Fourth Trimester

Honouring the Fourth Trimester: Rest, Recovery, and Reconnection

The moment your baby is born, so are you — as a mother. And yet, in our fast-paced culture, this sacred time of transformation is often overlooked, rushed, or even dismissed. The postnatal period, often called the Fourth Trimester, is a deeply important time for rest, healing, bonding, and integration.

Across the world, cultures have long recognised the first 40 days after birth as a time of sacred pause. In India, new mothers are supported in "jaappa" which is a period of rest and warmth. Provided with nourishing food, massage, and family care.

In Mexico the practice of "la cuarentena" provides 40 days of nurturing while the mother regains strength.

In China, “zuo yue zi” (sitting the month) is a time of complete rest, warmth, and protection from the outside world.

These traditions may vary, but their essence is the same. The new mother is held, nourished, and honoured. She is not expected to "bounce back" and instead she is supported in gently finding her new rhythm with her baby.

Why the Fourth Trimester Matters

Biologically, emotionally, hormonally, and energetically, the postpartum window is huge.

• Your uterus is healing.

• Your hormones are in deep transition — particularly the sudden drop in progesterone and oestrogen, and the rise in prolactin and oxytocin to support milk production and bonding.

• You may feel sensitive, open, raw ..... energetically wide and all over the place.

• Your nervous system is adjusting to sleepless nights, new demands, and a completely changed reality.

Taking it slow in this time isn't indulgent. It's essential.

Rest in these early weeks supports:
🕊️ Physical recovery
🕊️ Breastfeeding success
🕊️ Emotional and mental well-being
🕊️ Bonding with baby
🕊️ Long-term maternal health

When we try to do too much too soon we risk depletion, anxiety, overwhelm, and disconnect.

How You Can Prepare for the First 40 Days

Whether you’re planning for your own postpartum or supporting a loved one, here are some ways to create a nourishing Fourth Trimester:

🌿 Plan for rest as much as birth – Who will cook? Clean? Help with older children? Make rest your main job.
🌿 Stock up on warm, nourishing foods – Think soups, stews, porridge, teas. Hire help or freeze meals ahead of time.
🌿 Create a cosy “nest” – A comfy spot to rest, feed, and cuddle your baby. Keep essentials nearby.
🌿 Limit visitors – You don’t need to host or entertain. Your only task is to be. 
🌿 Ask for support – Whether it’s your partner, family, a doula, or friend, be clear about what you need.
🌿 Honour your emotions – Cry, laugh, be quiet, be angry. All of it is valid.
🌿 Protect your energy – Think of yourself as a newborn too — tender and open. Avoid over stimulation and drop into stillness where you can.

A Gift for You: Fourth Trimester Guided Meditation

To support you in softening into this sacred window of time, I’ve created a Fourth Trimester Guided Meditation. It’s a gentle, loving space to connect with your body, your baby, and your breath — and to remind you that you are enough, exactly as you are. You can enjoy the full collection of guided meditations in Breathe for Birth - Maiden to Mother here for just £18. 

🌀 Or you can access the Fourth Trimester guided meditation for free here

You were never meant to do this alone.
You were meant to be held, too

Melissa x