What’s Helped Me During the Fourth Trimester
The fourth trimester was such a whirlwind for me — beautiful, emotional, exhausting, and everything in between. Looking back, there were a few things that made those early weeks just that little bit easier, both for me and for my baby.
Now he is approaching 12 weeks (seriously..where has that time gone!) I wanted to share the products and little comforts that really supported me. Not because you need to buy ‘all the things’ (you really don’t!) — but because sometimes it’s the small, practical items that make the biggest difference.
Staying Hydrated
I don’t know about you but staying hydrated has been a real struggle for me postpartum, and we all know that staying hydrated is amazing for our overall wellbeing. At times I would get to lunch time and realise all i’d had to drink that day was a coffee!
This water bottle with a VERY. Very. very LONG straw is SO handy through the day and night. I either have it clipped to me, hook it onto the side of the ‘next to me’ perfectly too so there was no bending down (useful post labour or c-section!) and was one of my best purchases for …well..me.
Sleep Helpers
Sleep (or the lack of it!) was (and still is) the most challenging part. These swaddles really help my baby feel snug and settled, which sometimes gave us both that extra bit of rest. I know that there are other swaddles on the market but these are super and both my little ones got a good sleep whilst using them.
With my daughter I used a Moses basket which was great, however, it got broken in transit when we moved house. This time after doing lots of research, I decided on the this next to me which so far has been really great. I’ve really liked that I can have my baby close, but safe in their own space, and it’s made nights so much easier and gave me peace of mind.
Feeding Must-Haves
I decided that combo-feeding would be the right choice for me and my family. This means that I am both breastfeeding and giving formula milk. Depending on what you decide is best for you and your family; exclusive breast feeding, formula feeding or combi-feeding you might find the following useful!
Breast pads — I’ve tried reusable pads, however, I’ve personally found these Breast Pads to be really good, minimal leaks and really comfortable.
Bottles — These bottles worked well for us. We liked that they are easy to sterilise and help to reduced colic/wind symptoms for my baby, which he really struggled with in his first few weeks with us. We used these with both formula and breast milk
Rapid Cool— I don’t think the Rapid Cool was on the market when I had my daughter but it’s a GAME CHANGER for when I’m making formula
Nipple cream — Let’s talk nipples. This nipple cream has saved my nipples from A LOT of wear and tear (wince). Nipple pain is one of those indescribable pains and this has really helped. I also use it on my hands at bedtime to sooth my hands as i’m constantly washing them!
Elvie manual pump — This manual pump has helped me so much, especially on those days when you feel uncomfortable and a bit engorged. It’s light weight, portable, and so handy for quick relief. If my baby is feeding then I pop it on my other breast and then store it in the fridge/freezer for another time.
Lansinoh heat pads - These hot and cold pads have been so comforting when I felt engorged or uncomfortable
Everyday Baby Essentials
These became part of my daily routine and made life easier:
Muslins — I feel like you can never have too many muslin clothes!
Zipped Baby Sleepsuit — These are not the exact ones I had, but similar, and I found them so much easier than poppers at 3am.
Play Gym— We were kindly gifted this playmat when my first baby was born and it’s latest all this time and my little boy loves it. He loves all the little hanging options, there is also lots of other touch and feel sensory bits on the main body of the mat. It’s great for tummy time and lots of PLAY.
Water Play Mat — We use this water play mat in our classes and they are always a great hit with the little ones in class. These are a fun way to encourage play and tummy time to strengthen little muscles.
My Unexpected Lifesavers
Changing mat pads — Having a newborn baby is unpredictable especially when it comes to changing nappies!! After being caught out many times with either nearly being wee’d on, or a projectile poo I soon learnt that a changing mat pads (or a puppy pads!) would be worth the investment to clear up any messy.
Like most of the items here, it’s not a necessity but definitely helped me in those early weeks when I was sleep deprived and couldn’t be on my feet for longer periods of time cleaning up after an accident.
Napisan - This stuff is great to help with getting those stains out of your little one’s clothes after a poo explosion or two. It’s saved SOO many clothes in my baby’s wardrobe.
Support
Having support from my family and friends was invaluable during my fourth trimester. My mum came to stay with me for two weeks after my baby was born, helping with my daughter, taking care of the household chores, and looking after me too. It made such a difference having someone there so I could rest and focus on my baby.
I was also lucky to have friends who would drop off snacks or bring treats when they popped in for a coffee — those little acts of kindness meant the world at a time when I barely had the energy to think about food.
I know not everyone has this type of support around them. If you feel you’d benefit from it, there are amazing professionals, like postnatal doulas, who can come to your home and support you through those early weeks. Sometimes just having that extra pair of hands and a listening ear makes all the difference.
Although a lot of these items are not a necessity some of them might be useful to support you on your journey, whether you are about to have your little one or your in the thick of those early few weeks!
What’s been helpful to you during the fourth trimester? Leave your recommendation in the comments below.
Nim x
