Your 4th Trimester Checklist: 10 Must-Haves
Congratulations, your little one is finally here (or almost)! Welcome to the 4th trimester, the crucial period after birth where you and your baby will undergo many changes.
You spent many months preparing for this moment…
You endured pregnancy and birth, and now postpartum is at your doorstep. Typically, the 4th trimester doesn’t politely knock on your door. Usually, she comes rushing in, not giving you much time to prepare.
The 4th Trimester is an incredibly transformative time for you, your baby, and your entire family.
So, if the postpartum period feels like a whirlwind right now, know that it won’t always be. Let us help calm that whirlwind into a gentle breeze. With the right tools and mindset, postpartum can be a time of bonding, recovery, and locking in new rhythms for your family.
Or better yet, if you haven’t given birth, now is the time to plan ahead.
Because checklists make our hearts sing, we’ve put together a 4th Trimester Checklist, just for you.
What is the Fourth Trimester?
The best way to describe the 4th trimester is this:
A beautiful continuation of your pregnancy, except now, your baby is earthside.
You’re still adjusting to life with a baby, recovering from childbirth, and adapting to changes as they come. In the meantime, your baby is adjusting to new sights, sounds, and sensations. It’s quite an adjustment for both of you.
So, why is it important to highlight this stage?
The 4th trimester is your prime opportunity to embody mindfulness when it comes to your healing and cultivating an unbreakable bond with your baby. And the more prepared you are, the better off you’ll be.
Let’s take a look at the checklist.
1 – Meet Your Mental and Emotional Needs With a Support Plan
During the 4th trimester, your body is still adjusting to not being pregnant anymore. Your changing hormones can bring on all kinds of big emotions.
It will be important to create a support plan. Create a plan that works for your schedule, family, and personal needs. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed and exhausted to seek help. Putting yourself in desperation mode isn’t good for anyone involved.
Here are three areas to draw from while creating a support plan:
- Your partner: Communicate with your partner about how they can be most helpful. Consider allowing them to take over meal prep, share baby care, and help with chores around the house.
- Family and friends: Reach out to your family and friends for help too. Tell them what is most helpful, whether it’s running errands, pet care, or doing laundry for you.
- Professional support: Hiring a postpartum doula could be a complete game-changer for your 4th Trimester. Doulas provide newborn care expertise, overnight care (so you can sleep), emotional support and more.
2 – Perineal Spray and Cooling Pads
After giving birth, you’re going to be sore. Your perineum will need extra care. One of the best ways to relieve this soreness is with perineal spray and cooling pads. These tried and true items help reduce discomfort, provide relief from swelling, and allow you to heal faster.
Cooling pads can be placed directly into your underwear or on your perineal area. You can use perineal spray directly on the affected area, or on a cooling pad for extra relief.
Cooling pad top picks:
Perineal spray top picks:
4 – Peri Bottle
If you thought the scariest part of labor was pushing your baby out… think again.
The first postpartum bowel movement might take the cake. A tool that will help this uncomfortable part of the 4th trimester is the peri bottle.
You’ll find that wiping with toilet paper after using the bathroom is uncomfortable or even painful. A peri bottle allows you to gently cleanse the area without irritating it.
The hospital or birth center will likely provide you with one, but there are others you can buy for yourself too. It helps to have one where the spout points up. So, consider stocking up on one of these for your 4th trimester.
Peri-bottle top picks:
5 – Nursing Bras & Breast Pads
Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or using a combination of both, nursing bras and breast pads are a must-have.
There are so many types of nursing bras on the market, it might be helpful to try out a few different ones. They allow for extremely easy breastfeeding and maximum comfort.
Nursing bra top picks:
Breast pads save your shirt from unexpected milk leaks (which will happen). You can keep both reusable and disposable ones on hand for easy use. They are small, discreet and will save your shirts when you decide to leave the house.
Breast pad top picks:
6 – Nipple Cream or Ointment
With breastfeeding sometimes you will experience: nipple soreness and cracking.
Choosing a quality nipple cream can help healing and provide relief even with on-demand feedings. Applying the cream after each feeding session will keep your skin hydrated and decrease the likelihood of cracking. Make sure to find a cream that is safe for breastfeeding.
Nipple relief top picks:
7 – Belly Wrap
Belly wraps provide additional support as your body heals. Your core needs time to strengthen and get back to normal after pregnancy and childbirth. So, a belly wrap can help reduce swelling and offer gentle compression as you slowly become more active.
Belly wrap top picks:
8 – Comfy, Loose Clothing
During your 4th trimester, comfort is the theme.
You’ll be caring for a newborn and allowing your body to heal. Don’t constrict yourself with non-forgiving fabric or anything uncomfortable.
You’ll get back to your skinny jeans soon enough.
For now, invest in soft fabric, stretchy materials, and outfits that are easy to take on and off. Grab a few soft joggers, oversized shirts, and a cozy robe. Comfortable clothes will help you heal and feel less anxious.
Comfy postpartum clothes top picks:
9 – Water Bottle with Straw
Hydration is extremely important for postpartum recovery. Whether breastfeeding or not, your body will lose a lot of resources. The best way to rejuvenate a depleted body is by drinking water.
And having a stylish water bottle with a straw will make drinking water more accessible, easy, and enjoyable. Look for a bottle that is large enough to hold plenty of water, and keep it nearby while you care for your baby and rest. (Extra tip: usually the hospital gives you a large one to take home).
But if you want to buy one of your own, here are…
Water bottle top picks:
10 – Baby Care Cart
Keep all your baby care essentials an arm’s length away. This way, you won’t have to move much for diaper changes, pumping, grabbing a burp rag, or whatever else your baby needs.
Here are a few things to keep in your baby care cart:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Sound machine
- Changing mat
- Pacifiers
- Extra clothing (for you and your baby)
- Burp rags
- Diaper cream
- Lotion
- Medications
You can find plenty of portable carts to move around needed items anywhere in your house.
We Know Everything About the 4th Trimester
Still have questions about the 4th trimester?
Our doulas are knowledgeable, helpful, and ready to jump into action. We’re always here to educate and add value to your postpartum recovery.
Also check out: Postpartum Bleeding: From Padzilla to Pantyliners, Third Trimester Checklist, Second Trimester Checklist, First Trimester Checklist
