As soon as my daughter was born my natural instinct was to put her first. I remember thinking that my stay at the hospital was the only time I needed to recover from labor and delivery. Three days after I brought my firstborn into the world we were discharged from the hospital and on our way home. I was in GO mode. I quickly realized that I had to take it easy on myself. So much happens to new moms mentally, emotionally, and physically when we give birth to our babies and enter the fourth trimester.
What is the fourth trimester? It’s best known as a period of time where a woman is recovering from birth while adjusting to all the changes, including the challenges we face, that come with caring for a newborn.
During this time it’s important for a woman to continue receiving medical care. Many women actually discontinue medical care after their first postpartum check-up which is typically three weeks after birth. We wouldn’t forget or simply not take our babies to the pediatrician, right? So why do we forget or simply not go to OUR doctor? There are many reasons as to why we put our health to the side after birth. With a new baby to care for it can very well become challenging to find the time and or energy. During the fourth trimester, many women feel a burst of emotions which sometimes result in the baby blues or postpartum depression.One’s postpartum recovery looks different for each and every mom as well as each and every time, if you’re a mom of multiplies. With so many hormonal changes still occurring even after you’ve delivered your baby, postpartum depression is a possibility. In fact, so many women remain undiagnosed and untreated which is why it’s important for us to educate and prepare ourselves to the best of our abilities.
Talk to your OB-GYN about your postpartum care plan before you give birth. Then once you do, visit your doctor within the first month for a wellness check. Discuss how you’re feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically. Ensuring quality care for mothers throughout the first twelve months after their labor/delivery is essential and should be a priority too.
For any mother that may be struggling with the fourth trimester…you are not alone. Speak up and seek help from family, friends, and professionals to make your postpartum journey a happy and healthy one.
