The Author of this article is Lacey Connor. The Cappella team would like to thank Lacey Connor for generously gifting us this article, as we are welcoming her back as a guest editor at Cappella.
Postpartum depression gets a lot of attention in the fourth trimester – and rightly so. But there are other essential challenges for which some new mothers may be physically unprepared. Today, Cappella.io outlines some of these challenges and what new mothers can do to prepare themselves to spend more time focusing on their new baby.
1- Take Time Off From Work
If you’re a new mom, it’s essential to take some time off work to focus on your baby and recover from childbirth. You can hire a virtual assistant to help you take care of things at work so you can relax and focus on your little one. You may also want to let your clients know that you’ll be taking some time off soon. Doing so will help them plan for any changes they may need to make.
It can be tempting to dive back into all of your responsibilities, but do your best to temper that desire. Take a step back from your normal roles and let other people help. For instance, ask someone to help you clean or hire a house cleaning service to reduce the burden. However, you might want to ask whoever steps in to use safe and natural cleaning products, especially while your baby is very young. You can provide them a list of alternatives or order a few products online to have on hand.
2- Discomfort From a C-Section
One challenge some new mothers face during the fourth trimester is discomfort from a C-section. A C-section is major surgery and it can take several weeks for the incision to heal properly. During this time, it’s important to take it easy and give your body time to recover.
We recommend avoiding lifting heavy objects, driving, or exercising until your doctor gives you the green light. You may also experience some pain and soreness around your incision site. If this is the case, we recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed and applying ice packs to the area for 20 minutes at a time.
As your pain decreases and your energy levels increase, consider taking short walks outside, weather permitting. If your neighborhood is quiet and walkable, take the baby on a stroll around the block or walk to your favorite cafe to pick up a decaf latte. Getting out will be good for your mental wellbeing. Plus, you’ll be building up your strength slowly.
3 – Larger Bust Size
Another challenge to prepare for is a larger bust size, typically from pregnancy weight gain or breastfeeding. Many women discover their breasts increasing in size by one or two cup sizes when nursing. This can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to find clothes that fit well.
Additionally, pregnancy weight gain can contribute to larger bust sizes. Some women find they retain water weight after giving birth and their breasts become swollen. If you’re living with a larger bust size, we recommend wearing a supportive nursing bra and comfortable clothing. You may also want to try using ice packs or breast shells to reduce swelling.
4 – Painful Nipples
If you’re breastfeeding, you may also experience cracked and bleeding nipples. This can be painful and make it difficult to breastfeed your baby. To help heal cracked nipples, we recommend lanolin cream or expressed breastmilk on the area after each feeding.
You should also try different nursing positions to see what is most comfortable for you and your baby. If you’re still experiencing pain after trying these home remedies, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant about other options such as nipple shields or prescription cream.
5 – Hormonal Changes
Many women also experience hormonal changes during the fourth trimester that can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue. These changes are normal and usually subside within a few weeks postpartum. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we recommend talking to your partner or family members about how they can help you during this time. Talking to a therapist about how you’re feeling can also help.
6 – Keep All Your Medical Records as PDFs During The Fourth Trimester
In the fourth trimester, organizing medical records is crucial for new mothers to monitor their health and their newborn’s well-being. Utilizing PDF formats for keeping track of these documents can be highly effective due to their accessibility and compatibility across various devices. To streamline this process, there are free tools available that assist in managing PDFs, making it easier to view, edit, and share important health information. One such tool is a PDF merger, which can link all your files effortlessly, consolidating multiple documents into one cohesive file for easier reference and management. This method ensures that all pertinent health data is in one place, simplifying the task of tracking postpartum health and baby care records.
The fourth trimester is a critical but often overlooked period. We’ve discussed some of these challenges and what new mothers can do to prepare themselves to spend more time focusing on their new baby. By being aware of some of the potential challenges, you can better prepare yourself emotionally and physically for this transition into motherhood.
