We bet every mom will never forget the moment they found out they were pregnant. The excitement to finally meet your little bundle of joy, the twinning outfits you will wear together, and the places you will visit. Then you give birth, see your beautiful child, and just a few days after, you realized that with everything you've prepared for, you're still not ready to be a mom! You suddenly miss being pregnant. It's valid.
Like new mom Trina "Hopia" Legaspi who just gave birth just over a week ago, she said she already misses her pregnant self.
The former child star of Goin' Bulilit shared a video montage on Instagram showing her growing belly bump until her Baby Kaela's arrival. "Hello 4th trimester! Whew!" she wrote.
She added, "I miss being pregnant: Kaela’s kicks in my tummy, eating whatever I want, 8 hours of sleep plus naps… and etc! Now she’s here, it’s challenging and overwhelming yet I’m falling in love with her more and more."
We feel you, mama Hopia! The fourth trimester is probably one of the hardest parts of being a mother. This is the period between birth and 12 weeks postpartum, when the mom is doing two important things: recovering after a major operation, may it be normal or cesarean birth, and adjusting to her new role.
"Most women would benefit from much closer follow-up during the fourth trimester."
In a previous Smart Parenting article, the fourth trimester is described as a time when moms are very vulnerable, with the hormonal imbalances, lack of sleep, and all, and caring for mental health is just as important as physical health.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWWe can't blame Hopia when she said that the fourth trimester is challenging and overwhelming because it is! This is the time when a mom experiences baby blues, which may or may not lead to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders like postpartum depression.
"Women and their families experience substantial physiological, social, and emotional changes. Why, then, do we not offer careful monitoring, support, and anticipatory guidance with the same fervor as in the weeks before childbirth, in order to keep women safe? Most women would benefit from much closer follow-up during the fourth trimester," said Ilona T. Goldfarb, MD, MPH in an article on Harvard Health Publishing.
That's why the fourth trimester is the best time for the mom's support system to shower her with love and extend help in whatever way they can.
READ ALSO: Coping with Baby Blues? Real Moms Share Tips on Overcoming It
Tips for moms who are in their fourth trimester
Here are some tips for moms who are or are preparing for their fourth trimester.
1. Open up about your thoughts and feelings to your family and your doctor
During your first check-up with an OB-Gyne after giving birth, while they might be keen on knowing how you are recovering physically, take this opportunity to consult about your mental health. If you have been feeling sad or overwhelmed, especially if you have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression pre-pregnancy, you may want to open this up with your OB so that they may recommend steps that can help you cope with it.
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowAccording to Harvard Health Publishing, you may want to discuss these questions to your doctor during your check-up:
- Do you have medical or emotional conditions that are expected to change during the postpartum period?
- Will any medications you take need to be adjusted?
- What warning signs should you or your family look for?
- When is the best time for your first postpartum check-up?
READ ALSO: Mom Guilt Is A Valid Emotion: It Doesn't Necessarily Mean You Have Postpartum Depression
2. Be part of a village
Caring for a newborn is not easy, and you don't have to do it alone. You can ask for help at any point in time, and you have the right to ask questions about anything you want to know.
It's up to you if you want to be part of a small group of moms (you can gather up your close friends in a group chat) or a big group of moms and dads from all walks of life. If you need the latter, you are free to join the Smart Parenting Village, our Facebook group where you can also ask questions anonymously and engage in other topics.
3. Read up
Smart Parenting exists for all the new moms and dads who are slowly but surely figuring out parenting on their own terms. You can draw inspiration from the experiences of both celebrity and non-celebrity parents, learn from fact-based and expert-driven articles and videos, and also share your story.
If you are a first-time parent, watch this video on how to care for your newborn.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWWe got you, mama! You are not alone. Read 10 things Pinay moms miss about being pregnant here.
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