The idea behind the fourth trimester is to be aware of this big change for our babies and be sensitive to it.
The fourth trimester is not a medical term. Pregnancy is of course categorized by three trimesters. The idea of a fourth trimester is something that families have embraced wholeheartedly in recent times. It is the belief that the first three month's of a newborn's life is basically an extension of life in the womb. It is a time where your baby might respond very well to anything that reminds them of the comfort they felt in that third trimester while they were curled up in your womb.
It makes a lot of sense really. Imagine the way our babies must feel during that third trimester? They're warm, snuggled up and they don't feel hunger, thirst or hot/cold. They are perfectly content with their every want and need catered for. Suddenly they are born in to a world where there are loud noises, cold hands and lots of new and strange experiences. It must be a scary experience for our little babies.
The idea behind the fourth trimester is to be aware of this big change for our babies and be sensitive to it. There are many theories behind the way in which embracing the fourth trimester can make those first couple of months with a newborn a much more peaceful time for both baby and the parents.
There are a number of things that we as parents can do to help our babies feel comfortable and adjust to this new world when they are born. Some of these things are as follows.
It makes a lot of sense really. Imagine the way our babies must feel during that third trimester? They're warm, snuggled up and they don't feel hunger, thirst or hot/cold. They are perfectly content with their every want and need catered for. Suddenly they are born in to a world where there are loud noises, cold hands and lots of new and strange experiences. It must be a scary experience for our little babies.
The idea behind the fourth trimester is to be aware of this big change for our babies and be sensitive to it. There are many theories behind the way in which embracing the fourth trimester can make those first couple of months with a newborn a much more peaceful time for both baby and the parents.
There are a number of things that we as parents can do to help our babies feel comfortable and adjust to this new world when they are born. Some of these things are as follows.
- Baby Wearing – If I had a penny for every time someone told me they couldn't be without their sling. Babies respond really well to being worn in a wrap or sling. They love being close to a parent. The warmth and sense of security encourage calmness.
- Breastfeeding – Babies are born with a natural reflex and understanding that our breasts produce milk. Breastfeeding our babies is one of the most comforting things we can do to soothe and nourish our little ones. The physical contact is also a very important factor.
- Skin To Skin – It really is of imperative importance. Skin to skin is important for so many reasons. It regulates your babies temperature, reassures and soothes your baby and aids in milk production as our hormones send signals to our breasts when our baby is nearby. It is a beautiful thing and there can never be too much skin to skin.
- White Noise – Many babies enjoy sounds of nature or lapping water for example. These sounds are thought to be a comforting and familiar sound for our babies as it sounds similar to what they heard while in the womb.
- Move Around – Ever wonder why your baby seems happier in transit? The car seat, sling, pram or just walking around the house being held. Babies respond well to movement and motions such as swaying. It makes sense when we consider the dynamics of being in the womb and constantly being moved around as the mother goes about her day.
The idea behind the fourth trimester is to help your baby adjust to “our world”. It's actually a really lovely way of approaching this precious time.
Written by Tracey, mummy blogger and staff with www.familyfriendlyhq.ie
Check out her own blog at love-of-living.blogspot.ie
Check out her own blog at love-of-living.blogspot.ie