The Fourth Trimester: What Really Got Me Through
No one really prepares you for the fourth trimester.
People get so excited about the baby, and trust me, my fourth little one who is now a year old is my world. But when the visitors go home and the newborn high wears off, you are left with the reality of healing, hormones, sleepless nights, and a body that does not feel like yours.
And this was not my first rodeo. I have four kids, and still, the fourth trimester rocked me. With each baby, it looked a little different, but this last time was especially tough. There were moments of pure joy, staring at this little miracle I had been blessed with. And there were moments of tears in the middle of the night, wondering if I would ever feel like myself again. It was messy. It was raw. And it was real.
What saved me were the little things. The not-so-pretty items that made me feel human again when everything felt upside down. If you are walking through the fourth trimester, or preparing to, these are the items I swear by:
My Fourth Trimester Must-Haves
Frida Upside Down Peri Bottle
Let’s be real. The hospital version is a joke. This peri bottle made cleaning up after birth so much easier and less intimidating. The angled spout meant I could actually use it without twisting myself into impossible positions, and the gentle pressure brought relief when everything felt so raw. It gave me one less thing to dread in those early bathroom trips.
Disposable Boyshort Briefs
No one talks about how glamorous postpartum underwear is… because it is not. These disposable briefs were a lifesaver. They were soft, stretchy, and actually stayed in place compared to those mesh hospital ones that dig and sag. They made me feel a little more put together in a season when nothing about my body felt familiar. And yes, sometimes diapers work too. Zero shame in that.
Perineal Healing Foam
Cooling. Soothing. Heaven. This foam became my ritual after every bathroom trip. It took away the sting, eased the swelling, and honestly gave me a sense of relief that I looked forward to. It is one of those things you do not know you need until you use it.
Perineal Comfort Cushion
I spent hours on this cushion while nursing, scrolling on my phone, or simply trying to survive the day. Sitting was painful without it, and this gave me just enough support and comfort to make feeding sessions bearable. It was always nearby, and it made me feel like someone had finally thought about what moms actually go through.
Delivery and Nursing Gown
This gown was a game-changer. The snaps made nursing and exams easier, and the fabric felt soft instead of scratchy. Wearing it in the hospital gave me a sense of dignity and normalcy when I felt like my body was on display. It was simple, but it made me feel like a person again, not just a patient.
Postpartum Abdominal Support Binder
No one prepared me for how heavy and unsupported my belly would feel after giving birth. This binder held me together, literally. It helped me move around without wincing every time I stood up and gave me a sense of strength when my core felt so weak. It made those first few weeks so much easier.
Breastfeeding Survival Kit
No one warns you how painful breastfeeding can be. Between cracked nipples, engorgement, and mastitis (which I had twice), this kit saved me. The ice packs, the soothing pads, the tools I did not even know I needed — all of it helped me push through the hardest parts of nursing. I used it in those early days, and even months later it was still a staple.
Why I Am Sharing This
Even as a mom of four, I can tell you the fourth trimester is no joke. It strips you down and rebuilds you in ways you do not expect. These items did not just make recovery easier. They gave me pieces of myself back when I felt lost in the fog of new motherhood.
If you are in it right now, know this. You are not alone. It is hard. It is messy. But you will get through it. And along the way, do not be afraid to lean on whatever helps you feel like yourself again.
Signed,
Selah