The Fourth Trimester: benefits of rest, calm, & quiet for you and your baby
We are all aware that, barring complications, pregnancies typically last about three trimesters. But a quick google search of what to expect after birth will bring up a more and more commonly used term: The Fourth Trimester. What exactly is that and why is it critical for both baby and parents?
After approximately nine months in a perfectly controlled environment where babe is automatically fed, all needs met, she feels mom’s movements, breathing patterns, hears her heartbeat continuously, “sees” subtle differences in light, but nothing bright and alarming, is constantly supported by protective amniotic fluid, she is suddenly thrust in what could feel to her a fairly violent way, she now has to get used to a world of bright lights, sounds, air, textures, and gravity.
Mom too is experiencing major physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy and her hormones aren’t going to suddenly regulate and her body shift back to pre-pregnancy state overnight! The months after baby is born are critical for rebalancing hormones and establishing a “new normal” in routine with an additional, very dependent human in the family!
How can you help yourself AND baby adjust to these sudden changes and support his overall development to set him (and you!) up to really THRIVE? First and foremost my advice is to not succumb to the pressure (whether external or self initiated!) to get back to whatever you knew as “normal” too soon.
It’s ok to say no to visitors, travel, extra work
Specifically those first few days after birth, it really is okay to just be home as a family and say no to those sweet friends who want to meet baby. Limit visitors and well wishers. Hold off on traveling to introduce your newest family member to friends and family. That unhurried time is what we all crave in our daily lives, but right now, while baby is just getting used to this new world of his, a slower pace allows all of you to adjust and get to know each other.
Baby’s cries
This time can help you understand baby’s unique cries, her only language to communicate her needs, and for you to learn to identify early cues of hunger, sleepiness, and overall discomfort before the cry evolves into unconsolable wails. Being on the go and trying to do too much, limits those opportunities.
Her evolving sensory and regulatory system
Too many visitors, too much handling by a variety of people, too much overwhelming sensory stimulation, can wreak havoc on a baby’s very immature and ever developing sensory system, negatively affecting their regulation and respiratory system.
Accept help from others and give yourself permission to rest
Visions of “all that extra time” during maternity leave may be common during pregnancy, but ask any mother and they will be quick to tell you this: the act of getting used to a new normal Is. Not. Easy. Although it IS a good idea to keep visitors to a minimum, it is imperative to allow your friends and family to help lighten your load and if you become overwhelmed, DON’T be afraid to ask for help! Accept those offers when people ask “Is there anything you need?” Don’t be a martyr: tell them if you’re out of pads, ask for that meal, have them grab the groceries you just ordered online. They all want to do whatever they can to ease the stress of this transition! Take the age old advice: Sleep when baby sleeps. Lay down with him. Rest. It’s okay and it’s healthy for both you and for baby.
Skin to skin
The most important thing after giving birth is to take care of yourself and your newborn. Skin to skin contact has been proven to help maintain or improve an infant's body temperature, digestion, blood-oxygen levels, heartbeat, sleep and even the immune system (mom passes antibodies to the infant through her skin and her breast milk). Skin to skin contact benefits last well beyond the “golden hour”. Some health and development experts recommend it for at least 3 months for full term babies and 6 months for preemies. It also helps baby initiate breastfeeding. It helps mom feel more relaxed, thereby positively impacting the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk ejection and promotes decreased postpartum bleeding. Oxytocin is a “feel good” hormone and more of it lowers risk of postpartum depression. Positive sensory stimulation of daily skin to skin contact helps promote full sleep and wake cycles and brain development. Holding baby skin to skin can obviously be done while resting in a lying down position, but also, with the help of a good supportive sling, baby can be worn chest to chest throughout the day so he can feel your heartbeat, the warmth of your skin, the pace of your breathing. Oxytocin is released in mom’s body, helping you to feel more relaxed and peaceful. But not to be left out, there is significant benefit to having your partner also practice skin-to-skin! Studies have shown that even partners who practiced using the language of physical touch also experienced significantly less stress than those who didn’t. Although in our culture we so often feel the need to be productive and busy, be on the go and share every little detail and moment with others, the first three months of your baby’s life is a critical time to just concentrate on rest, recovery, bonding and enjoying each other. Considering the option of slowing down early in baby’s life, can help to give your baby a solid foundation to THRIVE!
Sources: Standford Children’s Health The Fourth Trimester: Understanding, Protecting, and Nurturing An Infant Through The First Three Months. 2013.
Author: Susan Brink