Top tips for a dream Fourth Trimester with your new baby: How to prepare for life with a newborn

I'd like to take a moment to focus on those early days and weeks with your new baby.

The Fourth Trimester: do you know what it is?

Your baby is said to be a 'newborn' until they reach 12 weeks of age. That's also the phase known as the 'Fourth Trimester'.

In some countries they really honour this time and support mum in a way that means she can truly rest and recover from pregnancy and birth.

In the U.K however, the village is missing for many of us and there's more of a culture of 'getting back to normal' or even 'getting your body back'.

But you can't go back, only forwards. You are changed, and for beautiful and happy reasons!

Your baby needs you. They have spent 9 months in a dark, warm space, listening to your heartbeat and never being hungry. It's normal that they'll need to be held to feel safe and secure.

If you're breastfeeding, you'll also need to spend a lot of time getting the hang of it. Having well meaning visitors hold your baby could mean you miss feeds which could affect your feeding journey.

Deciding who you will allow to visit and when is often overlooked but can have a huge impact on your Fourth Trimester.

Oh and there's also a lot of appointments that you and your baby need to attend in those first two weeks!

All this whilst feeling so very, very tired.

Those early days and weeks should be about rest, healing and getting to know your baby. It's a huge transition for you both.

Here are my top tips for creating a dreamy Fourth Trimester:

1. Set your intention: decide what experience you want to have and tell your partner. Discuss how to make it happen. Commit to it. 

   
   

2. Identify what you need to be able to focus on your baby: it could be physical props, a freezer full of meals, booking a dog walker etc. It could also be asking friends or family for help with some things too. 

   
   

3. Tell people your plan: it isn't always easy to tell those close to you that you won't be having visitors for the first two weeks. for example, but better to do it upfront then try and skirt the issue after your baby is born. Once you explain a little about why they should be understanding and supportive. 
   

4. Identify what support is available to you in your area: research the weigh in clinics, breastfeeding groups and local experts should you need them. I provide all this in my Antenatal Classes.

Thinking through all the emotional and practical side whilst pregnant will serve you well when your baby is in your arms. 

I understand how intense this phase of parenting is having gone through it twice myself. I have also curated a course to support new mums during this time covering a range of topics in a supportive space.

The Mamas Nest: a 5 week course to support and guide you through the Fourth Trimester. Learn more.

Tips for a dreamy Fourth Trimester with your new baby