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Katie Serbinski, M.S., R.D., is a registered dietitian and millennial mom, blogging about healthy recipes, child and mom nutrition, and motherhood.

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Home » Mom Life » Struggling with the Fourth Trimester

Struggling with the Fourth Trimester

Nov 28, 2018 10 Comments

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.

Hey Michael, Michael! The light of our lives right now…

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.

My new mantra to finish out the fourth trimester. Heck, Michael’s first year of life. Because let’s face it: the first year can be really, really tough.

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!

Mom might look and feel like a mess, but Michael could care less!

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.

While Mom is getting extra rest at home, Dad takes the 4 kids to Costco. What a guy!

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?!

Camp Nana: Just look at those cute beds. What kiddo wouldn’t want to sleep in them?!

2 peas in a pod, Michael and Papa [Ted’s Dad].
4. My Friends. From treats of essential oils, a good cry, or a coffee at the gym vs. a workout, my friends have been a great support system. I find that while there’s plenty of judgment in the mom world, there’s always plenty of good people who have been through similar situations or something far worse.

A friend shared this quote with me, and let me tell you, it’s staying on my camera roll and for good reason. Give it a read!

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!? 

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Comments

  1. KPZ says

    November 29, 2018 at 9:39 am

    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.

    Reply
  2. Becky says

    November 29, 2018 at 10:06 am

    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!

    Reply
  3. miranda matheson says

    November 29, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    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.

    Reply
  4. Kati Newton says

    December 11, 2018 at 9:23 pm

    Thanks, mama! I still struggle and my youngest is two!!

    Reply
  5. Amber Mae says

    January 21, 2019 at 11:35 am

    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.

    Reply
  6. Amber Mae says

    January 21, 2019 at 11:38 am

    Gosh, I .Just realized how old this post is.. . Can I blame mommy brain? I hope everything got easier for you.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Postpartum Update + We Have a Roller - Mom to Mom Nutrition says:
    January 28, 2019 at 9:17 pm

    […] and you know what? I can’t thank you enough. It makes me feel beyond supported and all my “issues” with the fourth trimester that much more manageable. Mainly because I know I am NOT alone. And the struggle with all things […]

    Reply
  2. Postpartum Update + We Have a Roller – Health News Chronicle says:
    February 2, 2019 at 9:56 pm

    […] and you know what? I can’t thank you enough. It makes me feel beyond supported and all my “issues” with the fourth trimester that much more manageable. Mainly because I know I am NOT alone. And the struggle with all things […]

    Reply
  3. 3 Store-Bought Dinner Shortcuts – Health News Chronicle says:
    February 5, 2019 at 1:52 pm

    […] Both emotionally and physically for me, Ted, my kids, and my parents [have you struggled with the 4th trimester?!]. But you know what? Things are better. I’m feeling better. Heck, I’m writing this blog post! […]

    Reply
  4. Happy Half-Birthday Michael Stanson - Mom to Mom Nutrition says:
    March 20, 2019 at 1:00 am

    […] his birth, you know the past 6 months have been really trying [read more about my postpartum trials here]. More so emotionally for me vs. physically. Motherhood is a paradox at times, and to say I’ve […]

    Reply

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Katie Serbinski at Mom to Mom Nutrition

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Hi, I’m Katie! Registered Dietitian, Mom, and Mealtime Negotiator. I’m on a mission to make mealtime happier, healthier, and easier with small children, despite what my 4 picky eaters have me believing. From family-friendly recipes to confessions about my unfiltered motherhood moments, I hope you grab a seat at my kitchen table!
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