Fourth Trimester: The First Months and Beyond | Parenting | Newborn Baby | Postpartum | Doula

We are covering fourth trimester fundamentals with this conversation and talking about what is needed in the first few weeks and months after birth. We're looking at postpartum recovery support through the lens of Ayurvedic practices and introducing the concept of the "sacred window".

Most parents prepare for birth, but far fewer are prepared for what comes after. The early postpartum period is often when families feel the most depleted and unsupported.

In this episode, we explore postpartum recovery support through honoring the sacred window, an Ayurvedic framework that centers rest, nourishment, and long-term healing.<...

In this episode, we explore birth center vs hospital birth, and what parents should know before deciding where to welcome their baby.

Our guests are Certified Nurse Midwife Nancy Myrick, co-founder of the San Francisco Birth Center, and Monica Levine, Board Member of the San Francisco Birth Center Foundation. Nancy brings more than three decades of experience supporting births across home, hospital, and birth center settings.

We discuss what birth center care actually looks like, how midwife-led care differs from hospital birth, and what research says about outcomes for low-risk pregnancies.

For this...

In this episode, perinatal psychologist Dr. Shosh shares how becoming a grandparent may reactivate old experiences, including anxiety from early parenthood. We explore healthy boundaries, communication, and how families can navigate this stage with confidence, clarity and care. This episode is so informative, and it also works beautifully as a conversation kickstarter between the new parents and new grandparents. Communication is key.

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Dr Shoshana Bennett drshosh.com | Dr Shosh Radio Show | Dark Side Of The Full Moon

Dr Shoshana's books Children of the Depressed: Healing the...

In this episode, IBCLC and Certified Nurse Midwife Lisa Paladino explains how to recognize tongue tie symptoms, when breastfeeding pain needs evaluation, and what to expect from treatment.

Learn how to make an informed decision about treatment. We'll share questions to ask your doctor, the signs that your baby might have tongue tie, pros and cons of a frenectomy and when to wait on a procedure.

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcact.com

Connect with Lisa Paladino tonguetieexperts.net | Instagram | Lisa's Tongue Tie for Parents Guide Book

Lisa's Book It Shouldn't Hurt to...

Father mental health during pregnancy is one of the most overlooked risk factors for postpartum depression and infant bonding challenges. In this episode, we explore how Dadcare and father-inclusive prenatal care can prevent postpartum depression and strengthen families from the very first visit.

This is a powerful conversation with Edward M Stephens MD and PSI-Founder Jane Honikman that enables everyone who listens to take action to create meaningful change in family health.

Learn how you can make a major impact for your own family and for generations to come.

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast...

It's time to find out what the word "yoni" means. And, how to tune into your pelvic floor.

This episode is about leaning into your innate power and wisdom. Learn how to pause and honor the profound transitions that happen throughout your life.

Britt Fohrman is here to lead us through the what, how and why for yoga for your yoni. Learn to connect, alleviate discomfort, and feel good in your own body.

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Britt Fohrman brittfohrman.com | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Britt's Classes...

If you had a best friend who knew everything there was to know about how to heal Diastasis Recti safely, your friend would be Leah Keller.

She's our guest on this episode and our topic is a very deep dive into how to identify issues, and heal and strengthen your core during pregnancy and after birth. (And that could be many years, several decades after birth even, and still benefit.)

Let's learn together from a woman who has spent her career researching and implementing solutions that really work.

All women deserve to achieve...

According to the CDC, women are having babies later in life. "First births for older mothers increased, with a 12.6% rise for those aged 30 to 34 and a 25% increase for mothers aged 35 and older."

The continuing trend of delayed motherhood means more cases of older moms experiencing perimenopause during their postpartum recovery period. With very similar symptoms between perimenopause and postpartum, how can a person tell what is happening or even know what to do about it?

On this episode, Dr Shosh explains symptoms, mental health impact, and evidence-based support.

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com<...

Sarah Healy is a certified sleep consultant who puts the health and wellness of babies first. And this fact is precisely why we invited her to be our guest on Fourth Trimester.

Healthy family sleep is our topic, including key considerations around sleep training such as age, developmental factors, the unique needs of a given baby plus the unique needs of the parents and other adults in the household.

After working with over 2,000 families and counting, Sarah has gained a great deal of wisdom that will benefit anyone looking to improve the amount and quality...

Learn what Nutritional Psychiatry is and how it supports a healthy fourth trimester.

Esther and Sarah have a great conversation with holistic health educator Celeste Brinkerhoff about micronutrients, genetics and tools that help people improve their mental health.

As Celeste reminds us, “Prevention is everything. If both parents strengthen their nutrition and mental health before baby arrives, the whole family benefits.”

