Fourth Trimester: The First Months and Beyond | Parenting | Newborn Baby | Postpartum | Doula
My name is Sarah Trott. I'm a new mama to a vivacious baby girl and this podcast is all about postpartum care for the few months following birth, the time period also known as the Fourth Trimester. My postpartum doula, Esther Gallagher, is my co-host. Sheâs a mother, grandmother, perinatal educator, birth and postpartum care provider. I've benefitted hugely from her support. All parents can benefit from the wisdom and support that a postpartum Doula provides. Fourth trimester care is about the practical, emotional and social support parents and baby require, and importantly, helps set the tone for the li...
Fuel Your Babyâs Growth and Success Through Optimal Newborn Nutrition
This is a wonderful conversation with experienced nutritionist Argavan Nilforoush about feeding and nourishing your baby, especially when there are specific dietary concerns.Â
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 t...
Why And How To Bond With Your Newborn - Dr Joanna Parga-Belinkie
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...
Fourth Trimester Economics with Pediatrician Dr Sonal Patel
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
Connect with Pediatrician Dr Sonal Patel nayacare.org | Facebook | Instagram
Learn more Family Financial Wellness: Three Finance Must-dos for Families | How to Maximize Maternity Leave & Paternity Benefits with MAMAttorney Daphne Delvaux | How Partners Can Prepare for Parenthood (The Power of Snuggling)
<...VBACs and Cesarean Recovery Tips with Petra Cruz Doula
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 voiceâone 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...
How to Prepare for Hospital Birth (and Avoid Unnecessary Interventions) with HeHe Stewart
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:
how to avoid unnecessary C-sectionshow to confidently ask for optionswhat to do if things don't go as expectedcrucial information...Returning to Work Transition Guide - Michelle Olsen, MA, CPCC
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.Â
Michelle holds a Masterâs in Organizational Psychology and is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC)
Covered on this episode:
Making the back to work transition with intentionFinding the right balance for your familyCreating a plan that aligns with your valuesTips on what to ask forFactors to consider when making your own decisions about when, how and whether to return to workFull show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
<...Redefining Motherhood for More Joy and Freedom with Dr Gertrude Lyons
Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a leading expert in holistic womenâs 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
Connect with Dr Gertrude Lyons drgertrudelyons.com | Instagram | LinkedIn | Podcast
Learn more A Parentâs Guide To Building Self-Trust (And Why It Matters) |Â The Birth Doulaâs Guide to Navigating New Mot...
The Birth Doulaâs Guide to Navigating New Motherhood with Carson Meyer
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
Learn more A Parentâs Guide To...
Prevent and Manage Gestational Diabetes With Certified Diabetes Educator Lily Nichols, RD
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...
Prepare your Vagina for Birth with Britt Fohrman, Birth Educator & Doula
In this empowering episode, we invite you to get up close and personal with the part of your body thatâs about to do something extraordinaryâbirth your baby. Many parents enter labor feeling disconnected from their vaginas and pelvises, but our guest Britt Fohrman offers a different pathâone 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...
What The Research Says About Vitamin D & Your Baby's Health with Celeste Beck from Heluna Health
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 babyâs health.Â
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 knowâhow to recognize the risks of deficiency, when and how to supplement, and why this one nutrient can make...
The Top 5 Questions Parents Ask in New Parent Groups with Mikka Bonel, Postpartum Ayurvedic Doula
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:
Confidence and balancing the pressure to "get it right"Partner dynamicsEmotions during the fourth trimesterPhysical recoveryNavigating first few days to 6 weeksMicro Destressing For Busy Parents with Sarah Ezrin, Author of The Yoga of Parenting
In this episode, Iâm 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
Connect with Sarah Ezrin sarahezrinyoga.com | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Substack | YouTube
Learn more Mom Group Gui...
Generational Parenting, featuring Postpartum Support International Founder Jane Honikman
Parenting isnât just about raising childrenâitâs about the roles we all play in supporting the next generation.Â
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
Connect with PSI Founder Jane Honikman janehonikman.com
Learn m...
How to Rewrite Your Birth Story and Find Joy After Trauma with Chanti Smith
Birth is one of the most transformative experiences in a personâs life, but when things donât 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...
Get the Most From Your Night Doula and Get More Sleep With Kristin Revere of Gold Coast Doulas
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...
How to Maximize Maternity Leave & Paternity Benefits with MAMAttorney Daphne Delvaux
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...
Baby Carrier Guide: Benefits, Safety & Tips with Whitney Dula, IBCLC, Trained Babywearing Expert
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
Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram
Additional Resources
F...Proper Sitz Bath Guide: Natural Healing & How to Be the Best Friend to a New Mom with Esther Gallagher
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 parentâs 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!
Sacred Postpartum Traditions: How to Heal, Thrive, and Honor Your Fourth Trimester with PÄnquetzani
Discover the wisdom of sacred postpartum traditions with PÄnquetzani, 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 PÄnquetzani indigemama.com | Facebook | Instagram
Caldo (bone br...
Data-Driven Parenting With Dr Amanda P Williams
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 Desertsâlacking essential maternal care resourcesâdata 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...
