The introductory episode of Fourth Trimester answers questions around doula care, postpartum care, and helps provide parents with an overview of some care options. For example, what are the strategies for taking care of the partner and the rest of the family while looking after your newborn?  Thanks for listening! Sarah & Esther xo

https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

What is the Fourth Trimester? What is a doula?

My name is Sarah Trott. I'm a new mama to a vivacious baby girl and this podcast is all about postpartum care for the few months following birth, the time period also known as the Fourth Trimester. My postpartum doula, Esther Gallagher, is my co-host. She’s a mother, grandmother, perinatal educator, birth and postpartum care provider. I've benefitted hugely from her support. All parents can benefit from the wisdom and support that a postpartum Doula provides. Fourth trimester care is about the practical, emotional and social support parents and baby require, and importantly, helps set the tone for the lifelong journey of parenting. This podcast provides resources for new parents and examines the socio-cultural influences on parenting. 

When I first became pregnant, I had never heard of postpartum Doulas, let alone knew what they did. So much of the training and preparation that expecting parents do is focused on the birth and newborn care. Once baby is born, often the first interaction parents have with medical or child professionals, other than the first pediatrician visits, is the six-week checkup with the OB/GYN. What about caring for mama and family between the birth and the six week doctor visit? What are the strategies for taking care of the partner and the rest of the family while looking after your newborn? 

Our podcasts contain expert interviews with specialists from many fields to cover topics including postpartum doula practices, prenatal care, prenatal and postnatal yoga, parenting, breastfeeding, physical recovery from birth, nutrition, newborn care, midwifery, negotiating family visitation, and many more.

First-hand experience is shared through lots of stories from both new and seasoned parents. Hear what other parents are asking and what they have done in their own lives. 

We reference other podcasts, internet resources and real-life experts who can help you on your own parenting journey. Visit our site at https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/

We hope you have a well-resourced and enjoyable experience as new parents.

Sarah Trott & Esther Gallagher xo

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Kids & Family

Parenting

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

Self-Improvement

Here to answer the questions you always wanted to ask is Esther Gallagher, long-time birth and postpartum doula. Top questions on this episode include:Are Doulas Worth It? How Much Do they Cost and how do I get the service paid for?Can doulas bill my insurance / is it covered?What about workplace incentives like Carrot and Hello Cleo?Do doulas charge differently for virtual support?What about Medicaid paying for doulas?I’m someone who has had past trauma and I need special kind of support from my doula. Can they help? What is Trauma Informed Care?In terms of advocacy, can you advocate with more than my medical team? Can [you/doula] speak with my [partner, parents, therapist, dr…..]
Links and resources:  fourthtrimesterpodcast.com (all resources below can be found here) Learn more Doula Medicaid Project | Birth Doula 101 | What To Expect From A Postpartum Doula | The Dos & Don'ts Of Being A Respectful & HELPFUL Visitor To A New Parent | Knowledge is Power: Safer Childbirth Advice from Birth Trauma Attorney Gina Mundy Recommended Mindfulness Childbirth and Parenting Courses | Somatic Experiencing

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Doulas But Were Afraid To Ask

Leading pediatric sleep consultant Dr Angelique Millette answers the Top 10 Baby Sleep Questions every parent asks.  We discuss real solutions that are safe and developmentally appropriate for your baby. We talk about solutions that really work and give you and your family the rest you need.  We all know how important sleep is for our mental and physical wellness, and so we’re diving into the topic with someone who has dedicated her life’s work to family sleep solutions - 25 years helping over 15,000 families. Full show notes:  fourthtrimesterpodcast.com  Links and resources mentioned: angeliquemillette.com (Code: 4THTRI10 for 10% OFF & FREE 15 Minute Consult) Safe Sleep Guide for Room Sharing and Bed Sharing (See Resources on fourthtrimesterpodcast.com) Wonder Weeks App Other episodes featuring Dr Angelique Millette: (available on fourthtrimesterpodcast.com) Dr Angelique Millette on Sleep Training  The No-low Cry Sleep Method  Help Your Little One Prepare For Sleeping In Their Own Room

The Top 10 Baby Sleep Questions Every Parent Asks

How can partners prepare for the fourth trimester? Sure, we have lots of practical suggestions such as relationship proofing, practical preparation, but there are some big considerations outside the practical. Listen in to learn how to create a level of connectedness that will ease the way for everything else that is to come. Enjoy! Sarah and Esther xo Full episode notes:  fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

How Partners Can Prepare for Parenthood (The Power of Snuggling)

Parents benefit hugely from having regular and purposeful emotional outlets - when we take care of our own emotions, we are able to be more present, patient and connected with our children and families.  Listening Partnerships are a tool we recommend for every parent to keep in their parenting toolbox. Why? It's FREE, it takes 5 mins a week, and it has tremendous benefits!!!  Sarah and her real-life listening partner Kaitlin Solimine break down how to create and benefit from a listening partnership. Tune in to learn: What is a Listening Partnership Benefits of Listening Partnerships How to create one of your own Tools you can use
Full show notes:  fourthtrimesterpodcast.com  FREE Download Resources: (Go to https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/resources-recommendations/) Customizable Birth Plan / Intentions Document

Listening Partnerships, Unlocking Deeper Connection, and Elevating Family Dynamics

It's Black Maternal Health Week and in this episode Sarah talks with Dr Amanda P Williams about the current state of postpartum maternal health and birth equity. Sarah first heard Dr Williams give the keynote talk at the Future of Maternal Care Summit. She invited Dr Williams onto the program to share her insights with all of our Fourth Trimester listeners. Dr Williams is raising the bar for all birthing people and families by helping hospitals and innovators with improved practices and solutions. She is the Clinical Innovation Advisor with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. Her legacy is about 'finding a better way' in the name of improved outcomes for women and families. Listen to the episode to learn information that impacts us all, including practical guidance new and expecting families can put into practice right away, including:What the data tells us about postpartum maternal health Postpartum medical warning signs and preventing complicationsCreating a postpartum village and doula supportExciting work that’s being done to innovate around maternal careWhere new and expecting parents can go to find resources and supportWhat to gift a pregnant or postpartum person (answer: blood pressure cuff, breast pump, doula)
Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com FREE Download Resources: (Go to https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/resources-recommendations/) Customizable Birth Plan / Intentions Document

What is the Fourth Trimester? What is a doula?

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