fourth trimester
After birth period
The fourth trimester is the three months after childbirth, when newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb and mothers are recovering physically and emotionally.
The term recognizes that the transition from pregnancy doesn't end at birth—both infant and parent remain in an intense period of adaptation: During the fourth trimester, the baby still needs near-constant contact.
Regaining what was lost
- perineumArea between genitals, anus
- postnatalAfter childbirth
- involutionInward-turning process
- diastasisAbnormal tissue separation
episiotomy · baby blues · postpartum depression · afterbirth · midwife · doula · healing · night sweats
Connection or fondness
- skin-to-skinUnclothed bodily touching
- closenessState of proximity
- affectionWarm emotional attachment
- cuddleAffectionate close embrace
touch · caregiving · intimacy · connection · warmth · eye contact · holding · babywearing
Change from one state
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- acclimatizationAdjusting to new conditions
- reorientationChanging one's bearings
- new normalAltered baseline after disruption
sleep deprivation · routine · parental leave · support system · exhaustion · overwhelm · learning curve · patience
Lactation-based infant nourishment
- engorgementOverfilling causing swelling
- colostrumInitial postpartum milk
- mastitisMammary gland infection
- nursingMedical caretaking profession
letdown · latch · pumping · milk supply · cluster feeding · bottle feeding · formula · weaning
Very young child
- colicSpasmodic abdominal distress
- bassinetPortable infant bed
- pacifierInfant sucking device
- cribSmall bed with rails
diapers · onesies · lullabies · nursery · naptime · sleep deprivation · feeding schedule · umbilical cord
recovery
Regaining what was lost
- perineumArea between genitals, anus
- postnatalAfter childbirth
- involutionInward-turning process
diastasis · episiotomy · baby blues · postpartum depression · afterbirth · midwife · doula · healing · night sweats · hair loss
attachment
Connection or fondness
- skin-to-skinUnclothed bodily touching
- closenessState of proximity
- affectionWarm emotional attachment
cuddle · touch · caregiving · intimacy · connection · warmth · eye contact · holding · babywearing · kangaroo care
transition
Change from one state
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- acclimatizationAdjusting to new conditions
- reorientationChanging one's bearings
new normal · sleep deprivation · routine · parental leave · support system · exhaustion · overwhelm · learning curve · patience · self-care
breastfeeding
Lactation-based infant nourishment
- engorgementOverfilling causing swelling
- colostrumInitial postpartum milk
- mastitisMammary gland infection
nursing · letdown · latch · pumping · milk supply · cluster feeding · bottle feeding · formula · weaning · breast pads
infant
Very young child
crib · diapers · onesies · lullabies · nursery · naptime · sleep deprivation · feeding schedule · umbilical cord · meconium
fourth trimesterfirst trimester
Pregnancy's initial twelve weeks
pregnancy · gestation · in utero · second trimester · third trimester
fourth trimestertoddlerhood
Stage of learning walking
childhood · adolescence · independence · self-sufficiency · weaning
fourth, four, fourths, fourthly, fourteen, fourteenth, forty, fortieth, fourfold