The 4th Trimester

During the childbearing year, so many of us prepare for the birth experience. We take childbirth preparation classes, such as Lamaze, Hypnobabies, or even Birthing from Within. While these are all gloriously wonderful techniques to use in preparation for and during childbirth, those first few 'baby moon' months are of great importance as well. The idea of the 'fourth trimester', or the first three months post birth, creates a soft landing space for your new baby to cope with the whole concept of being 'land side', and all the exciting experiences that come with it.

The newborns' experiences in the womb are often recreated post birth in order to calm/soothe baby. Such techniques include swaddling, which recreates the tight, enclosed womb like feeling they had while in utero, and swinging/swaying, again baby was constantly swayed while in the womb. Shushing, or humming are also quite soothing to baby since they have been hearing mom's heartbeat, and other body functions consistently during gestation. When new parents try to mimic the womb like environment they are often met with a soothed and calmed infant, and everyone likes that!

So while you are preparing for the birth of your new family member, also combine skills/techniques that will help you in the early days with baby. Some great tools for new parents are calming techniques. There is the 5 'S' approach. (Swaddle, Side lying, Swinging/Swaying, Shushing, Sucking) Seen used in the Happiest Baby on the Block which also contains the 'cuddle cure', and much more information pertaining to newborn emotional care. Taking time to prepare for those early moments can assist with the transition to parenthood, while also preparing you for what to expect once baby is home. May you have a bliss filled baby moon.