{"id":42897,"date":"2024-05-22T09:50:21","date_gmt":"2024-05-22T16:50:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womensvoice.com\/en-ca\/?p=42897"},"modified":"2024-05-29T13:10:58","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T20:10:58","slug":"the-fourth-trimester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/womensvoice.com\/en-ca\/articles\/health\/the-fourth-trimester\/","title":{"rendered":"The Fourth Trimester"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/womensvoice.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/4thtrimester_banner_1000x480.png” alt=”Title: The Soil Crisis.
\nImage of a bare foot on brown soil” title_text=”4thtrimester_banner_1000x480″ admin_label=”Fullwidth Image” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][et_pb_fullwidth_code raw_content_tablet=”<\/p>\n

Parents face ongoing challenges in raising healthy, well-nourished children in a world where sugary temptations lurk around every corner.<\/p>\n

” raw_content_phone=”” raw_content_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Text – Fullwidth Leader Text” module_id=”fullwidth-leader-text” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]The post-partum phase is described as the six-week to six-month period following delivery. It is said to end when the mother\u2019s body has returned to its pre-pregnant state.<\/pee>[\/et_pb_fullwidth_code][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Body Content” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#509aa6″ header_font_size=”40px” header_line_height=”40px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”30px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_letter_spacing_last_edited=”off|phone” header_line_height_tablet=”” header_line_height_phone=”30px” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

POST-PARTUM RECOVERY<\/h5>\n

The post-partum phase is described as the six-week to six-month period following delivery. It is said to end when the mother\u2019s body has returned to its pre-pregnant state. Returned? Some of us never return to that state. At least not without some help.
Unlike many other animal species, human babies are born relatively early. We evict them from our bodies in a helpless state after only nine months because of their enormous heads. The following 12\u202fweeks, or the \u201cfourth trimester,\u201d is pivotal for the mother\u2019s healing and the baby\u2019s development.<\/p>\n

IT MAY NOT GO AS PLANNED<\/h5>\n

During my fourth trimester, I planned to follow the 5-5-5 recovery plan, but an emergency C-section interrupted it, turning it into a 5-5-35! In other words, I spent five days in bed, five days sitting on the bed, and 35 days around the bed before transitioning to climbing stairs or carrying anything heavier than my 7\u202flb newborn. At 39, I was also told my healing abilities would be less than average, given my advanced<\/em> maternal age. Regardless, I planned to recover as best I could by preparing a few months in advance. What worked for me might not work for you, but here is my journey.<\/p>\n

STOCK UP ON HEALING FOODS<\/h5>\n

Following traditional Chinese medicine, I stocked my pantry with warming and healing meal ingredients. I\u202fensured plenty of root vegetables, rice, oats, spices (ginger, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and fennel seeds), and red raspberry leaf tea were in my cabinet. I filled my freezer with two dozen servings of homemade chicken broth, chilis, and stews. Not only did this save time in those hectic first few weeks, but it also helped my husband out!<\/p>\n

EMBRACE THE EMOTIONS<\/h5>\n

For me, the fourth trimester was a time of massive change, forged relationships, and crying\u2026 a lot of crying. It was an intoxicating blend of bliss intertwined with fear and contemplation. What did we do?<\/em> So, I\u202fstarted a daily journal to help get my feelings out on paper. Thankfully, higher prolactin levels helped this process progress in the next two weeks. I also learned it was OK to choose my visitors, especially when not everyone\u2019s intentions and energies would meld well with the vulnerable state I was in.<\/p>\n

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT<\/h5>\n

During this intensely chaotic time, I supported myself with some essentials to maintain good nutrient status for myself and my daughter. And although I struggled with producing enough milk in the beginning, I was blessed with being able to breastfeed her.
So I knew that taking my prenatal vitamins with iron and vitamin K2, phosphatidylcholine, and an omega-3 blend with vitamin D would also support her.<\/p>\n

FOR THE NOT-SO-EASILY QUEASY<\/h5>\n

Mothers develop placentas with the sole purpose of transporting nutrients to their unborn babies. I also wanted it to help sustain me, and surprisingly, I had much support from the hospital nurses to enable this. Once home, and after getting past the ick factor, I froze two-inch portions to add to my daily smoothie. I\u202fenjoyed a powerfully nutritious and tasty drink for nearly three weeks with organic maca powder, protein-dense spirulina, frozen berries, and organic yogurt supporting my microbiome. Plus, it provided closure to the process in a way I felt I had missed by not having the vaginal delivery I had planned.<\/p>\n

