Moms share their best self-care advice for the 4th trimester

Let’s talk about the fourth trimester!

Yes, we’re talking about the twelve weeks after you bring that new little baby home from the hospital and settle into a brand new routine. You may face sleepless nights along with the expected countless diaper changes and midnight feeds. It can be a lot to take in and adjust to. Whether you’re a first time mom or already have little ones, the first few weeks can be overwhelming. So we asked moms for their best advice for self-care during the fourth trimester on the Nursing Queen VIP page! 

First up: The basics

“Life is easier when we feed and water ourselves. Have a snack, drink some water, and chances are the problem will feel less all consuming,” suggested mom Julianna.

Snack are key! Stefany added: “Keep snacks everywhere at all times. I kept feeling like I was going to pass out the first few weeks of breastfeeding because my body was adjusting to the blood sugar drops and caloric needs.”

Remember when you’re nursing you need extra calories. The Mayo Clinic says you need “an additional 330 to 400 calories a day — to give you the energy and nutrition to produce milk.” In terms of how much you need to drink, the Mayo Clinic adds “Drink when you are thirsty, and drink more if your urine appears dark yellow. You might drink a glass of water or another beverage every time you breastfeed.”

The Mayo Clinic has a great guide for breastfeeding nutrition here. 

That brings us to staying hydrated!

Mom Gracie shared part of her routine “Water, coconut water, body armor, whatever it takes!”

Second: Take time for you

It may sound hard to do,  but taking a few minutes just for you can be a game changer!

“Take a shower. After dinner and feeding my babies my husband would take them and I would take a nice long shower, and do a full skin care routine, put on fresh pajamas and come out 45 minutes later. I would feel SOOO much better. Mentally and physically!,” said mom Jacqui.

Mom Jenny chimed in with her routine, which involved getting out of the house for just a few. We can all use a change of scenery from time to time!

“Get you and the kids in a car and get a latte from a drive thru and just drive around with no destination (other than to get a break and not see the mess in the house). It kept me sane,” said mom Jenny.

If you can’t get everyone in the car, a walk through the neighborhood is a great option (something we did several times a day after our first son was born - walks were the only way he'd sleep during the day)!

“Baby wear/ take walks / get out of the house. It’s good for your mental health,” said mom Katie.

Third: Sleep! 

Sleep is so important (even though it’s hard to come by at time). Some moms nap when their newborn naps.

The Mayo Clinic offered this advice: “Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night." 

Mom Michie had this advice: "It's worth it to pay for a babysitter just to take a nap or take a bath without a baby wanting your attention."

Just remember – this will be an adjustment! Don’t hesitate to ask for help from a family member or friend. They want to be there for you during this time as you adjust to the new role of being a mom.

Share your best self-care advice on the Nursing Queen VIP Facebook page here!