Fourth Trimester: The First Months and Beyond | Parenting | Newborn Baby | Postpartum | Doula

How can partners prepare for the fourth trimester? Sure, we have lots of practical suggestions such as relationship proofing, practical preparation, but there are some big considerations outside the practical. Listen in to learn how to create a level of connectedness that will ease the way for everything else that is to come.

Enjoy! Sarah and Esther xo

Full episode notes:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Parents benefit hugely from having regular and purposeful emotional outlets - when we take care of our own emotions, we are able to be more present, patient and connected with our children and families. 

Listening Partnerships are a tool we recommend for every parent to keep in their parenting toolbox. Why? It's FREE, it takes 5 mins a week, and it has tremendous benefits!!! 

Sarah and her real-life listening partner Kaitlin Solimine break down how to create and benefit from a listening partnership. Tune in to learn: 

• What is a Listening Partnership 
• Benefits of Listening Partnerships 
• How to create one of your own 
• Tools you can use

Full show notes: 

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com 

FREE Download Resources:

(Go to https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/resources-recommendations/)

Customizable Birth Plan / Intentions Document

It's Black Maternal Health Week and in this episode Sarah talks with Dr Amanda P Williams about the current state of postpartum maternal health and birth equity.

Sarah first heard Dr Williams give the keynote talk at the Future of Maternal Care Summit. She invited Dr Williams onto the program to share her insights with all of our Fourth Trimester listeners.

Dr Williams is raising the bar for all birthing people and families by helping hospitals and innovators with improved practices and solutions. She is the Clinical Innovation Advisor with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. Her legacy is about 'finding a better way' in the name of improved outcomes for women and families.

Listen to the episode to learn information that impacts us all, including practical guidance new and expecting families can put into practice right away, including:

• What the data tells us about postpartum maternal health 
• Postpartum medical warning signs and preventing complications
• Creating a postpartum village and doula support
• Exciting work that’s being done to innovate around maternal care
• Where new and expecting parents can go to find resources and support
• What to gift a pregnant or postpartum person (answer: blood pressure cuff, breast pump, doula)

Full show notes:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

FREE Download Resources:

(Go to https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/resources-recommendations/)

Customizable Birth Plan / Intentions Document

Sarah, Nancy Myrick (Certified Nurse Midwife and birth center Director) and Leda Mast (Board Member of the SF Birth Center Foundation) discuss the ins and outs of birthing at a birth center. 

They talk through the unique benefits birth centers offer and explore a wide range of birth center related topics designed to help inform the birthing journey, including:

• Birth framework: Three Main Options for Where to Give Birth - Hospital, Birth Center, Home
• What a Birth Center is
• Why People Choose Birth Centers
• What It is Like to Give Birth at a Birth Center
• Who is a Good Candidate
• How Unforeseen Complications Are Handled
• The Team Present for the Birth 
• The Pros and Cons of Different Birth Location Options 
• How to Learn More and Find Birth Centers in Your Area

Full show notes:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

FREE Download Resources:

(Go to https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/resources-recommendations/)

Customizable Birth Plan / Intentions Document

Overview of Birth Team Members & Roles

In this episode of Fourth Trimester, we're joined by Dr. Melissa Dennis, a seasoned OBGYN with over two decades of experience in healthcare. Dr. Dennis shares her evidence-based insights and practical advice on how to navigate the often-overlooked but critical phase of birth recovery. 

We discuss essential knowledge and practices that can support smoother recoveries and enhance the overall post-birth experience, including: 

• The Role of An OBGYN
• Birth Team Scenarios 
• An Overview of the Six Week Check 
• Top Recommendations for Improving the Birth Recovery Experience

Full show notes: 

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

FREE Download Resources: 

(Go to https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/resources-recommendations/)

Customizable Birth Plan / Intentions Document 

Overview of Birth Team Members & Roles 

Other Resources Mentioned:

partumhealth.com

postpartum.net

Unlock the secrets of newborn brain development with Childhood Educator Rebecca Walsh. Discover how to wire your baby for success.

Listen to the full episode to learn what you need to know for helping your baby develop intelligence, plus the strong interpersonal and soft skills they’ll require later in life - both the EQ and IQ. You'll learn:

* How the brain develops

* What parents can do practically to optimize that development

* "Serve and Return" interaction concept

* How supporting your infant during the first year of life helps set them up for success as older kids and adults

* Example routines and rituals you can implement right away

We would love for everyone to understand the fundamentals of supporting newborn brain development. Enjoy!

Full show notes:

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

In this episode of Fourth Trimester Podcast, functional medicine dietitian Bridgitte Mallinson joins us to explore the essentials of prenatal vitamins. She illuminates the purpose of various supplements, emphasizing their critical role in nurturing both maternal and fetal health throughout pregnancy.

Bridgitte explains which vital nutrients expectant mothers should prioritize and highlights red flags to watch out for when selecting prenatal supplements, empowering listeners to make informed choices tailored to their unique needs.

Listen to the full episode to learn all about:

* What prenatal vitamins do

* What nutrients to look for and why

* Any red flags to watch out for when selecting a prenatal

* How to incorporate prenatals into your routine

* Taking vitamins after birth during postpartum and while nursing

Special offer:

Use code FOURTH for 10% OFF everything at GutPersonal, including Prenatal Vitamins by shopping here gutpersonal.com/fourth

Full show notes:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

This episode is a guide for how friends or family members can take a deeply human and holistic approach to supporting birthgivers when professional doula services are either inaccessible or unaffordable.

Importantly, your support person (or persons if you are able to secure multiple helpers!) can provide crucial support before, during and after childbirth.

