a great deal of time and effort making sure these spaces are picture perfect and filled with the softest sheets and cutest patterns. Unfortunately, our babies don’t understand it’s 2023 and they are safe in our homes. Being alone triggers instincts to tell your baby that they are in danger. All they know is that they are not being held and their instincts tell them that survival is more likely if they remain in contact with you - their source for warmth, food, and protection.
Quietness. How many times have you heard someone say “Shhhhh. The baby is sleeping.” ? After being born, babies experience quiet for the first time. Throughout pregnancy, they were surrounded by the constant sounds of your body, such as your heartbeat, digestion and the rushing of blood through your veins. After birth, they may experience silence, which can be disorienting and unsettling for them. We can help by creating a soothing and comforting environment for the baby that is more familiar to them. This may involve white noise machines, bathroom fans, or soothing voices to help them feel calm and secure. Over time, the baby will become accustomed to the lack of sound and will be able to relax and rest in a quieter environment.
Hunger. While in your tummy, your baby was constantly nourished. After birth, they experience the sensation of hunger for the first time - and this is a feeling that your baby will not like! Feeling hunger, triggers the instinct to cue for food. Babies will do this by turning their head side-to-side (rooting), smacking their lips and attempting to suck on anything within reach. If we miss the initial cues, they will cry to communicate that they have a need.
This can be a challenging time for babies, which is why it is important to recognize their need for time, or another trimester, to adapt. The idea of the 4th trimester can help guide parents in providing support and care for their baby's needs during this crucial period. By understanding the challenges and changes that babies experience during the fourth trimester, parents may feel better equipped and prepared to support the needs of their little one.
The adjustment for parents.
For parents, the fourth trimester is a time of great adjustment as well. They are getting to know their new baby, learning how to feed them, care for them and comfort them, all while dealing with the physical and emotional changes that come with parenthood. Although it is a time filled with excitement and love, it can be exhausting and overwhelming. You many feel as though you are in a whirlwind of feeding, diapering and soothing. Many new parents say they felt like their whole world was flipped upside down. Here are some of the things that you may experience:
Physical changes.
Pregnancy and childbirth is a major physical event that requires a period of recovery that will take at least 6 weeks. Full recovery often takes many months. Whether you had a vaginal birth or cesarean, you will likely have some discomfort following birth and you may feel tired as you heal. Adjusting to your postpartum body after giving birth is another thing that can be a challenging and emotional experience for some. It is important to remember that everyone’s body is unique and will change in its own way after childbirth. It is also important to be kind to yourself and remember that it takes time for the body to heal - it took 9 months to grow your baby, allow your body at least this time to adjust after birth. It is normal to feel a range of emotions about your postpartum body, including love, awe or acceptance. However, you may also feel disappointment, frustration, or even sadness. It can be helpful to talk to other mothers, a trusted friend or family member, or a healthcare provider about these feelings. It is also important to take care of your physical and mental health during the postpartum period by getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and staying active. We love Instagram accounts like The Bird’s Papaya who posts about normalizing all body types and encourages feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin.
Emotional Changes.
Having a baby can be a joyful and life-changing experience, but it can also bring about a range of emotional changes. It is common for new parents to experience fluctuations in mood, including feeling overwhelmed, agitated or anxious. These emotions are often related to the many physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and the demands of caring for a newborn can all contribute. It is important for new parents to take care of their emotional health and seek support if needed. Educate yourself about the differences between experiencing “baby blues” (Common, temporary changes in mood following birth.) and Postpartum Mood Disorders that require support from health professionals. Talk to your partner, family, friends or healthcare provider if you are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or difficulty bonding with your baby. If you do ask for help, make sure that it is followed by action to help you feel better. If not, ask again.
Changes in sleep. After a baby is born, parents often experience significant changes in their sleep patterns. This is one of the hardest parts of welcoming a baby into your home. Babies have different sleep needs and schedules than adults, and it can take time for parents to adjust. Babies may wake up frequently throughout the night to eat or be changed, which can interrupt the parents' sleep. In addition, the physical and emotional demands of caring for a newborn can be exhausting, making it difficult for parents to get the rest they need. It is important for parents to prioritize their own sleep and try to establish a consistent bedtime routine. It may also be helpful to ask for support from friends, family, or a postpartum doula to help manage the demands of caring for a baby. Over time, parents and babies will develop a routine and both will be able to get the sleep they need.
Tips for making the 4th trimester easier.
Give yourself time. This is probably the best thing you can to help yourself. You don’t have to “bounce back” to anything. You JUST had a baby. Focus on healing, resting and learning.
Give the baby time. Educating yourself on the changes that your infant is experiencing in the first months of life will help you learn how to best care for them and reduce a lot of stress for you both.
Accept help and know how to ask for it. The truth is having a baby is hard. It is okay to need help. Don’t feel guilty leaning on any support that you have available to you.
Know your resources. There are many professional services that can help with the 4th trimester and make this time more enjoyable for you and your baby. These may include postpartum doulas, breastfeeding support professionals or infant sleep and wellness professionals among many others. Being aware of these resources and how to access them will make things much easier when you do need them.
Welcome Baby Co. is a Calgary-based company. We are happy to support all kinds of families through all kinds of birth and postpartum. Our goal is to prepare you for any scenario that may arise so that you can feel confident and empowered as you enter parenthood.
If you have any questions about Calgary birth doulas, Calgary postpartum doulas, or our Prenatal classes in Calgary, please contact us.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website/blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have.