Listen to learn simple tools that will help prevent symptoms that affect bonding, stability, and recovery.

Enjoy!

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Celeste Brinkerhoff www...

Here are empowerment tools for postpartum wellness from an OB-GYN who has helped thousands of families during pregnancy, birth and the fourth trimester. In this episode Dr Eboni January shares what she advises families based on her experiences after delivering 8,000 babies and counting.

These Fourth Trimester tools can be used by everyone. They are about keeping parents and baby safe and well-resourced. Knowledge is power. Enjoy!

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Dr Eboni January doctorej.com | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | X | LinkedIn | YouTube

Dr Eboni January's book EMPOWERED MOTHERHOOD: Essential...

Preeclampsia affects around 5-10% pregnancies, and increasingly we are learning new ways to lower risks. Here's how.

In this episode, we are joined by OBGYN and maternal health leader Dr. Amanda P. Williams to talk about what every parent and perinatal professional should know about preeclampsia prevention, warning signs and treatment.

Yes, this episode is all about safer pregnancies and healthier babies.

You’ll learn who’s at higher risk, why low-dose aspirin and a home blood pressure cuff can be lifesaving, the postpartum warning signs that should never be ignored, and how doul...

We had a lovely conversation with multiple-time founder Miki Agrawal on the best diapers & how small efforts parents make now can have a big impact for future generations.

Listen to the episode to learn how certain diapers are better and healthier for your baby. Plus, pick up many great parenting tips along the way. The highest quality products aren't always the most expensive, and they may surprise you with how much better they are for your baby's health and the planet.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Miki Agrawal hirodiapers.com | Instagram...

Spoiler alert: there's no perfect set of ingredients that will make anyone the perfect "cool grandpa". However, there are general guidelines that will get most people well along the way - at least for the parts in their control.

What's key? Communication, boundaries, having fun. Here's the 'recipe', if you will, in a nutshell. (Plus a little self-reflection!)

So here's the 'recipe' from Cool Grandpa Greg Payne on how to put the guidelines into practice for your own family, including the considerations from both sides of the grandparent-parent fence. 

Enjoy!

Full sh...

What would happen to your baby if something happened to you? It’s a difficult question, but one every parent needs to face.

In this episode, estate planning attorney Patricia De Fonte shares how to create a plan that protects your loved ones, minimizes stress, and reflects your values.

It doesn't matter how much money or assets you have - every parent needs to have a plan in place to protect their family’s peace of mind.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Patricia De Fonte defontelaw.com | Instagram | Facebook | Link...

Healthy families start with healthy parents (and wherever possible, that includes the father!). Dr. Ed Stephens shares his groundbreaking “Bringing the Father into Pregnancy” questionnaire, a simple, life-saving tool that helps strengthen families, and give babies the healthiest possible start.

This episode gives parents and perinatal professionals research-backed insight into fathers’ mental health and its impact on families.

Listen to learn simple, proven ways to protect connection from the very start.

This is an amazing legacy and we're excited to help share Dr Ed Stephens' work with the world.

Full show notes fou...

Becoming a parent changes a lot - including how we connect with our partners. On this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, I'm joined by my co-host Esther Gallagher as well as special guest Dr. Shoshanna Bennett, a pioneer in perinatal mental health, to talk about what intimacy really looks like after a baby arrives.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Dr Shoshana Bennett drshosh.com | Dr Shosh Radio Show | Dark Side Of The Full Moon

Dr Shoshana's books Children of the Depressed: Healing the Childhood Wounds That Come from Growing Up wi...

This is a wonderful conversation with experienced nutritionist Argavan Nilforoush about feeding and nourishing your baby, especially when there are specific dietary concerns.

Argavan is a registered dietitian nutritionist and she is based in the San Francisco Bay area. She brings years of experience working with families, infants and children across both hospital and outpatient settings. She founded Baby Steps Nutrition, where she offers individualized support to help children thrive from addressing picky eating, poor weight gain, food allergies to maternal lactation, nutrition, and as a mom herself.

Argavan knows firsthand the challenges and questions...

On this episode we are joined by Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist, board-certified lactation consultant, and the author of the The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting With Your Newborn.

We discuss medical as well as practical and emotional aspects of bonding, including why and how to bond with your newborn. This is great listening for parents, grandparents, supporters, visitors, and well, everyone really.

You'll learn the early aspects of newborn development in terms of practical, evidence-based tips for nurturing early connection as well as learn how that impacts lifelong health.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast...