Whoever is attending your birth - and/or helping you after the birth - must give this one a listen - your mom, your partner, your sibling, your friend, or anyone else who will be there.

Listen to the full episode to hear step-by-step guidance on:

* The Role of a Support Person

* What to do Pre-Birth

* Strategies for Providing Support During Birth

* Practical Advice for Postpartum Support

* What to do Post-Birth

Make sure your support person listens to this episode and that together you talk through expectations and practical examples of what you'd like to happen.

There are lots of links in the show notes on our website that will be helpful resources for your support person.

Full show notes:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Gina Mundy is an attorney that specializes in childbirth cases and she is a bestselling author. For over two decades, she has analyzed the mistakes that are made during labor and delivery. Drawing on this knowledge, she has authored the book "A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth" to help parents prevent these mistakes and have a healthy baby.

Sarah and Gina discuss proactive steps parents can take in order to help ensure a safer birth experience. Overall, the focus is on transforming fear and uncertainty around childbirth into an empowered and educated journey toward a safe and joyous birth.

Links and resources mentioned:

FREE DOWNLOAD Birth Plan Template https://bit.ly/45Sv9KF

Irth App https://irthapp.com/

Full show notes:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Did you know that appropriate, nurturing touch can relieve stress (for baby and parent/caregiver), facilitate secure attachment, optimize brain development, and potentially set a baby up for life to be a stable and healthy human? In this episode we will talk about the immense benefits of massaging your baby.

Special guest Kari Marble, certified infant massage therapist, meditation leader and birth educator, shares wisdom drawn from her 20+ years in the healing arts. We cover:

*When it is appropriate to start infant massage

*What to expect from a baby massage

*How parents can build nurturing touch into daily routines

*Important cues to tell if your baby likes it

*Basics for how to prepare for and perform infant massage

Links and resources mentioned:

https://www.karimarble.com/on-demand-classes

20% OFF with code FOURTHTRIMESTER

https://www.naturalresources-sf.com/products/infant-massage-workshop

15% OFF with code FOURTHTRIMESTER

Full show notes and more resource links:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

This episode is about finding the best labor and delivery hospitals using community-based tools and reviews. Listen to learn more about how community reviews tools are helping women find better facilities. Think “Yelp for hospitals”.

Kimberly Seals Allers is our featured guest. She is the creator of Irth, a non-profit app designed to collect and leverage reviews of birthing hospitals and pediatricians from Black and Brown communities to hold these institutions accountable and facilitate systems change for bias-free experiences.

The app facilitates transparency and community empowerment by allowing users to share their experiences, which are turned into actionable data for improving care. With ongoing community engagement, including a paid ambassador program for birth workers, Irth serves as an education tool, a platform for raising care expectations, and an advocate for more birthing options and empowerment in motherhood.

Full show notes and links:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

In this episode we dive deep into the crucial aspects of physical preparation for childbirth as we unveil targeted exercises, expert insights, and practical tips to empower expectant parents. Leah Keller, Founder of Every Mother, leads us through a transformative discussion that equips you with the tools needed to approach the birthing process with strength, resilience, and unwavering confidence.

Visit fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/everymother for 10% OFF Every Mother on-demand, personalized exercise regimes

Resources and show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

FREE Birth Plan Download fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/resources

The Mom Group Guide features special guest Rebecca Walsh, veteran Mom Group facilitator and Early Childhood Education leader with 20+ years of experience. Rebecca is The Queen Of Mom Groups.

We covered:

*why Mom Groups are so beneficial

*differences between First Time groups vs Second Time groups

*how facilitated groups lead to stronger connection within the group

*the biggest themes that come up during mom groups

*how to facilitate your own group if you don't have one in your area

*recommendations for leading in-person and online groups

Use Code FOURTH for 20% OFF mom groups and programs:

earlychildhoodmatters.org

Resources and show notes: (including links to all of the recommended mom groups mentioned)

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

In this informative episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, we're diving deep into a topic that affects many postpartum individuals but is often shrouded in mystery and concern – Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Join us as we welcome physiologist Jenn Lormand, a physiologist in women's health for nearly 30 years, to discuss practical strategies for both avoiding and addressing this common postpartum issue.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse can be a source of anxiety for many, but there is hope. Jenn will share her personal experience with stage two prolapse and how she sought alternative (non-surgical) methods for healing. In sharing her wealth of knowledge, Jenn helps you understand the ins and outs of this condition without the panic. Learn about the common causes, symptoms, and risk factors associated with Pelvic Organ Prolapse, as well as valuable insights into how you can protect your pelvic health during and after pregnancy.

Jenn Lormand provides invaluable tips and exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor, improve your overall well-being, and potentially prevent or alleviate Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Whether you're currently dealing with this condition or just looking to safeguard your pelvic health as part of birth preparation, this episode is filled with empowering information to help you on your journey to recovery and resilience. (It’s never too late to do the repair work!)

Join us for a compassionate and insightful conversation that puts you in control of your pelvic health. Tune in to the Fourth Trimester Podcast to gain a better understanding of Pelvic Organ Prolapse and the tools you need to take the panic out of prolapse.

Use Code FOURTH for $50 off any of Jenn’s programs: https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram

Resources and show notes: (including free exercises you can do right away)

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Infertility and pregnancy loss are deeply emotional and often isolating experiences. Knowing how to approach and discuss these topics with sensitivity is essential. In this episode, we will explore strategies for addressing infertility and pregnancy loss, offering support, and witnessing grief.

