4th Trimester

The 4th trimester (the first 3 months after birth) is much more challenging a life adjustment for new parents than any aspect of pregnancy itself.  However, our medical system and culture does not current provide comprehensive support for this period in a family’s life (though fortunately, this is starting to change).  Don’t just make a birth plan – make a postpartum “plan.”  While it is impossible to completely “plan” anything about the postpartum period (and you don’t even want to try, or it’s a setup for anxiety and depression when the “plan” doesn’t go well), you at least what to familiarize yourself with common changes and where to seek help if needed.