This is not a medical term but perceiving the first 12 weeks of baby’s life as the 4th trimester provides a way of gently aiding baby to adjust to the world outside of the womb and helps you as new parents to cope with the first few weeks of your baby’s life.

Imagine how a newborn baby is feeling in their new environment in comparison with the environment they enjoyed for 9 months in the womb.

Warm, snug and held

Hearing the constant swooshing of water

Buoyant in warm water

Enjoying the constant jiggling of movement

While inside the womb, baby never experienced hunger, thirst or trapped wind. Baby’s environment was constant – there were no strange smells or feelings of being too hot or too cold. Mum was always there, catering for their every need while providing that reassuring rocking motion of her movement and the sound of her voice.

As a result, life outside the womb is quite a shock for baby – life as they knew it has completely changed. Newborns are unable to fend for themselves, and they rely on their parents to provide for their every need. When their needs are not met, the only way baby can communicate is to cry.

It is also a great change for you! Your body has done something incredible – to carry and birth a baby, but it is also incredibly huge. You are experiencing many changes both emotionally and physically.

As a new Mum you are often exhausted as you adapt to life at home with a new baby, getting to know your new baby and how to meet all their needs, and realize the responsibility of motherhood. It is normal to feel anxious, exhausted but unable to sleep, overwhelmed by new responsibility and unable to concentrate.

So be kind to yourself in the stage.

Ask for help and support.

Enjoy the small moments.

Here is a lovely article to give you a small insight into the 4th trimester.