Emily Barrett, PsyD is a licensed psychologist in California. She is the special guest on this episode and she brings both her professional background working with clients on their own grief, and also her personal experiences with infertility and pregnancy loss. She’s passionate about helping women and families heal, and here she is teaching us all how to embrace the emotional expression that’s necessary for holistic wellness.

Full show notes and resource links:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Birth Doula 101 is an essential primer on what birth doulas do, when to hire one, and what to expect from a practical standpoint. Learn from Esther Gallagher who has been a birth and postpartum doula for over 30 years.

In this podcast episode, Sarah Trott and Esther Gallagher discuss the role of a birth doula and the services they provide, including non-medical support, physical comfort, advocacy, and referrals. They also emphasize the importance of having a birth plan, advocating for the birthing person's preferences, and considering a community doula for targeted support.

Whether booking a birth doula early in pregnancy or closer to the due date, their presence can greatly enhance the birthing experience and provide much-needed support for both the birthing person and their partner. Choosing to work with a birth doula can be a valuable investment in a positive and empowering birth experience.

Full show notes:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

In this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, Sarah Trott and First Forty Days author Marisa Belger discuss the importance of self-trust for parents and offer a guide on how to build self-trust.

The guide includes four practical questions to ask yourself, such as what you are noticing, how you can offer yourself tenderness and compassion, and what your feelings are trying to tell you. They also offer a calming meditation exercise.

Marisa Belger is a certified life coach and author who has dedicated her work to helping women access greater self-trust throughout their motherhood journey.

Marisa also shares details about her 12-week course, "Living the First 40 Days and Beyond," which focuses on self-trust and supporting women throughout their motherhood journey. She also offers 3 and 6 month 1:1 coaching packages. Listeners of the podcast can receive a 25% discount on the course or coaching services when the show is mentioned.

Full show notes:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Discover the invaluable support of postpartum doulas who provide practical and emotional care to new families during the healing and recovery process at home.

This episode provides a detailed overview with examples of the type of care provided so you know what to expect from postpartum care at home.

Full show notes and resource links:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Laura Ash, a Clinical Herbalist, shares the benefits of herbal medicine for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum. Find out which are best for your goals.

Fourth Trimester listeners can use code FOURTH for 10% off purchases made on scarletsage.com

Full show notes and resource links:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Meghan Doyle, CEO of Partum Health helps families access services that address mental, emotional, physical well-being.

Learn about creating successful pre & postnatal care plans. Typical plans include birth and postpartum doula care, lactation support, and physical therapy services. Hear how parents are electing preventative services for mental health and taking other proactive steps.

Fourth Trimester listeners can use code FOURTHTRIMESTER for 50% off classes offered through Partum Health: partumhealth.com/events-classes

Full show notes and resource links:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Empowerment Coach Lisa Chin shares how parents can become more confident and authentic through self-discovery and healing

By addressing and releasing past traumas, mothers can create a more nurturing environment for themselves and their children, fostering a sense of authenticity, peace, and growth.

Listeners of the Fourth Trimester can receive a 10% discount on their first session with Chin by using the code FTPODCAST when booking on lisaforreal.com

Full show notes and resource links:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Returning guest Melissa Hurt shares common perinatal conditions you don't have to accept: depletion, pelvic imbalance, diastasis recti, weak core, vocal fry.

As a new mother, it can feel as though your body is going through all kinds of changes and challenges that you never expected. However, there are some perinatal conditions that you do not have to accept as your new normal. With some self-care, mindfulness, and the right support, you can overcome these challenges and find your way to a healthier, stronger postpartum experience. Hurt advises seeking support from a doctor, friends, or spiritual advisor to address any physical or mental health concerns. 

Transcript, links to resources mentioned on the show can be found on fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

In a world where postpartum care is often overlooked, postpartum midwifery care offers a valuable service to families.

This primer on midwifery is a must for anyone looking to learn more about how a midwife works with moms and families.

A common successful plan looks like this: hospital birth, birth doula present alongside doctor, go home, postpartum midwife plus postpartum doula care during first 30/60/90 days. Listen to learn more!

Special offer:

Enter code 4TRI to get 10% off all birth prep workshops and lactation consultations and $100 off postpartum packages. https://www.thekazproject.com/about-4

Show notes, links and more:

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Fatherhood and healthy masculinity is all about finding a balance between traditional and progressive dad stereotypes, building teamwork and communication with co-parents, and embodying positive values and aspirations as a dad.

Join us with David Arrell, author of 'Welcome To Fatherhood: The Modern Man's Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Fatherhood'.

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

We asked the fatherhood expert: What are the top three topics that come up during First Time Dad group sessions?

David Arrell is the author of 'Welcome To Fatherhood: The Modern Man's Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Fatherhood', he is a Dad Coach and a leader of new father support groups. David is our guest on the Fourth Trimester Podcast.

On this episode he demystifies 'new father support groups' by sharing the top three topics that arise during his sessions.

Listen up if you're considering home birth. In this episode, we touch on the breadth of women's historical engagement with their perinatal care, including the shift from home to hospital, bias and racism in our care system, government programs and how they do and don't work, and some of the history of midwifery in the US and the UK.

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Calisha Cobb is the founder and patented inventor of HANDY (Hands-Free Pumping Bra Tops). As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Mother of two breastfed daughters, she experienced the challenges of breastfeeding when she returned back to work, and shortly thereafter, as the result of common challenges that working breastfeeding Mothers face, the HANDY Top was invented! Her goal is to assist all Moms in achieving their breastfeeding goals.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Here's what the midwives of San Francisco have to say to all expecting parents on the safety of home birth amid the unprecedented global event of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and government-imposed social-distancing. Women are questioning, in new ways, what should be considered "safe" for giving birth.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

We at Fourth Trimester teamed up with Career Coach Sharon Weinberg to create a guide to help you make a smooth transition between working and being on leave.

