What You Can Expect in the Fourth Trimester

The fourth trimester is the first three months after baby arriving earthside. The transition from womb to world.This is when baby depends on you for all the love, comfort, feeding and sleep. This is the love bubble period of adjusting and healing for you and baby. As a new mumma, its so important to take this time to not rush. Remember your body has taken nine months to make your little one, and your body needs the time and love to rebuild. This is a whole new chapter of your life. Hold on tight is going to be the ride of your life…

The fourth trimester is also a time for a baby to get used to the variety of noises, lights, smells, sounds and sensations of the outside world. Moving from the familiar comfort of the warm, dark swooshing noises of the womb. To a noisy, bright cold environment. Plenty of love and support can help the transition a little easier.

Crying

Little one is likely to cry more in the first few weeks of life. This is completely normal and settles down around week 5 or 6. Newborns are too young to have fixed routine at this stage, its normally at the end of the fourth trimester you can start to create a small routine for them. Until then its fine to soothe your baby as soon as they cry. Contrary to what you may have heard from older relatives.This wont spoil baby. In fact it will help then feel more secure.

Sleeping.

Newborns sleep A LOT! Especially in the first few weeks. Sleeping is good, it helps the brain to process all the wonderful sensory stimulation they are picking up when they are awake. However it may take a while for them to find their sleeping pattern. At this stage until they hit the 3 month mark they don't know the difference between day and night. So there is no right or wrong to how much they sleep. At this moment you want to just take time on learning what your little one needs.

Feeding.

As a newborn has such a tiny tummy, you will need to start with little and often feeds. As you get to know your baby, you will see cues and signs when they want a feed. When baby gets really upset it can be tricky to find the right latch and get them settled. They will likely sick up or get trapped wind. Best to catch them before the hangry cry. Look out for signs like sucking, head turning, mouth opening looking for boob/bottle.

A newborn is too young for a feeding routine. This is the time for feeding on demand whether they are breastfed or bottle fed. If breastfeeding your milk supply will know what baby needs at that moment in time. How incredible is that? Mealtimes aren't just about feeding, it's a great time to sit down, have a cuddle, eye contact, or even enjoy some skin to skin.

In the womb, your baby is constantly held by amniotic fluid.They may find it unsettling to be put in such an unfamiliar environment. Expected to lie down on their own. Regular skin to skin with your baby can help soothe crying, regulate heart rate and improve breastfeeding. Carrying your baby in a sling can mimic the gentle movement your baby felt in the womb.

The main takeaway is you know your baby and will know what's best for them. Don't panic about a thing. Embrace the crazy newborn bubble. Lots of tea and cake always does the trick. You've got this xx