Surviving the Fourth Trimester | New Baby Tips
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Pregnancy happens in three stages, and comes with it’s fair share of challenges. Those challenges don't disappear when your new baby joins your family. They are simply different. Read on to find out my top tips for surviving those first few weeks as a parent to a newborn; affectionately known as the fourth trimester!
When is the fourth trimester?
The moment your baby is born, a new stage of life begins. You can read my birth stories here; and I'm sure the first thing you'll notice is how different each of them is! From the moment your baby enters the world your life will change forever. The first 12-weeks are often known as the fourth trimester and every mama and newborn baby will go through this amazing (and sometimes challenging) time of physical and emotional change.
Your fourth trimester to-do list
Congratulations on the arrival of your beautiful new baby. Reality has probably hit you... You're now in charge of this tiny new life. It is your job to clothe, change, feed and keep safe your we bundle of joy. Here are a few important things to remember during the fourth trimester.
Rest. It may seem silly when people tell you to ‘sleep when the baby sleeps' but trust me when I say this is so important. Your baby will demand a lot of you physically during these first few weeks, and rest will allow you to ensure you keep emotionally healthy too.
Ask for (and accept) help. Pregnancy, birth and new babies are exhausting. If someone wants to help with cooking, or you fall behind on washing; don't be afraid to let others help you.
Talk to people. Whilst many cases go unreported, around 26% of first time mothers, and 33% of new mums with other children suffer some form of post-natal depression. It’s important you keep talking and let someone know if you’re not feeling quite yourself. Whether its your midwife, health visitor, partner, sister, best friend or someone else you trust; always keep open channels of communication.
Take plenty of pictures. You won't regret it. Your baby will grow and change every day. As we have so much wonderful technology at our fingertips, utilise it and record videos, take photos and preserve memories.
Get some fresh air. It's really easy to turn into a bit of a hermit and not want to go out, just taking in the smells and moments with your newborn. Exercise and fresh air is good for you though, physically and mentally! If you want to be close to your baby, I highly recommend using a carrier. They are a great way to bond with your wee one, are comfortable and Munchkin always falls asleep in his!
Join some groups. Whether it's a mum and baby group or a simple nursery rhyme session at the local children's centre; get out an socialise. This is not only good for your baby but also for you. After all, if really does take a village to raise a child and you will be grateful to have some mummy friends around you. My favourite by far has been baby massage. You can't start until after you baby's 6 week check but it is such a wonderful experience and a great way to do some extra bonding with your baby.
What happens in the fourth trimester?
Your world will be turned upside down (mostly in a good way!)
During the first 12 weeks post-partum there will be many changes in your life as you and your baby adjust to them being outside the womb. You'll very quickly realise that this tiny little person has changed every aspect of your life. This includes extra washing they create, extra time it takes to leave the house and extra luggage you find yourself carrying with you everywhere.
You bleed… a lot
Your baby will sleep… a lot
You baby is likely to sleep for around 16+ hours a day (although only in bursts of 1-4 hours at a time!) This is completely normal and as they grow and become more interested in the world, the amount they sleep will reduce. Don't panic if they don't sleep through the night during this ‘fourth trimester’ period, however. It’s not unusual for a baby to not sleep through the night (considered 8+ hours) until they are around 3 months old.
Your baby will feed… a lot
My biggest tip for surviving the multitude of feeds you are about to face; is to ensure you’re comfortable. Sit comfortably, use a cushion to rest on, and have things such as your phone and the TV controller to hand as newborns can feed for up to 40 minutes or even longer! I also have a list of breastfeeding essentials on my blog, to help you make sure you have everything you need.
For more advice on picking the best baby bed for you, check out my crib vs. Moses basket comparison blog post.
Time will fly
You baby will have checks soon after birth
This will include a hearing test, reflexes test and checks for their heart, eyes and hips. These are usually conducted prior to your discharge from hospital.
Before you know it, your baby will have their 6 week check up
This is nothing to be worried about. My girls loved coming with me to get Munchkin checked out. They will do similar checks for your baby as those done after birth; in addition to discussing your health. Topics will include post-partum bleeding, checking any stitched you may have had and your intentions regarding contraception.
your baby will meet some amazing milestones
By around week three they learn to start to snuggle, followed by using their vocal cords to make new cooing noises in addition to cries from the fourth week onwards. You'll notice gassy smiles turn to real, toothless grins at approximately six weeks of age, and recognise their parents and other regularly seen faces from around ten weeks. There are so many precious moments to look forward to, so make the most of every second. It all goes by in a flash.
Your baby may cry and fuss as they adjust to being earthside
Your baby has been cosy and warm inside the womb for nine months, and entering the world is a time of big adjustment for them (and you!) A few easy ways to help soothe a fussy baby include:
Skin to skin
Just as they encourage skin to skin bonding immediately after birth; the same contact is a great tool to help soothe and comfort your little one.
Did you know..?
Your heartbeat will help to regulate theirs, which has a calming effect.
Taking deep, calm breaths will encourage them to slow their breathing, again, offering a calming effect.
Skin to skin is also a fantastic way to encourage breastfeeding if you choose to do so.
Baby wearing
Swaddling
Swaddling is a great way to recreate the way a baby feels within the womb… you just have to make sure you do so safely. The Lullaby Trust have a great guide on their website here to ensure you know how to swaddle following appropriate guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Your fourth trimester shopping list
Some of these items you may have already picked up during the third trimester, but just in case, here are a few products that will make your life during those first few weeks a whole lot easier.
Newborn essentials
Clothes, nappies and more
To check you have all the essentials, why not check out my 2020 newborn essentials blog post.
Breastfeeding essentials
Clothes, breastpads and more
If you've chosen to breastfeed you will want to ensure you have all the stuff you need to be successful. From clothes with easy access, to breastpads to protect against leaks and pillows to rest your baby on while feeding, there are lots of things to ensure you have at the ready.
To check you have all the essentials, why not check out my 2020 breastfeeding essentials blog post.
Self care essentials
Body wash, face masks and other cleansing products
Skin creams, bath flakes and more
It's not easy being a new parent, and each baby is different so trust me when I say we all wing it a little! Even now, with my my third, I'm learning and feel like it's all new. I hope that this guide to the fourth trimester does help you feel a little more ready, however. Most importantly, don't forget to enjoy every second with your new baby. The time really does fly by.
For more blog posts about new babies from photoshoots to must have products, check out the category here. Do you have a favourite product your used with your newborn? Let me know in the comments below.
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I wasn't ready for Munchkin's early arrival, but got amazing newborn photos. Check them out here!