The guide is useful for those who will be having a leave of one month or more, although elements of the approach can easily be used effectively for shorter absences.

This preparation can enable you to create the necessary clarity, accountability, and continued execution to strategy by you and your team during your absence and set them up for success.

Contact Sharon with discount FOURTH for your own customized coaching sessions [email protected]

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Practical solutions for making necessary adjustments for a second baby to join the family in a way that helps meet everyone's needs, including your older child

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Our amazing guest for Episode 78 is Jeanae Hopgood-Jones who has taken a tragic and powerful experience as a mother and found a space of creativity and inspiration.  Her blog  https://blackangelmom.com/  is not only beautiful and sincere, it addresses areas of parenthood and life that are all too often relegated to the purely personal and not given or allowed a voice by the larger culture.  The loss of her twin daughters and reaching towards families of color and their experiences of loss are the seeds of this endeavor.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Pelvic floor stability champion Susi Hately returns to the Fourth Trimester Podcast to talk about how she advocated for herself while she was pregnant with TWINS and had the complication of placenta previa. Hear her inspirational story of how she was true to herself throughout her pregnancy and postpartum period

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Adrian Villalba about perinatal chiropractic practices that benefit mothers. Having balance in your body both before and after giving birth can benefit new mamas in their recovery process. Adrian is certified in Webster Technique by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Listen to learn more about out how this works.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

In this episode, Lisa shares with us practical lessons on how to understand  our own body signs. Learn how to chart your own cycle. Hear how important it is to listen to what your menstrual cycle indicates for your wider health overall. For example, if your period doesn't return ~ 18 months after having a baby, that's a sign that something may be wrong, and it is a good time to have a medical professional help investigate. 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Here's a quick guide to the questions every new parent asks. 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Emily Flynn is a birth and postpartum doula and health consultant in the Bay Area. She specializes in connecting folks in various places in their gynecological health cycles with compassionate and evidence-based care providers best suited to their individual needs. Emily's journey into birth work started through her legal research work with international organizations supporting migrants and refugees, which has informed and inspired her work with other birth care providers in building solid contracts and safe, strong, and satisfying businesses. 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Suzannah Neufeld, MFT, yoga therapist has dropped by my house to have tea and discuss her new book Awake At 3AM and tell us about how she applies insights both from psychotherapy and yoga/mindfulness practice to help parents through the very challenging perinatal period. Suzannah herself suffered with grueling hyperemesis and was thrown into depression and anxiety as a result.  Hear her story and learn about her approach to helping us with the tough stuff.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Melissa Hurt is our guest this episode and she offers us an easy and rather fun and funny technique for "finding our voice" as new parents.

This little exercise, known as the Y-Buzz will warm up your vocal chords and open your voice and tickle your face.  But it's not just for fun-- this technique is something you may find empowering as well as spirit-lifting.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

How to avoid anemia (and recover from anemia) using nutrition. Anemia is common during and after pregnancy. Esther talks about how to stave it off, and how to use nutrition and what you eat to help recover from mild to severe anemia.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

The Dos and Don'ts and Whys and Hows of being a respectful and HELPFUL visitor to your new-parent family and friends. This is some frank talk based on Esther's decades of observation and cultural comparison. Everyone can learn from this episode, whether or not they are, themselves, or know new-parents-to-be

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Esther and Sarah return to the subject of visitors. A discussion of why visitors in the first two to six weeks aren't always the right thing for new parents from a physical, emotional-social and spiritual perspective, as well as why our culture doesn't foster appropriate support.

This episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast is a playbook for handling visitors, including: 

setting boundaries for yourself

communicating how you need visitation to work to your loved ones

the difference between visitors who help vs visitors who don't know how to positively contribute 

how to set up an appropriate 'meet the baby' event 

why your birth story is a private experience you may or may not choose to share 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Wait, what is Postpartum OCD? 

Yep. It's Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that develops or is magnified as part of the postpartum experience. Women who don't have OCD can develop it as part of their childbirth experience. Women who already have OCD can see their symptoms intensify during postpartum. 

Most simply defined, OCD is when "intrusive thoughts" become fairly constant, and a person starts acting on those thoughts. 

On episode 67 of Fourth Trimester Podcast we focus on postpartum OCD and speak with Megan Ellow who is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Delaware.

The episode covers: 

-- Signs of Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD

-- How to find help if you think you may have symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD (Hint: start by calling an anonymous helpline 800-944-4773) 

-- Megan's true story of postpartum OCD and her recovery 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

I had a ton of anxiety about THE BIRTH. And then a fair amount of feelings about being a parent - would I be good enough? I appreciated talking with Leah Chalofsky about the New Parents Circle and Cesarean Birth Support Group, anxiety (as it relates to pregnancy and parenting), domestic violence, and teen pregnancy/parenting. The recorded conversation (Episode 66 of Fourth Trimester Podcast) includes all these topics:

Hormones and their influence

Emotions prior to birth 

Anxiety, Depression and "feeling bad about feeling bad" 

First two years of child's life - transitions physical and mental 

Benefiting from being around other parents

Ruling out physical issues - how physical and emotional are intertwined 

LISTEN AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS - I’m a Mom doing this for other Moms :)

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

We are so happy to introduce Nethal Abdul-Mu-Amin to our listeners.  In this episode we also give our listeners an opportunity to learn a bit about Islamic cultural diversity and how Nethal is helping Muslim families find their reflection in the Parenting Community.