Future-Ready: Boost Your Kid's Success With These Positive Mindset Practices
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
Connect with Jesse Bennett jessebennett.co | Instagram
Learn more Wire Your Baby for Success Through Optimal Newborn Brain Development | Preparing For Your Second Baby...
Meet Your Parenting Copilot: HelloGaia Makes Raising Kids Easier
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...
The Top 10 Toddler Sleep Questions Every Parent Asks with Dr Angelique Millette
In this episode, Sarah Trott talks with pediatric sleep consultant Dr. Angelique Millette to answer the top 10 TODDLER sleep questions every parent has. (Go to the BABY episode if you want help with baby sleep! Link below.)
Dr. Millette shares her expertise on the challenges of toddler sleep, providing practical solutions for common issues like bedtime resistance, night wakings, early morning risings, and more. She also covers how to recognize signs of sleep readiness, establish effective bedtime routines, and create an environment that supports restful sleep.
Listen to learn strategies tailored to meet a toddlerâs...
Optimizing Your Mental Health with Dr Ida Eden, Reproductive Psychiatrist
In this episode, weâre joined by Dr. Ida Eden, a reproductive psychiatrist and faculty member at Weill Cornell Medicine, to explore how you can optimize your emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or simply navigating the transition into parenthood, Dr. Eden will provide insights and practical tools to help you feel empowered and supported. Find out what to do BEFORE baby arrives, and how you can start optimizing if you ALREADY have your baby (or older child!) in arms.
Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Conne...
Baby Travel Tips - Stay Calm And Mother Up with Kacie McDonnell Hosmer & Gianna DeMedio Simon
On this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, we're bringing you the ultimate travel guide for parents.
Our special guests, Mother Up creators Kacie McDonnell Hosmer, former host of FOX Nation and Mansion Global, and Gianna DeMedio Simon, host of the podcast So Sorry for Your Loss, share their tried-and-true tips for traveling with little ones.
Between them, theyâve wrangled three children under four while navigating air and car travel, and their advice will help you make your next trip as stress-free as possible. Whether youâre planning a flight or a road trip, Kaci...
Morning Sickness Causes and Cures: Hyperemesis Genetic Link Discovered by USC Geneticist Dr Marlena Fejzo
Rather amazingly, there hasn't been much research into the causes and potential cures for the nausea that around 70% of people experience during pregnancy. Until now.
Thankfully, Dr Marlena Fejzo is dedicating her life's work to finding ways to alleviate the full spectrum of mild cases of "morning sickness" to severe nausea to, on the extreme end, hyperemesis. She herself experienced hyperemesis. She knows firsthand the debilitating effects of the disease. Already she has clearly identified one gene (GDF15) linked to the cause and she is working on finding more.
Listen to the full episode to...
Budgeting for Baby: Three Essential Steps for A Successful Family Budget
In this episode of Fourth Trimester Podcast, we are joined by an experienced financial advisor, Laura Davis CFP.Â
This episode centers on how families can create a budget that sets the family up for financial success, including: what a budget is, how to create one, considerations before having a baby, what to budget for during pregnancy, postpartum and longer term (kids education, your own retirement etc.)
We also have a great conversation around helping raise children to be financially independent.
Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Connect with Laura Davis financiallab.us
Evidence Based Care for Improving Postpartum Recovery - Dr Rebecca Dekker
Dr Rebecca Dekker of Evidence Based Birth provides clear, plain-language guidance on postpartum recovery, including the very immediate period after birth from delivering the placenta and then through the extended fourth trimester.
Learn what the evidence points to so that you can make informed decisions and enhance your recovery period.
Full show notes
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Resources
Skin to Skin After A Cesarean
Evidence on Pitocin During the Third Stage of Labor
Why Postpartum Midwifery is Vital to Healing With Serena Saeed-Winn
FREE DOWNLOAD...
Breastfeeding Essentials Part 2: Manage Milk Supply, Proper Breast Pump Usage, Feeding On Demand
In this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, we asked a panel of breastfeeding educators and practitioners to help us put together a 2-part guide on breastfeeding. Importantly, this is a NO JUDGMENT guide. Just the facts and plain language explanations that help you on your journey.
Part 2 covers a wide range of topics including: managing milk supply, breast pump usage, feeding schedules and more.
Full show notes:
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Links and resources mentioned on the show:
Lactation Resources Find a Lactation Consultant | Mahogany Milk Support Group | Drugs That...
Breastfeeding Essentials Part 1: No Judgment Guide - Say Goodbye To Breastfeeding Pain
In this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, we asked a panel of breastfeeding educators and practitioners to help us put together a 2-part guide on breastfeeding. Importantly, this is a NO JUDGMENT guide. Just the facts and plain language explanations that help you on your journey.
The content of the guide includes answers to the top breastfeeding questions new parents frequently have during the first 24 hours with a newborn through to the continued breastfeeding years.
Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
FREE DOWNLOAD The Ultimate Birth Plan Template You Can Customize: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com...
