Embracing the fourth trimester: The Role of a postpartum Doula
Fourth Trimester
We so often discuss trimesters and milestones in pregnancy but have you heard of the fourth trimester? The fourth trimester is the immediate postpartum period. Your body continuously grew and changed for 9 months. Now it will begin to adjust to no longer having your baby in your womb, healing, and breastfeeding. Our bodies are beautiful and should be well cared for and honored while we heal and recover. This can sometimes be hard to manage with a newborn and breastfeeding.
Postpartum doula
This is where your postpartum doula can help! A postpartum doula can help in many aspects from infant care support, emotional recovery, physical recovery, light house work, meal prep, care for other children, breastfeeding support, etc. Navigating postpartum can be tricky not only for you but your partner as well, a doula can support both of you as you begin to navigate your lives with your newborn baby.
Full Spectrum Doula
A full spectrum doula can also be beneficial to your family. A full spectrum doula provides support through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She is educated with knowledge in all aspects of your journey. If your doula is not a full spectrum doula she more than likely can provide you with resources for support in other aspects.
Creating a positive experience
Your baby will need you the most, so when a baby has a well cared for and supported mother, they too will feel the effects. Postpartum can be challenging alone then if you are experiencing birth trauma, postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety it can be even trickier. Having a doula can greatly increase a positive experience through your journey. In fact women who receive doula care are less likely to experience postpartum anxiety or depression by 57.5%. (Falconi et al., 2022)
Support you need
The fourth trimester is a beautiful time in your life while also being a new period to navigate. Hire a postpartum doula if you feel it is right for you. If you are in need of assistance please feel free to reach out to me with questions, comments, or concerns. Don’t go through your motherhood journey alone, I am here to help and listen.
*This is not medical advice, please seek advice and information from a trusted healthcare provider*
Reference:
Falconi, A. M., Bromfield, S. G., Tang, T., Malloy, D., Blanco, D., Disciglio, R. S., & Chi, R. W. (2022). Doula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health: Evaluation of doula programs across three states using propensity score matching. EClinicalMedicine, 50, 101531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101531