We discuss the following and more:

Homebirth Midwifery in the era before legalization and the current state of access

Nethal’s background and what led her to become a Birth and Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator

Resources Nethal has helped develop  as a Childbirth Educator, specifically for the Muslim community

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Here’s a good introduction to the topic of Perinatal Herbalism. Beth Rees is an Herbalist, a SF-based Doula and she has worked with families over 20 years. Beth tells us about how herbs can nourish us and add enjoyment, rest and recovery to our intensive work growing our families. 

Listen to episode 64 of Fourth Trimester Podcast to hear:

How Beth became a doula/herbalist

Geeking out about Birth and Postpartum

Heart-opening  

Herbal self-nourishment and caring for the new mom and baby

Herbalism/Acupuncture integration

Local approaches

Gentle Giants of the herb world

Internal and external nourishment and healing

How to make your own breastfeeding tea

Go to fourthtrimesterpodcast.com to download recipes for specific herbal supports for parents and children

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Trusting another person to care for your child can be challenging. Having a plan in place for hiring and employing a childcare provider will go a long way in alleviating some of the stress. Put your plan in place with episode 63, including:

when to start looking for a nanny / childcare provider (accounting for how long it can take to hire someone)

how to pre-screen candidates and conduct the interview process (because you need more than one interview with your final selections)

conducting a nanny trial period 

how to develop and maintain a good line of communication between parents and care providers

what to expect for how to pay a nanny (over the table vs under the table) and having contracts 

how to consider the nanny's perspective, including pressure they may feel (e.g. if you don't have any backup care)

how to set clear household expectations 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Confidence-building is a lifelong exercise for all people, including parents. Listen to this Confidence Masterclass on episode 62 of the Fourth Trimester Podcast. Learn the confidence-building foundations. This audio masterclass is designed for women and mothers in particular. The course covers: 

The importance of demonstrating confidence to our children

Loving and respecting yourself 

What self care means 

How to unearth your true identity 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

LGBTQ Parenting and the community organization that supports it in the Bay Area are our topic in this episode. Our Family Coalition is a non profit that is also involved in policy work and advocacy throughout the state of California. Our guests Dy Nguyen and Jeanette Page bring their individual and collective experience to the show to talk about family-making outside the heterosexual box. 

We discuss:

Differences in the process of becoming a family with kids

Getting pregnant— finding a donor/partner/village, acquiring sperm, insemination services

What the LGBTQ “village” can look like

Our Family Coalition programs: playgroups, support groups, parenting classes

Big events

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Sometimes simply knowing your options is what makes all the difference. Education is key for pregnant mothers as they prepare for their birth and early motherhood.

Birth Education is important for women because the "childbearing year" of pregnancy, labor, birth and the fourth trimester,  is the moment where fundamental respect, care and nurturing can be experienced and where culture-change can begin in each life with the benefits paying forward to individuals and society.

In this episode we have the honor and delight of speaking with a mother-daughter duo whose work together spans this cultural intervention of doula work in the context of social justice.  We weave together these elements along with the practical benefits of doula care. We explore the generational and traditional threads of women caring for families.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Every woman deserves the opportunity to fully heal and recover from birth trauma. It is never too late to address a past trauma.

Listen to this episode of Fourth Trimester Podcast to hear: 

How to recognize that you've experienced trauma or PTSD 

How to begin addressing a potential trauma - the first steps to take for healing 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Good Enough Mothering is actually The Best Mothering.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Listen to this episode to learn about the advantages of building up a community of friends, family, trusted neighbors, and professional supporters (e.g. a postpartum doula, a night doula) to help during the first 90 days after having a baby. 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

On Episode 56 of the Fourth Trimester Podcast we speak with Lynn Benson, co-author of "Chicken Soup for the Soul Life Lessons for Busy Moms."

Listen to hear more about: 

Signs you’re suffering from burnout as a result of caregiving

The physical, emotional stress and financial toll of caregiving

Tools and resources available to help family members with the challenges of caregiving

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

As it turns out one in three women experience urinary incontinence after having a baby. The good news is that urinary control is something that can be regained. In other words, if you wee yourself a little bit (like Kate Winslet), this isn't something you have to live with forever.

Women can regain confidence that they aren't going to accidentally pee during exercise (think running, jumping jacks, CrossFit, etc.), when they sneeze, laugh out loud, or simply when they have to go to the bathroom. Here's how.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

This is THE PREP LIST episode that can act as an essential checklist for any expecting parent. Here's what we cover: 

1. Caring for the postnatal body

2. Preparing for life with a newborn - an introductory playbook -- seriously, it's good

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

The episode about MIND + MOVEMENT. We speak with Evelyn Freebury who is a movement therapist and who has decades of experience working with parents and newborns. She shares ways in which movement therapy benefits both parent and newborn.

At the end of the episode, Evelyn leads us through a live, guided somatic experience. Enjoy!

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

We are excited to call this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast the TWINS episode. Here's what we cover: 

Having twin babies prematurely and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience

Why it isn't just a simple formula of twice the work 

Identifying and getting help for postpartum anxiety 

Feeding two babies at the same time 

Taking shifts between parents, and additionally with the help of a doula or someone else and how that can benefit everyone 

Preparing for the specific differences between preparing for having multiple babies compared to a single baby

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

It makes intuitive sense that communication and play during the first 0-12 months of a baby's life help set the tone for the child's relationship with the world around them. But how do we proactively and thoughtfully communicate with a baby in a way that encourages learning, emotional security and confidence? 