Family Financial Wellness: Three Finance Must-dos for Families - Donât Make These Small Mistakes That Will Have a Big Impact Later
In this episode we are joined by an experienced financial advisor, Laura Davis CFP. Laura shares her expertise in transforming financial lives and provides actionable steps that parents and soon-to-be parents can take to secure a strong financial future for their families.
Learn the three financial must-dos for families that can help set your family up for success.
Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Learn more Sara Mauskopf CEO and Co-founder of Winnie | winnie.com | LegalZoom Estate Planning | A Parentâs Guide To Building Self-Trust (And Why It Matters) | How a Friend or Family Mem...
Navigating Parenthood with Shari Stamps - Must-Know Tips From A Mother Of Six
Having six children means Shari Stamps knows a fair bit about preparing for postpartum. Since having kids, she's dedicated her life to growing her experience as a perinatal professional, taking many courses including doula training. Now she's sharing her wisdom from her own parenting experience plus her professional training with us.
Hear Shari's tips for postpartum and birth preparation, including:
Who to Include in a Comprehensive Support VillageWhen to Start Putting Resources in PlaceClinical Vs Non-clinical Support PostpartumAdvice on Preparing Oneâs Home, Nurturing Relationships, and Setting BoundariesActionable Steps New Parents Can Take to Feel More Pr...PMAD: Finding Peace Amid Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Ali Starling joins us to talk about the significant and often under-discussed topic of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD). Ali Starling is an experienced midwife and academic from the University of California San Francisco. We talk about her passions: midwifery, mental health, and the intersection between the two.Â
Our discussion thoroughly explores how new parents can navigate the challenging psychological landscape following childbirth. Listen to learn more about:Â
the nature of PMADsactions to take for early preparation and social supportpractical advice on both medical and non-medical treatment optionsthe many (free) resources availableFull sh...
Get A Healthy Start - Nutrition, Breastfeeding & Building Your Community with WIC's Kiran Saluja
This episode features Kiran Saluja, the Executive Director of the PHFE WIC (Women Infants Children) Program. She is a respected authority in the field of nutrition and breastfeeding. With a career spanning nearly 40 years, Kiran brings an exceptional depth of knowledge and passion to our discussion.Â
We talk about common breastfeeding challenges and solutions, nutritional guidance, and the significance of building a robust support network, including practical advice on:Â
What Diet to Maintain While BreastfeedingRecognizing Infant CuesManaging Postpartum ExpectationsHow Everyone Can Utilize WIC ResourcesÂKiran is so down-to-earth and she is such an enjoyable spea...
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Doulas But Were Afraid To Ask
Here to answer the questions you always wanted to ask is Esther Gallagher, long-time birth and postpartum doula.
Top questions on this episode include:
Are Doulas Worth It? How Much Do they Cost and how do I get the service paid for?Can doulas bill my insurance / is it covered?What about workplace incentives like Carrot and Hello Cleo?Do doulas charge differently for virtual support?What about Medicaid paying for doulas?Iâm someone who has had past trauma and I need special kind of support from my doula. Can they help? What is Trauma In...The Top 10 Baby Sleep Questions Every Parent Asks
Leading pediatric sleep consultant Dr Angelique Millette answers the Top 10 Baby Sleep Questions every parent asks.
We discuss real solutions that are safe and developmentally appropriate for your baby. We talk about solutions that really work and give you and your family the rest you need.Â
We all know how important sleep is for our mental and physical wellness, and so weâre diving into the topic with someone who has dedicated her lifeâs work to family sleep solutions - 25 years helping over 15,000 families.
Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Learn more ...
How Partners Can Prepare for Parenthood (The Power of Snuggling)
How can partners prepare for the fourth trimester? Sure, we have lots of practical suggestions such as relationship proofing, practical preparation, but there are some big considerations outside the practical. Listen in to learn how to create a level of connectedness that will ease the way for everything else that is to come.
Enjoy! Sarah and Esther xo
Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Learn more How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You After You Have a Baby | The Second Child Transition | Improve Birth Recovery: Three Recommendations From An OBGYN | Postpartum Soups an...
Listening Partnerships, Unlocking Deeper Connection, and Elevating Family Dynamics
Parents benefit hugely from having regular and purposeful emotional outlets - when we take care of our own emotions, we are able to be more present, patient and connected with our children and families.Â
Listening Partnerships are a tool we recommend for every parent to keep in their parenting toolbox. Why? It's FREE, it takes 5 mins a week, and it has tremendous benefits!!!Â
Sarah and her real-life listening partner Kaitlin Solimine break down how to create and benefit from a listening partnership. Tune in to learn:Â
What is a Listening Partnership Benefits of Listening Part...The State of Postpartum Maternal Health with Dr Amanda P. Williams
It's Black Maternal Health Week and in this episode Sarah talks with Dr Amanda P Williams about the current state of postpartum maternal health and birth equity.
Sarah first heard Dr Williams give the keynote talk at the Future of Maternal Care Summit. She invited Dr Williams onto the program to share her insights with all of our Fourth Trimester listeners.
Dr Williams is raising the bar for all birthing people and families by helping hospitals and innovators with improved practices and solutions. She is the Clinical Innovation Advisor with the California Maternal Quality Care...