Dr. Sonal Patel is a board-certified pediatrician, neonatologist, lactation specialist, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of NayaCare: Fourth Trimester Clinic. With a passion for improving maternal and infant health, she offers curated talks designed to empower professional women navigating the intersection of career, motherhood, and personal well-being.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Sonal's book The Doctor & Her Black Bag: How Old-Fashioned Care Tackles Maternal Mortality and Benefits America’s Economy

Connect with Pediatrician Dr Sonal Patel nayacare.org | Facebook | Instagram

Learn more Family Financial Wellness: Three Finance Must-dos for Families | How to M...

Petra is a birth & postpartum doula, birth educator, and fierce advocate for women reclaiming their power in birth.

After undergoing three Cesareans, she set off on a transformative journey that led to her vaginal birth after three Cesareans (VBA3C). That experience reshaped not only how she viewed birth but also how she found her voice—one that had been silenced by fear, external authority, and societal expectations.

Now, she is dedicated to helping other women do the same: break free from limiting beliefs, trust their intuition, and confidently advocate for the birth experience they de...

Here's a prep guide for hospital births that will help you feel more confident, and empower you with information that could help you avoid unnecessary procedures that can result in trauma and/or injury.

Our guest is HeHe Stewart, a birth doula and founder of The Birth Lounge, a non-judgmental, evidence-based childbirth education online platform known for helping parents navigate birth. HeHe also has her own podcast called the Birth Lounge. Here's some of what we discuss:

This Returning to Work Transition Guide is led by Career coach Michelle Olsen who specializes in helping women find clarity and purpose during career transitions. 

Michelle holds a Master’s in Organizational Psychology and is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC)

Covered on this episode:

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a leading expert in holistic women’s development with over 20 years of experience. We explore how rewriting our beliefs about motherhood can lead to more joy, freedom, and self-love.

This episode is about learning how breaking free from outdated expectations can transform not only your parenting but your entire sense of self.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Gertrude's book Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust - A Cosmic Approach to Motherhood

Connect with Dr Gertrude Lyons drgertrudelyons.com | Instagram | LinkedIn | Podcast

Learn more A P...

So here's what happens when a seasoned birth doula becomes a first-time mom. Carson Meyer, a sought-after doula, joins us to share her personal journey into motherhood.

With years of experience supporting parents through birth and postpartum, Carson brings a unique perspective on what she thought she knew versus what she learned firsthand.

In this episode, we talk about the realities of postpartum recovery, lessons from home birth, and the balance of caring for yourself while caring for a newborn.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Carson's book Growing Together: Doula Wisdom...

Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian and the author three books designed to support healthy conception, birth and postpartum, including how to prevent and manage gestational diabetes.

Her books are Real Food for Fertility (co-authored by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack), Real Food For Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes.

Lily shares important information all women should know about optimizing their diet for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum from a scientific perspective.

Even for women who aren't currently in the pregnancy state of mind, knowing this information early on helps everyone to make better choices down...

In this empowering episode, we invite you to get up close and personal with the part of your body that’s about to do something extraordinary—birth your baby. Many parents enter labor feeling disconnected from their vaginas and pelvises, but our guest Britt Fohrman offers a different path—one grounded in awareness, preparation, and trust.

Drawing from over two decades as a doula, yoga teacher, birth educator, and pleasure coach, Britt shares practical tools to help you prepare your vagina for birth with more ease, confidence, and connection. By deepening your relationship with your body, you not on...

Dual-PhD researcher Celeste Beck is a leading maternal health researcher at Heluna Health who just published a groundbreaking study on vitamin D and pregnancy.

It turns out something as simple as your vitamin D levels could have a major impact on your pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and your baby’s health.

With over 15 years in public health and a dual PhD in Nutritional Science and Clinical and Translational Science, Celeste breaks down what every parent needs to know—how to recognize the risks of deficiency, when and how to supplement, and why this one nutrient can make...

Mikka Bonel is a doula and a long-time facilitator of New Parent Circles. In these groups, parents gather in a safe and supportive, facilitated group. All parents of new babies are welcome to share and connect around the transition to their new role as a parent, changing family relationships, and the vast spectrum of emotions that arise in new parenthood.

In this episode, Mikka shares the top 5 questions parents ask in her groups, touching on:

In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Ezrin, award-winning author, world-renowned yoga educator, and maternal mental health advocate, to talk about micro destressing techniques for busy parents.

Sarah shares simple, effective ways to regulate your nervous system, restore your energy, and find calm in the chaos of daily life. The best part is that it doesn't take additional time, so it still works even if you have a full schedule.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Sarah Ezrin's book The Yoga of Parenting: Ten Yoga-Based Practices to Help You Stay Grounded, Connect with Yo...