Here's what you'll learn on Episode 51 of the Fourth Trimester Podcast:

+ How to support early communication - from birth and beyond!

+ How to be musical with your baby (even if you don't consider yourself "musical")

+ Tips for raising a bilingual/multilingual baby

+ Why the tools to support your baby's development are already in your home

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

If you are even remotely considering hiring a doula to help you out after you've had a baby, we highly recommend listening to Monique Cowan (a.k.a. Monique The Doula) share her first-hand experiences in a typical day in her job. She talks through the practical offerings of helping families prepare for a birth and thrive after baby has arrived. 

Monique was inspired to become a postpartum doula after her own birth experience. She saw the potential to help women in her Southern California locale, particularly women of color and inner city areas.  She works with all people who need postpartum doula services and her website is https://moniquethedoula.wordpress.com/

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

One of the major contributors to that feeling of overwhelm for expecting parents is the notion of having to hurry up and prepare for their little one's arrival.

A major tickbox for that preparedness is BUYING TONS OF STUFF. That can be a fun part, and also a hugely EXPENSIVE and EXHAUSTING experience.

So here's the simple thing you can do: buy a charming, high-quality clothing set that you can sell-back to a community of like-minded parents. 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Serena teaches a class to help parents ease the transition into parenting by sharing what to expect and how to prepare for the first few months of being new parents. The class covers everything from postpartum healing, infant CPR and first aid, newborn care and gear, infant feeding, relationship savers and more.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Dr. Angelique Millette is a Family Sleep Consultant, Parent Educator, and creator of The Millette Method™. We welcomed her back on our show for a third time because she is simply that amazing. Here's what we discuss: 

How to prepare a baby for sleeping in their own room in a way that emphasizes safety and love for the child

When to start thinking about making the transition from room-sharing to the baby being in their own room (around 12-24 months is pretty typical) 

What considerations to make for having siblings sleep in the same room together

How sleep solutions vary from child to child 

How to identify and address nightmares and sleep terrors  

We discuss the phases of preparation for helping a baby prepare for sleeping in their own room, including practical exercises you can do at home with your child right away. For example, you can use pretend play to demonstrate safety, as well as draw pictures and tell stories about the bedtime routine. Listen to Episode 47 of the Fourth Trimester Podcast for the details. 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Ever heard of Vaginal Steaming? Neither had we! Turns out, V-Steaming is a well-known and well-loved practice around the world. People love the practice for fertility, cycle cleanses, postpartum recovery & menopause. File it under "feels good and has potentially awesome benefits."

We invited a V-Steam expert, Keli Garza, to join us on Fourth Trimester Podcast and share all the juicy - dare we say, steamy! - details.

Enjoy the show! This is a fun one!

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Renée Ann Cramer is our guest on episode 45 of the Fourth Trimester Podcast. She wrote "Pregnant With The Stars: Watching And Wanting The Celebrity Baby Bump" as part of her research into the culture around pregnancy and celebrity. She shares personal stories about her experience as a mother, as well as her fascinating perspective on how celebrity image plays into the psyche of modern parents.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

In this episode, Esther has a really fun and intimate chat with long-time pre- and post- natal yoga instructor Jane Austin about giving birth, what pregnant and new mommas need and the power of yoga. We have some laughs and Jane offers a lovely guided meditation!!

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

What to do when breastfeeding doesn’t go as imagined

Typical breastfeeding issues that come up for new mothers 

What factors drive whether a woman can breastfeed or not

Tips for breastfeeding success - what you can do in the hospital / right after giving birth

The ins and outs of the initial physical pain of breastfeeding

What breastfeeding accessories you actually need

How you may be able to receive a free breast pumps through health insurance

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

The FINAL Birth Plan Episode. We provide a Birth Plan Template you can download and customize for your own use in hospital or for a home birth. It is 1,000 times easier to edit a birth plan template compared to creating one from scratch. Listen to episodes 13 & 40 & 42 (for Parts 1 & 2 & 3 respectively) to hear Esther and Sarah explain each item on the plan. Love, Sarah & Esther

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

'Why Not Home: The Surprising Birth Choices of Doctors and Midwives' is about "changing the conversation about birth in America and spreading evidence-based information about birth across settings." The short answer to home birth or hospital birth question is that there is no right answer. "Both options carry risks", Jessicca is quick to point out. However, some of the risks of a hospital birth are introduced by the fact that most hospital births come with an increased risk of interventions that would not have occurred at home. If you're considering a home birth, or just researching in general, we'd recommend listening to the episode and watching 'Why Not Home' on https://whynothome.vhx.tv/

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Here's a Birth Plan Template you can download and customize for your own use in hospital or for a home birth. It is 1,000 times easier to edit a birth plan template compared to creating one from scratch. Listen to episodes 13 & 40 (for Parts 1 & 2 respectively) to hear Esther and Sarah explain each item on the plan. Love, Sarah & Esther

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

This episode is a high-level introduction of RIE infant parenting. Some of the themes discussed are about slowing down, truly connecting with your baby by giving them your full attention, and creating some predictability for your infant as part of the day-to-day routines. Listen to learn how to apply some of these principles to your own experience as a new parent.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Parents can have a hard time doing something for themselves, but will do anything for their child. When new moms and dads take care of themselves, they are increasing the capacity they have to take care of their baby. Here's what you can do for yourself in order to give your infant a better experience.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

The Fourth Trimester Podcast is honored to have guest Miriam Zoila Pérez on our program. She and Esther discuss issues around birth support work as it relates to racism, politics, gender roles, anthropology and yes, even chemistry. 

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Part of what’s difficult about becoming a parent is deciding on the kind of parent we want to be.

