While we know that pregnancy only has three trimesters, the very definition makes it so - what we've come to acknowledge is that the postpartum period should be included too. The fourth trimester is the first 12 weeks after birth and I believe it to be the most important but the one that women are most underprepared for and today I want to talk about "things" that will help you through;
Nipple care
It can take at least a couple of weeks to learn the dance that is breastfeeding and your nipples can get very tender or even quite damaged in the process. Silverette Nipple Cups, Hydrogel Breast Discs and Nipple Butter should all be considered products to have on hand
Perineal care
A large number of women will have either a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th degree tear after giving birth vaginally and should have on hand products that will alleviate any discomfort and aide their perineum to heal. Viva La Vulva is a great range that ticks all the boxes - the bonus is that they can be used if you have a Caesarean section delivery too!
Bowel care
I know from personal experience and my time working as a midwife how frightening pooping after birth can be, it feels conterintuative to push against an area that has already gone through so much but resisting the urge is much, much worse. Staying hydrated, mobilising and eating a fibrous diet are all helpful tips. drinking Kiwi Crush is another helpful addition. Kiwi Crush is safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, the soluble fibre acts like a sponge drawing in water during digestion which helps to soften your stool and keep waste moving through the intestines preventing and relieving constipation.
Take it easy, Ren - Nurse, Midwife, Mum
To learn more about the 4th trimester you can read more blog posts HERE and HERE or perhaps you'd be interested in attending my fourth trimester workshop which is held on the second Thursday of each month at Waterford Birth Centre or taken online from the comfort of your own home.