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Tips For New Moms On Surviving The Fourth Trimester
By guest writer Katherine Williams
Although you may have never heard the term, the fourth trimester is simply a way to define the period of time of the months after giving birth. This is when your body is still healing and making physical and mental adjustments to life with a new baby. It’s a time of immense joy but also of challenges that you might not have expected.
Your Moon Time shares insight and advice on how to make it through.
Prepare Your Employer
Even if you plan to go back to work fairly soon after giving birth, make sure that your customers, clients, and coworkers know when you will and when you won’t be available. Consider hiring a virtual assistant to take calls and field queries when you return back to the office, which is especially useful when you’re self-employed and already have a crazy schedule.
Stay Organized
You’ll probably be walking around in a mental brain fog for at least a month or so after giving birth. After all, you’re probably going to be running off very little sleep, and you may still be feeling the physical effects of pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. Make sure that you stay organized by keeping your medical files on your phone in PDF format. This makes your files easy to share when you have your follow-up visits. Combine your files into one document, but look for a PDF tool that helps you split files when you need to. If you’re looking for something that can help, you may consider this option.
Exercise
You will need your rest immediately after your little one is born. But just as soon as you are cleared by your doctor, move your body as much and as often as possible. Not only will you feel great physically, getting up and moving has many mental health benefits as well. And if you happen to be in the market for a new home, look for something with a Walk Score of at least 70, which means you can handle most of your chores, such as going to the grocery store, by foot.
Help Yourself Heal
According to Cleveland Clinic, your body may continue to bleed or discharge fluids for several weeks after leaving the hospital. But now is not the time for tampons. Consider using Your Moon Time period panties instead. Not only do you not have to insert something into an area that’s already experienced severe trauma, but you also won’t have to worry about leaking anything unpleasant onto the furniture when you’re stuck in one spot breastfeeding.
Take Care Of Your Breasts
Speaking of breastfeeding, make a point to take care of your breasts in the postpartum stages of your pregnancy. If they are engorged, for example, the NHS recommends using heat (try Your Moon Time's new Heat relief option) and ibuprofen to reduce discomfort. If you have sore, cracked nipples, use a lanolin-based cream, which is 100% natural and typically considered safe for nursing infants.
Watch For Postpartum Depression
It doesn’t matter if you are elated and happy at the birth of your child; postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects about one in seven women after childbirth. Don’t be shy about seeking professional help if your hormones get in the way of your happiness.
Having a baby is a major life milestone that can have a profound effect on all aspects of your daily life. And those first few months after – the fourth trimester – are full of challenges that you have to face head-on. Simple steps, such as maintaining your records, walking more, letting your clients know that you’re away, and taking care of yourself mentally and physically, can all help you make it past these early parenthood hurdles.
Image via Pexels