And once we've decided, sometimes the parent we are and the parent we imagined we would be are different.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Dr Stephanie Stewart is a psychologist and therapist who has developed her own brand of travel therapy, mostly by taking patients on epic surf retreats around the world. She tells us how being present and putting ourselves in new situations can help uncover new insights into our own personal development journey.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

"Shortly after the birth of my daughter, I spent 10 days locked in the psych ward of the hospital after my postpartum depression and psychosis made me suicidal. In my altered psychotic state, I thought my house was bugged and the police were coming to arrest me for a crime for which I was wrongly accused. I thought the only way out of my crisis was to kill myself, so I told my mom and husband that I was going to go jump off the Golden Gate Bridge."

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Jane Honikman gives us an overview and outline for finding ourselves on the spectrum of mental health. Listen to the episode to find out how to identify different parts of the continuum and better understand where you yourself might fall on that spectrum.

She talks about her time studying with Dr. James Hamilton who was interested in maternal mental health at a time when it might have seemed as if no one cared or understood, much like today in many women's experience!

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Our latest episode's guest is Dr Shoshana Bennett. She helps us bust up some "myths of motherhood."

Often, when we acknowledge that all those myths are indeed false ideas, the pressure to be perfect is alleviated and some of the feelings of depression dissipate.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

The number one complication of pregnancy is a form of postpartum depression or anxiety. Despite how common it is for women to experience a degree of anxiety or depression associated during pregnancy or post-natally, there are still cases where women aren't receiving the care they need.

To help crack the issue wide open, Maureen Fura and her co-producer Jennifer Silliman created a documentary film entitled, The Dark Side Of The Full Moon.

The issue is dear to Marueen's heart. She was suicidal during her pregnancy and had dozens of counselors, OBs, psychiatrists and social workers tell her there was nothing they could do to help her. No wonder she took the matter into her own hands. She was particularly motivated to seek help before her baby was born because she was worried about the baby being taken away. Then again, she also planned to take her own life after the baby was born. These feelings are very real, and sadly, very common.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Sara Mauskopf came home from the hospital with a healthy baby. She herself on the other hand, while healthy otherwise, struggled with postpartum depression. With help from her family, friends and professionals, she came out the other side fully recovered. Her experience as a new mom, both because of the depression and in general, helped inspire her to create parenting app Winnie.

Be it Winnie or another app or online resource, we encourage parents of all types to seek the information and support they need. And there's no need to wait until after baby is born. While you're expecting is a great time to explore the resources around you for everything from parenting meetups to breastfeeding support to local kid-friendly restaurants and everything else.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

How does eating while pregnant factor into baby's palate?

What is the relationship between milk supply and foods?

Which foods work well for first solids to try with your 4-6 month old?

What nutritious foods are helpful for a recovering new mom?

Listen to the show to find out the answers to these questions and more.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

As Jennifer Garner puts it, "From now on ladies, I will have a bump. And it will be my baby bump. And let's just all settle in and get used to it. It's not going anywhere."

Love your body. Love your body for so many reasons. Your body created new life. Your body gave you a baby you love. Your body works hard every day. Your body isn't a girl's body, it is a woman's body. Bodies change after having a baby, and that's okay. By loving your body, you are setting an example for your child that worth comes from who you are, not what you look like.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Ever wonder about when you'll be able to have sex again after having a baby? Or how your body will feel and heal after giving birth? Curious about how having a baby affects intimacy, sensation and your body in general?

Answering these questions for us is Kimberly Johnson. She is a bodyworker, doula, postpartum women’s health specialist, and single mom. Having had a difficult postpartum experience herself, she set out to understand what exactly was going on with her, and to heal herself naturally.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Chanti Smith is an expert at human connection. She has worked with people of all ages to strengthen their parental attachment relationships. In particular, the work she does through Somatic Experiencing has helped parents develop a strong sense of connection and attachment with their babies.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

How To Build Your Strength After A Major Life Change - Jane Honikman Shares The Steps To Wellness

Jane Honikman gave her first baby up for adoption because she felt pressure to "do things in order". She later finished college, married the father and had additional babies with the same man who is now her husband. Jane described her experience of giving up her first baby as a trauma. Compounding that trauma was the feeling that her second baby, another girl, was severely jaundiced as a kind of karmic punishment for what she'd done with her first baby. The experience triggered tremendous grief and guilt. Jane was not able to recover from her traumas until decades later through therapy. She waited until she was in her fifties to get the help she needed, having felt waves of anxiety and depression throughout her life. Jane encourages women to seek out the help they need as soon as they are able, and not to postpone healing. In our latest episode, we share an outline to help address postpartum anxiety and depression issues. This is relevant for EVERYONE, not just people who are "depressed".

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

In a word, Ann Jonas is resilient. She incorporates her own sense of spirituality into her coaching work, having experienced the sudden loss of her parents (her father killed her mother and died himself shortly thereafter in jail) and subsequently experienced the loss of her partner when her daughter was only two years old. One of Ann's takeaways from her journey thus far is that "life happens for you, not to you." She uses the metaphor of a car as the way we can look at life. There's a huge front windshield so we can look ahead and look around us. Listen to Ann share how to become the best version of yourself on Episode 24 of the Fourth Trimester Podcast.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Women who don’t meet their personal breastfeeding goals tend to think it is their own fault. It is time for women to stop blaming themselves.

