From Womb To World

The fourth trimester is the first obstacle to your maiden motherhood voyage, and we have the tips and tricks to help you ace it.

It’s a term that is increasingly becoming more pertinent in today’s pregnancies. Many mums are adept at keeping track of the milestones of their first three trimesters, but when it comes to the fourth trimester, most are clueless, with some even unaware of this period. Defined by paediatrician Dr Harvey Karp as the first three months when your newborn is adjusting to life outside of the womb, these precious months play an important role in creating a rich pregnancy experience between you and your baby. It’s a tumultuous time for both baby and the hair-tugging, tired adults tending to them, and for some mamas caught flat-footed by it, it can be a dark tunnel of tears and fears.

The thing is, it isn’t easy being in your little one’s shoes either. Imagine rocking along in your fluid, warm paradise for nine months before abruptly being ushered out into a bright, noisy world. It is enough to unnerve even some adults (think someone yanking open the curtains to your room in the morning). No pressure, but during this period of adjustment, your baby’s vulnerability means that she is counting on you and your partner for the right care and attention. Likewise, this is also the time when oxytocin, or the “love” hormone, and dopamine (the “feelgood” hormone) you derived from skin-to-skin cuddling and feeding starts to fade, instead replaced by feelings of helplessness and fatigue known as baby blues.

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