5 THINGS I WISH SOMEONE TOLD ME ABOUT THE 4TH TRIMESTER

• The hormones are REAL.

One minute you’re crying over a burp cloth, the next you’re staring at your baby in awe. The emotional waves are normal– and they do settle. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that estrogen and progesterone levels drop by more than 90% within the first 48 hours after birth. This is one of the fastest and steepest hormonal changes a human can experience. 

• Your baby isn’t the only one adjusting.

You’re becoming someone new too– softer in some ways, stronger in others. Outside of the hormonal and mental changes going on, a mother’s body goes through physical changes that can take up to a year (or longer) to fully recover. Give yourself the same grace you give your baby. 

• Rest is a requirement, not a reward.

You don’t have to “earn” rest by doing enough. Studies show that sleep deprived mothers are 3x more likely to experience postpartum depression or anxiety. While lack of sleep may seem like a normal part of your new life– can you think of ways to maximize your sleep? Having a “tap-out” person (partner, mother, doula) to take over baby care during your postpartum can be a game changer for your mental (and physical) health. Your healing deserves space and stillness.

• You might feel lonely, even if you’re never alone.

The fourth trimester can be one of the most beautiful yet challenging seasons of motherhood. Between sleepless nights, physical recovery, and  learning your new rhythm with baby– it’s easy to feel disconnected from yourself and others. But reaching out, even when it feels hard–  can make all the difference. A text to a friend, a walk with another mom, or simply sharing how you’re feeling can remind you that you’re not alone in this. Connection doesn’t erase the hard moments, but it helps carry you through them.

• You’ll find your rhythm– slowly, beautifully, and on your own timeline.

There’s no schedule for feeling like yourself again. It happens in moments, not milestones. The days can feel unpredictable, and the nights even more so, but little by little, your own pace starts to return. It shows up in the small wins– when nap time goes smoothly, when you remember to eat a warm meal, or when the chaos starts to feel just a bit more manageable. Remember during this time that accepting help is a sign of strength, not struggle. All of these moments are reminders that you don’t have to have it all figured out; your rhythm will come together naturally, one gentle step at a time.

The fourth trimester is a season of transformation– raw, beautiful, and unlike anything else. It’s where growth and grace intertwine, where you learn to care for your baby while also learning an entire new way to care for yourself. There’s no perfect formula or timeline for how it should look, only moments that slowly guide you forward. Be patient with yourself, ask for help when you need it, and remember that you’re doing more than just getting through this stage– you’re becoming the foundation of someone’s world. 

Warmly, 

your postpartum maid of honor.