Throughout pregnancy, I always used to hear people talk about the “fourth trimester”. This basically refers to the three months after you deliver, or first 12 weeks postpartum. As I finish up my “fourth trimester” I want to share a little bit about my experience and some of the things that I went through. There are so many things that they don’t tell you about postpartum. There are a lot of things that I wish I would’ve known to prepare myself for what happens after delivery.
To start, this is probably the most strange season of your entire life, especially as a first time mom. You are constantly learning every second of the day, trying to adjust to a completely different sleep schedule, and learning how to take care of a human being who is completely and totally dependent on you. There are so many emotions and your hormones are going crazy as your body tries to go back to normal after pregnancy. One thing that helped me immensely was having support from my husband. My mom also helped so much in the few weeks after. It is definitely a time of adjustment and having a strong support system makes a world of difference. My husband and I had somewhat of a routine that we flowed into in the weeks following my delivery. If you are able to pump breastmilk, this is a game changer, and allows you to let someone else feed baby while you get much-needed rest or run errands.
In the beginning, I had to give myself a lot of grace because I have always been someone who is on the go. My world was flipped upside down when I realized that I wasn’t able to do that so much anymore, at least in this season. I had to let go of a lot of expectations, and learn how to adjust to this new lifestyle.
One thing that I was told over and over was that breast-feeding is probably harder than pregnancy and labor and delivery itself. I’ve come to the conclusion that this is mostly true. Breast-feeding has been extremely challenging, as I know it is for many first time moms. It’s hard to feel completely tied down to a pump or to feel like your baby is constantly latched onto you. But that is how the past three months of my life has been, and although it can be hard at times, it is a very good way to bond with your baby. I know that he is getting the best nutrients possible and that is worth the sacrifice. I am also thrilled at the health benefits that it provides me, too. Two of my biggest recommendations to help with milk supply are UpSpring MilkFlow Lactation Supplement Drink Mix and Fenugreek + Blessed Thistle Capsules. These have worked AMAZING for me!
We crossed some really big milestones in the fourth trimester, especially as we had to travel quite a bit with Grey as a newborn. These were things that I was really nervous about, but after I chilled out and just let things happen, it really wasn’t as bad as I thought. There have been many times that I have consulted other mamas, or even Google, to get some of my most pressing questions answered, but you should never be afraid to ask questions, ask for help, or consult with your physician to make sure that things are working out as they should.
I was so excited for my six weeks postpartum appointment because I was officially cleared to work out. Things healed up really well for me and that has been such a blessing.
A few months ago I posted about what I had packed in my hospital bag, and I had said that I would share what we did and did not use. Following up on that post, I would say that the hospital does truly provide most of what you need. I don’t think there was anything that I wished I would have had when I got there, other than maybe some snacks, because I went so early that we didn’t have time to grab anything and the hospital food was not that great. I also wish I would have grabbed my pillow from home, but things were so chaotic when I went into labor I just didn’t think about it. I would highly suggest taking home as many pads and mesh panties that they will allow you. They saved me in the first few weeks at home, and it was amazing to have extras. A few things that I did not end up using were the Colace and Witch Hazel, because again, they are provided by the hospital. But other than that everything else I ended up using. I would highly recommend packing your bag as early as 30 weeks in case you go early like I did. You just never know!
As I now come to the end of my “fourth trimester” I am still trying to give myself time and grace, because of the weight gain during pregnancy and not being able to work out in the first six weeks. As someone who remained really active during my pregnancy, this was super hard for me and it set me back quite a bit. I am trying to slowly ease back into being active, and watching my diet again to lose the baby weight. Every time I look at my son I know that it is 100% worth it, even though it is hard sometimes.
My number one suggestion would be to make sure to ask for help when you need it. As of right now, I don’t feel like I have had any symptoms of postpartum depression, however we are watching it closely as this was something that my mom really struggled with when she had my sister and I. I think the number one thing that has help me combat this is having a supportive husband who has helped me 1000% along the way. He has allowed me to rest and take naps when I need it, and he’s taken over on baby duty anytime I have needed him to. It has also helped to get out of the house by myself every once in a while. My husband gladly watches Greyson while I take this time to myself.
Lastly, I can’t believe how quickly time is flying. Try to soak it all in. Even the hard times when you feel like you want to scream. It is all completely worth it and it goes by so quickly. One of the things that has helped my mindset is knowing that one day I will wish I had each of these moments back. Even the trying ones.
