Trimester 1,2,3,4,5- Pregnancy and Beyond, You Can Survive

INTRODUCTION

Lauren Smith Brody: The Fifth Trimester

The Fifth Trimester is when the working mom is born. If the first three trimesters are pregnancy and the fourth is the newborn phase, the fifth is when mom heads back to work…often before she’s physically or emotionally ready to be there. And yet there she is, because that’s the reality for American women right now. (25% of new working moms are back on the job two weeks after birth. And only 56% of working moms even qualify for unpaid FMLA leave. The percentage who can afford to take all of that time off unpaid is even lower.)

 

THE CHANGING BODY Hair Loss Honor your body Be patient with your body

 

PLANNING THE RETURN

CHILDCARE Daycare Nanny Family

 

PLANNING TO QUIT It’s normal The Five steps The discomfort is temporary Think about what you get out of work Realize what your job gets out of you Consider phasing back in Enjoy a bit of success

 

RELATIONSHIPS Partner Make time for each other Date nights It’s his baby too Communicate, communicate How not to kill your husband after having kids Pick no battles Friends Changing dynamics Ask for help

 

WORK CHANGES

Dry run before the actual return day Shift flexibility Pump breaks & Pumping spaces Know your rights Speak up Choosing part-time Postpartum mood disorder support ADA accommodations Prioritizing your career or not Judging and shaming Formula vs. breast milk, co-sleeping vs sleeping solo, sleep training Handling the conversations Acknowledge their interest. “I appreciate that you’re thinking about what’s best for our family. I know you love us/ care. Here is what we think is best. Legitimize their cultural cluelessness. “As you can see, this is a topic and debate that so many people are having right now. Here’s the choice we’re making” Deflect their attention by asking, “What did YOU do?”

 

PEDIATRICIAN APPOINTMENTS 4 Month Check your baby's weight, length, and head circumference 2nd round of (DTaP, Hib, polio, PCV, and rotavirus)

6 month

Physical Weaning questions Developmental milestones

 

This concludes the series of Trimester 1, 2, 3, 4, 5- Pregnancy and Beyond, You Can Survive. Thank you for joining us on this journey! You're welcome to reach out with any questions with an email to [email protected]

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Trust that you're making the right choices. Take pressure off of yourself to try everything. You're doing a great job Momma, see you next week!