The fourth trimester. Have you heard of it? It’s essentially the first 3 months of your baby’s life, starting from the moment he or she is born. For me, I don’t really remember much about the fourth trimester with Joey, Anthony, or Lily. But as for Michael? I can tell you his fourth trimester will be one I NEVER forget.
Let me start off by saying Michael is the sweetest, cuddliest, chubbiest baby out of all 4 of my children [when they were in the baby stage]. I think God was giving me some grace with him. Because life since his birth has been nothing short of sink-or-swim, I love my life, someone hold me tight kind of moments. Yep, the struggle with the fourth trimester is real. It can be REALLY great. And really bad.
By bad all I can tell is that from high blood pressure, panic attacks and postpartum depression, lack of sleep, gastroenteritis, and a UTI [maybe that’s TMI- but you guys know me for being Ms. Blabby], I’ve been struggling. But here’s where the good news comes in. The really good that’s been getting me through these tough times:
1. Michael. I can’t tell you enough what a sweetheart he is. So, I’ll stop bragging and you can just come over and see for yourself!
2. Ted. From every trip to the ER to trying to help me find my calm and to me even slacking on his birthday, Ted’s been there from day one, being my biggest cheerleader and wanting what’s best for me and the kids. Even if I’m screaming like a crazy lady.
3. My Family. The toddlers don’t really count here, because, well, they are toddlers [and preschoolers]. They’ve been great at going with the flow and giving Mom lots of hugs and kisses. But as for my parents and Ted’s parents, I don’t know what we would be doing without them. Camp Nana has a good ring to it, right?!
5. Self-Care for Me. I’ve stopped breastfeeding. I’ve started working out again. And I’m trying to get to bed earlier. Why? Because those are all things that are making me feel like myself again. And remember folks, if Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.
If I’m forgetting someone blame the meds [just kidding- sort of]. And if you’re in the same boat as me, let’s just keep swimming until we get through the fourth trimester.
Tell me: What’s helped you get through a rough fourth trimester? Or first year with baby!?
You are an amazing woman! I love the term 4th trimester. Mine was nit yhe dream I wanted to be. Post partum was part of the 4th trimester for both my kids. The fact that you are writing about your experience is courageous and I am truly awestruck- as I was barely able to do much (lets just say I was in jammies and house slippers for a long time while taking care of my last newborn). Keep up your gratitude and all the amazing self care you are giving yourself. Thank you for sharing.
You’re such a sweet mom! I love the quotes that you turn to and taking care of yourself is so important!
Thank you for sharing!
Kudos to you for being honest. The fact that you’re hubby takes all 4 out without you tells me that you have what it takes to keep moving forward…..support! God bless all your sweeties.
Thanks, mama! I still struggle and my youngest is two!!
I’m in the 4th trimester with number 4 too, and dang is it hard. I’ve had similar issues with a bacterial infection that took 4 rounds of antibiotics to kick. Getting that figured out made a huge difference so hopefully getting your UTI dealt with will help. I’ve also started a two week rotating menu that makes meal prep and planning a lot easier.
Does wall mart offer free grocery pick up where you are? I’ve found that with four kids under 8 there’s not enough me left for shopping and free pick up has been amazing for us.
Gosh, I .Just realized how old this post is.. . Can I blame mommy brain? I hope everything got easier for you.