What Is the Fourth Trimester—And Why Does It Matter?
The fourth trimester is the first 12 weeks after birth. It’s a time of huge transformation—not just for your baby, but for you. In many cultures around the world, this period is deeply respected and honored. Mothers are nurtured, cared for, and supported while they rest, heal, and bond with their babies.
But here in the U.S., the focus often shifts entirely to the baby, and the mother—who has just done the most physically and emotionally intense thing her body will ever do—is expected to bounce back, host visitors, and get back to “normal.”
Let’s change that.
How Other Cultures Care for New Mothers
All around the world, traditions exist to protect and care for postpartum mothers:
In China, new mothers observe a “Zuo Yue Zi” or “sitting month,” where they remain inside, warm, and cared for—free from everyday responsibilities.
In Vietnam, it’s common for a new mom to go live with her mother for three full months of rest and support.
In Somalia, there’s “afantanbah.” In many Latin American cultures, there’s “La Cuarentena”—a 40-day period where the mother rests and is nurtured.
In Bali, mothers don’t even step into the kitchen until the baby’s cord stump falls off.
These customs are rooted in the understanding that healing takes time, and that the mother’s well-being is essential for her baby’s, too.
Even in places like New Zealand, Holland, and England, it’s common for midwives or nurses to visit the home regularly to check on mom and baby—making sure breastfeeding is going well and that the mother is truly resting.
And in early Colonial America, postpartum recovery was taken seriously. Mothers observed a “lying in” period, where they were cared for by other women in the community and given a full month to rest and recover.
So, What Can You Do to Honor the Fourth Trimester?
That’s where the “5-5-5” rule comes in:
Five days in the bed, five days on the bed, five days around the bed.
The idea is to gradually increase your activity while prioritizing deep rest in those first two weeks postpartum. This gentle pace allows your body to recover, your hormones to regulate, and your bond with baby to grow strong and uninterrupted. It also helps support breastfeeding, which often takes time, patience, and presence to establish.
Of course, not everyone has the luxury of staying in bed for 15 days—especially with other children or no family nearby. But that’s where preparation comes in.
Start Planning in the Third Trimester
This doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does need to be intentional.
Start with meals. Batch cook and freeze nourishing food. Stock up on snacks you can eat one-handed while nursing.
Line up support. If your mom or mother-in-law isn’t available or helpful, think about who else might be—a friend, a sibling, a neighbor.
And don’t overlook professional support. Postpartum doulas are amazing (and often more affordable than you’d think). They don’t just care for baby—they care for you, so you can care for your baby. Add a few hours with a postpartum doula to your baby registry. Truly—it’s the shower gift that keeps on giving.
You Were Born Too
Your baby isn’t the only one who just entered the world. You were born too—a new version of yourself. And you deserve care, support, and space to grow into that new role.
The 5-5-5 plan is simple, but not always easy. That’s why building your support team—before the baby arrives—can make all the difference.
💛 Need help planning for the fourth trimester or figuring out how to protect your healing and feeding journey? Let’s connect. I offer prenatal consults, postpartum support, and breastfeeding guidance—virtually or in person.
👉 Click here to schedule your consult
Honor your rest. Prioritize healing. Let your postpartum be just as sacred as your birth. 💛