The Fourth Trimester
The first 12 weeks after giving birth are known as "the fourth trimester." Similar to the three trimesters of pregnancy, the fourth trimester is a time of physical, mental and emotional change. Lots of attention is focused on helping parents support their babies during this time, but less attention is given to the experiences of parents and caregivers.
Matrescence
While baby is experiencing the "fourth trimester", their mother starts the process of matrescence.
Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother. Similar to adolescence, matrescence brings significant changes to our physical, psychological and social systems, as well as shifts in identity, relationships, and daily activities. This is a lot of change, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Matrescence is a normal process, but we all move through it in our own way. By understanding the rites, rituals and supports needed during this time, we can all better support one another as we navigate these changes.
Learn more about matresence from Alexandra Sacks: “A new way to think about the transition to motherhood”
What do new moms "do" all day?
Watch this minute-and-a-half video about what a day looks like for a parent of a newborn.
Daawo muuqaalkan halka daqiiqo iyo badhka ah, oo ku saabsan sida ay maalintoodu u egtahay waalidka dhalay ilmaha cusub.
Reflection questions
Use these questions to prepare for and reflect on your postpartum experience. They can be used as a guide for discussion with your partner, your care provider, or anyone in your support network. You can write your answers, or simply sit down and quietly reflect.
When I thought about my postpartum experience, I imagined feeling...
I feel well-prepared for these things during my postpartum experience...
I do not feel well-prepared for these things during my postpartum experience...
I am proud of myself for...
I could use more help with...
My favorite part of the postpartum experience has been...
The hardest part has been...
How has becoming a mother reshaped the way you see yourself and your purpose in life?
How is it different from what you imagined?
What parts of your "pre-motherhood" self do you miss, and which parts are you happy to leave behind?
How has your relationship with your body changed?
What are 3 new priorities you have now that you didn't have before?
More resources
- Create Your Own Postpartum Plan - Use this 4th Trimester Project tool to help you and your “village” understand how they might best support your growing family.
- Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance - Review a 4th Trimester Fact Sheet for more about symptoms and medical care.
- Taking Care of You - 4th Trimester handout of physical changes and self-care.
- Hennepin County WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program - Learn about a nutrition and breastfeeding program that serves pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children. Resources in English and Somali.
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Minnesota (PSI-MN) - Find postpartum peer support, doulas, community resources, virtual support groups, perinatal specialists and more, including resources for parents of color and Somali resources.
- Everyday Miracles Resource List - Offers many resources for parents and families of young children related to education, healthcare, parenting, lactation, crisis support, etc.
- What is a Doula? - Read an article about the importance of doulas, the role the play and how to find one.
