The “Fourth Trimester”: Supporting Parents & Babies
- The fourth trimester refers to the first 12 weeks after birth, a crucial time for both baby and parents as they adjust to new routines and development.
- Babies benefit from skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, rocking, frequent feeding, and sleeping in the same room as parents.
- Parents should seek support, communicate with healthcare providers, take care of themselves, and accept help from family and friends.
What is the fourth trimester?
The fourth trimester is the 12 weeks, or roughly 3 months, after baby is born. This is an important time for both newborns and parents. It is exciting to bring baby home for the first time! It’s also when baby needs the most support as they adjust to being outside of the womb. Their senses and motor skills are still developing, they’re learning how to communicate with you, they need to feed frequently, and they don’t yet have a sleep routine.
If that sounds overwhelming, have no fear. This is also the most rapid period of development in baby’s life, which means they are learning, growing and changing every day! Just some of baby’s skills at the end of the fourth trimester are:
- Enjoying a variety of movements and calming with rocking, touching and gentle sounds
- Crying differently for different needs
- Cooing and smiling
- Latching onto nipple or bottle
The changes during the fourth trimester aren’t just happening for baby! Parents will experience changes too, including:
- Physical and emotional changes after giving birth
- Breastfeeding
- Developing a deep bond with baby
- Adjusting to frequent wake-ups to feed and soothe baby.
Remember, both baby and parents may need support during the fourth trimester. Everyone is adjusting to life after birth, and it’s ok to ask for help!
Support for Baby
For baby, the fourth trimester is all about adjusting to life outside of the womb. The womb is a pretty cozy place to be! It’s warm and dark, there’s a constant food supply, and baby is snuggled in on all sides. The best support for baby is to recreate this womb-like feeling after birth, which can be done through:
- Skin-to-skin contact: This contact is done when baby is laid directly on a parent’s bare chest. It can help to calm and relax baby and parents, regulate baby’s heart rate, breathing and temperature, and help with digestion and feeding.
- Swaddling: Baby may sleep in a swaddle in the first few months of life, which helps them feel snug and stay warm.
- Holding baby close: Baby will be soothed by the sound of you breathing, your heartbeat, and just feeling close to you.
- Rocking baby: This smooth, constant movement can help to calm baby, and mimics how they moved around in the womb.
- Feeding baby regularly: Baby’s stomach is small when they’re first born, so they’ll need to feed frequently (typically every 4 hours, and some healthcare providers may recommend waking baby to feed them). Look out for baby’s hunger cues to know when they’re hungry.
- Sleeping with baby in the same room: Baby should never sleep in bed with parents, but many babies will sleep in a crib or bassinet in the same room as parents during the first 6 months. This can help baby feel close to you, and make it easier for you to feed and soothe baby.
Support for Parents
The fourth trimester can be an emotional roller coaster for parents; you may feel happiness, exhaustion, frustration, sadness, excitement, and many other feelings during this time. You are going through one of the most significant adjustments in life, so know that your range of feelings are all understandable.
Some ways to support parents during the fourth trimester include:
- Talk to a healthcare provider about how you’re feeling. Mothers who gave birth may feel some discomfort, swelling or exhaustion postpartum. Breastfeeding is also taxing on the body and it’s not uncommon to have challenges with lactation, or creating breastmilk. Parents may also feel a change in their mental health, including increased stress, anxiety or sadness. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider what you’re feeling, and know that any question about your body and health is valid.
- Take the pressure off to get back to “normal.” Things might be a little different during the fourth trimester, and that’s ok. The house might be messier, or your body may feel more tired. Know that you will get back into more of a routine in the near future, even if your days now might be a little less regular.
- Keep yourself fed. Taking in nutrients through food gives parents the energy they need to support baby and themselves in the fourth trimester. Your focus is probably on baby, but don’t forget to feed yourself too! **** ****
- Get some fresh air. You may find yourself cooped up in the house in the early days. Sitting outside for a few minutes or taking a quick walk can help relax your body and mind. You can take baby with you, or have another caregiver watch them while you get some time alone.
- If you are family, friends, or neighbors of a new parent, offer to help. Help can come in many forms, including:
- Preparing meals for new parents.
- Telling them what a great job they are doing.
- Offering to watch baby or other children for a few hours while parents shower or nap.
- Assist in running errands or cleaning
Remember: the fourth trimester won’t last forever!
Becoming a parent or welcoming another child is a big change for any person and family. While the first few month may feel overwhelming, the adjustment will get better over time. Take everything a day at a time, and know that changes happen quickly; as baby grows, their sleep schedule will become regular and they’ll become more independent.
If you have any concerns about yourself or baby, contact a healthcare provider.