Women are starting to learn that difficulty with breastfeeding isn’t their fault, and that oftentimes what is happening is that the hospital environment and modern medical system isn’t setting women up for breastfeeding success.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Having worked with women through all stages of pregnancy, from pre-natal right through postpartum, Susi Hately has observed that a lot of new moms seem resigned to the fact that post-baby body is just ‘the way things are’ – prolapses, dry vaginas, painful sex, leakage, etc. Susi is on our show to help educate expecting mothers on how to take care of their wellbeing during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Dr Monica Hannon is our guest on episode 21 and she shares some of the major issues that mothers and partners face during the first six weeks following the birth of a baby. Find out when it makes sense to pick up the phone and call your doctor.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

When it comes to exercise postpartum, the primary message is to take the time you need to heal. Don’t rush to “get your body back” because it is easy to do more harm than good by pushing your body too hard before it is ready. The best thing to do for your body right after having a baby is to rest and recover. There are people out there who want to help you and who have the right tools to help you. It is okay that your body takes time to heal and build strength back. There are smart ways to develop strength and function, such as learning how posture and breathing can help you in everyday activities. When your body is ready, and that could be months or years after giving birth, you can develop a fitness strategy that is appropriate for yourself.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Learn how to fortify your relationship before baby arrives. We speak with Marisa Belger who is the co-author of The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother about important topics soon-to-be parents can discuss together.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

The episode all about Dads. We talk with a stay-at-home Dad, Andrew Gentry-Law, who shares his personal experiences with newborn twins, and about his work in helping other new dads in their roles as fathers. He is also a licensed marriage and family therapist.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Authors of The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother. We discuss how to prepare your home, your kitchen, your mind and your supporters ahead of baby’s arrival.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Chinese culture practices postnatal "confinement" also known as "sitting the month" where women adhere (as much or as little as they want) to a set of guidelines designed to help them relax and regain strength after giving birth. Lisa Chin shares her story, and talks about her efforts to transform the postpartum experience for others through the Fourth Trimester Summit

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Julia Aziz captured 20+ years of working with parents in an incredibly readable memoir called Lessons of Labor wherein she documented learnings parents can apply in their own lives. Julia shares insights on living in the present, accepting help from others and creating joy and self-love throughout parenting.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Sandra Lloyd is a Depth Hypnosis Practitioner. Learn about how becoming a parent brings up emotional issues from our own experience as children. We share thoughts on how to take what you want from your own childhood experiences and how to make conscious decisions about the kind of parent you want to be.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

We take you step-by-step through a birth plan document (and there's even a template on our site!

We define and talk through the pros and cons of each item. Enjoy! Sarah & Esther xo

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

• Birth Plan Part 2: Episode 40
• Birth Plan Part 3: Episode 42

Learn more Home Birth As An Alternative To The Hospital | Four Relationship-Saving Questions To Ask Before Baby Arrives

Guest Reise Tanner applies her decades of mentoring experience to share guidance on creating an atmosphere of confidence and acceptance for new parents. She helps parents articulate new visions of themselves amid their most challenging and inspiring periods of change. Her website is http://www.reisetanner.com/

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Guest Beth Berry, writer, life coach, mother of four daughters explains how In the Absence of the Village, parents Struggle Most. Beth’s coaching work focuses on empowering women and families. When we take care of ourselves, we are better able to care for others. Her site is called Revolution from Home http://revolutionfromhome.com/

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Dr. Angelique Millette is a nationally-recognized pediatric sleep consultant. We discuss realistic expectations for sleep during the first weeks and months with a newborn, strategies for parents with newborns to maximize sleep for everyone, and napping. Enjoy! Sarah and Esther xo

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Meet a mama who created a successful tech startup after having her first baby. We discuss the balance of baby life and social life, as well as how to prepare for baby number two. Enjoy!

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Dr. Angelique Millette is a nationally-recognized pediatric sleep consultant. We discuss a modern, compassionate take on “sleep training” that provides baby with love and comfort, and importantly, meets physical and developmental needs. We also talk about co-sleeping (both bed sharing and room sharing), and how partners benefit from aligning their visions for family sleep. Enjoy! Sarah and Esther xo

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Learn strategies for feeding the new parent in your life and yourself as you make your way through the first weeks and months with your newborn at home. Esther is your digital postpartum doula. Eat well! Sarah and Esther xo

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Allyson Downey is CEO and co-founder of weeSpring, a start-up that helps new and expecting parents collect advice from their friends about what they need for their family. "Yelp for baby products,"

She's also the author of HERE'S THE PLAN, a career guide for pregnancy and parenthood, published in 2016 by Seal Press.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

Even Kourtney Kardashian ate her own placenta. Some women eat their placenta because they believe the organ contains the nutrients being transferred from mother to child while the baby is in the womb. Some benefits could include increased breast milk production and a decrease in post-natal depression.

Spring Childers is a certified doula, massage therapist, placenta encapsulation specialist.

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

What is a midwife? How to decide on a midwife vs an OB? The Midwife perspective on the Fourth Trimester

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

What does every new parent need to know for their first few weeks with a new baby? Crucial know-how tips are the focus of this episode.

We recommend starting with this episode as an introduction to what your first handful of weeks postpartum will be like.

Thanks for listening! Sarah & Esther xo

Learn more:

fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan (https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/resources/)

There is a lot to think about when you’re expecting a new little one, especially for the first time. This episode helps answer the following question:

What advice do we have for new parents-to-be to think about before they give birth, so that they can make the most of their 4th trimester?

Thanks for listening! Sarah & Esther xo

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

The introductory episode of Fourth Trimester answers questions around doula care, postpartum care, and helps provide parents with an overview of some care options. For example, what are the strategies for taking care of the partner and the rest of the family while looking after your newborn? Thanks for listening! Sarah & Esther xo

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/