What does the fourth trimester mean for mum?
For you, the fourth trimester is a time of great change. When the baby arrives, quite often the focus shifts to them and as a result, mums can overlook their own health and wellbeing. Newborns take up lots of time. It’s very easy for new mums to be overwhelmed in the first few weeks by the demands of feeding, sleeping (or lack of), crying and looking after a baby. Combined with the physical recovery after giving birth and the changes to their hormones, it’s no wonder mums can feel exhausted. Ask for help In some cultures, new mums spend the first few weeks totally focused on bonding and recovering with their newborn. Other people, usually a family member like a mother, sister or aunty, will stay with them to do the other things around the house and help out with the baby when needed. In Australia, however, most women go home from hospital after a couple of days and attempt to continue to do everything as before. If you have a partner, encourage them to assist and participate in parenting as much as possible. The two of you are in this together and there are lots of things you both can do to share the load. You don’t want a procession of people coming over, but a few family and friends can help by: bringing meals helping with household chores looking after your other children (if this is not your first child) looking after the baby while you rest Accept help and don’t be afraid to ask. Eat good, nutritious food You will need lots of energy in those first few months, so eating a variety of healthy foods will help give you the boost you need. Some some light exercise will also help with your recovery and energy levels. But make sure to give your body time to heal and take it at your own pace. Sleep when you can It might sound obvious, but you need to sleep. It’s going to take a while for your baby to settle into a routine and even then, they will have you up at all hours of the night. If you can, try and sleep when your baby is sleeping, or ask your partner or a family member to look after your baby while you get some rest. When to see your doctor or midwife Your body has been through a lot over the past 9 months. Your physical recovery will take time, but it’s important to speak to your doctor or midwife if you have any of the following: heavy bleeding or passing of clots high temperature or fever offensive-smelling vaginal discharge a hard or painful lump in your breast an area around stitches that is red, hot or oozing pain, tenderness or a warm area in your legs Mums are also recommended to have a postnatal check 6 weeks after having a baby. This is usually a good opportunity to review your health and wellbeing. Many women also experience the ‘baby blues’ in the first few days after giving birth, but if these feeling are not going away, it's important you see your doctor as soon as possible. Postnatal depression affects 1 in 7 women in Australia, and it is nothing to be ashamed of, but you need to seek help.