Parenting isn’t just about raising children—it’s about the roles we all play in supporting the next generation. 

In this episode, PSI Founder Jane Honikman shares wisdom for parents, partners, and grandparents on the power of community, mental health, and the importance of not doing it alone.

Please share with the dads, grandparents, other caregivers and extended family in your life!

Special thanks to podcasthon.org, the world's largest podcast charity initiative.

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Jane's books Postpartum is Forever: Social Support from Conception through Grandpa...

Birth is one of the most transformative experiences in a person’s life, but when things don’t go as planned - something traumatic or simply not what you thought would happen - the emotional impact can linger.

Chanti Smith is a licensed professional midwife and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. In this episode she talks about healing from birth trauma and reclaiming joy.

Listen to learn how somatic experiencing helps release stored trauma, reconnect with the body, and create a new sense of empowerment. This conversation is an important reminder that healing is possible, and you...

I don't know about you, but one of my top goals as a parent of a newborn was getting more sleep. A night doula is a great addition to any postpartum dream team because they will help with achieving exactly that - more sleep. More sleep for you, your other family members in your household, your baby.

It's perfectly normal for newborns to be awake multiple times during the night (just ask PhD Sleep Consultant Dr Millette). And, it's also true that sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of postpartum anxiety and depression. Plus, sleep...

Wondering how to make the most of your parental leave? In this episode, we talk with Mamattorney lawyer Daphne Delvaux about your rights, how to maximize your maternity, paternity, and parental leave benefits, and what every new parent should know.

Daphne spells out how you can stitch together different types of leaves and benefits to make sure you are getting the full amount of leave available so you can spend the most time possible with your baby

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Daphne Delvaux themamattorney.com | Instagram | Facebook

Resources...

Discover the benefits of babywearing in this episode with Whitney Dula, IBCLC, postpartum doula, and trained babywearing expert. Whitney shares tips on choosing and using baby carriers, safety essentials, and how babywearing supports bonding and development.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Whitney Dula themamasdula.com | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook

Learn more Babywearing How To Videos | HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE Babywearing Guide | Where to Check if Your Hand-Me-Down Carrier Has Been Recalled: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls | Amy Rainbow Adjoyn

Our favorite Fourth Trimester Beach Reads The First Forty Days: The...

Learn the benefits of a sitz bath DONE PROPERLY for postpartum healing, with step-by-step guidance on how to prepare one using natural, soothing ingredients.

This DIY Sitz Bath Guide will teach you how to care for yourself or provide this care for others.

Plus, this episode will equip you with additional tools to make a real difference in a new parent’s recovery journey.

>> This is one to share with any friend or family member who is planning to provide you with a helping hand while your are at home with a new baby!

Discover the wisdom of sacred postpartum traditions with Pānquetzani, a traditional healer and advocate for holistic maternal care. In this episode, we explore time-honored practices that support healing, thriving, and deep connection during the fourth trimester.

Learn how to honor your postpartum journey with simple, yet powerful practices that support lasting wellness.

Whether you're an expecting parent, new parent, or support person, this conversation offers invaluable tools to nurture mind, body, and spirit.

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Pānquetzani indigemama.com | Facebook | Instagram

Pānquetzani's boo...

This episode featuring Dr Amanda P Williams is dedicated to how data can be a tool for informed decision-making, creating positive outcomes for both parents and their children.

With 35% of U.S. counties classified as Maternity Care Deserts—lacking essential maternal care resources—data and technology are critical in bridging gaps in access and information. Tools like virtual visits, online data platforms such as Peristats, and virtual parenting assistants like HelloGaia empower parents and caregivers with the resources they need. This approach combines in-person care, virtual care, and technology-based support to create a "best of the best" laye...

In this episode, Jesse Bennett, an author and advocate for positive thinking among children, guides us on helping kids boost their success by developing a positive mindset through kindness, self-talk, and mindfulness practices. She emphasizes that kindness begins within oneself. By teaching children to love and believe in themselves and encouraging them to recognize their inner light, they can extend this kindness to others.

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Jesse's books Ripple | Bloom | Sunshine | Lift | The Yoga House

Other books mentioned Indestructible books | Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein | Little Pookie Sandra...

In this episode, hosted by Didi D'Errico as a special edition, we focus on ACTIONABLE ways you can build more reliable, more accessible and more timely support as a new parent.

We know there are enough barriers to support for new parents as it is, as highlighted by March of Dimes in their recent report on Maternity Care Deserts - THANK YOU for providing insights and data!

We talk you through specific steps you can take to have a better-resourced fourth trimester and beyond. We highlight FREE planning templates and tools that every new and...