CARVING OUT TIME FOR MYSELF<\/h5>\n

Although there appeared to be no me-time in the first few months, I tried to get 30\u202fminutes of self-care daily. This meant enough time for me to have a healing sitz bath, prepared with half a cup of Epsom salts in warm water, a few pellets of arnica to help heal my traumatized parts, and different essential oils depending on my mood. I made time to reflect on my altered body and mind, helping me become more enlightened about my post-partum journey.<\/p>\n

To all new moms, recognition of the fourth trimester is often a mere one-page nod at the end of a pregnancy book. But we all need to give this vital trimester more attention. Rather than feeling pressured to bounce back to the \u201cway we were,\u201d mothers should feel more supported to take basic steps that help their changing bodies and emotions. Finding comfort and validation through embracing this transition can be very beautiful.<\/p>\n

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POST-PARTUM RECOVERY The post-partum phase is described as the six-week to six-month period following delivery. It is said to end when the mother\u2019s body has returned to its pre-pregnant state. Returned? Some of us never return to that state. At least not without some help.Unlike many other animal species, human babies are born relatively early. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":76,"featured_media":42899,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"

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This is the Full-Width Leader Text that many articles feature. The color changed in the Custom CSS settings in the post editor.<\/p>

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How to Clone this Content (Note: This is an H2)<\/h2>

To make the process of adding new articles to the WV site as simple as possible, please follow these steps.<\/p>

  1. Duplicate the Template Page<\/strong>
    1. In the EN-CA Admin Backend, navigate to Posts<\/li>
    2. Hover over the \"Article Template for Cloning\" post and click \"Duplicate This\"<\/li>
    3. Use the \"Quick Edit\" feature to quickly change the Title, Slug, Author, Category and Tags<\/li>
    4. Use the \"Edit\" link to open the post editor<\/li><\/ol><\/li>
    5. Configure the Header and Feature Images<\/strong>
      1. Change the full-width header image<\/li>
      2. Navigate to the \"Advanced\" tab of the image module and set the ALT TAG for the image<\/li>
      3. Remove the placeholder feature image<\/li>
      4. Change the feature header image, be sure to set the ALT TAG before setting the feature image<\/li><\/ol><\/li>
      5. Add the Written Content<\/strong>
        1. Copy the text from the PDF article into a PLAIN TEXT editor<\/li>
        2. Clean up the text, remove any extra spaces<\/li>
        3. Copy and paste the text from the PLAIN TEXT editor into the \"Text - Body Content\" module<\/li>
        4. Keep the text modification as simple as possible. Use H2-H6 titles, use blockquotes, etc<\/li>
        5. Modify the CSS in the Custom CSS section of the page (rather than changing the Divi content). Keep it simple by only marginally changing the font sizes and colours.<\/li>
        6. Add the EXCERPT to the post settings<\/li>
        7. Add TITLE tags for any links in the article<\/li>
        8. If there are references in the article
          1. Add those to the \"Text - References\" module. This module is set by default to use the proper font sizing and layout.<\/li>
          2. Add links to the references using the #references bookmark ID<\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><\/li>
          3. Add Custom Images<\/strong>
            1. As simply as possible, add images from the PDF article into the HTML text<\/li>
            2. Don't get carried away with adding every image in-line as it appears in the magazine<\/li>
            3. Once an image is set, make sure you have an ALT TAG set for it<\/li><\/ol><\/li>
            4. Update the Yoast SEO Settings<\/strong>
              1. Set the focus keyphrase<\/li>
              2. Set the meta description<\/li>
              3. Set the related keyphrases (if appropriate)<\/li>
              4. Set related posts - preferably based on related phrases\/topics from this article<\/li><\/ol><\/li>
              5. Quick QA Checklist<\/strong>
                1. Preview the layout on mobile to make sure it reads well<\/li>
                2. Make sure all images have ALT Tags<\/li>
                3. Make sure all links have TITLE tags<\/li>
                4. Make sure the article is set to display in a category<\/li>
                5. Make sure the article has tags (if appropriate)<\/li>
                6. Make sure the author is set. If there is no personality author (such as a doctor) set the author to be \"Women's Voice\".<\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol>

                  This is an H3 I'm making this long so I can test the line height settings<\/h3>

                  And this is yet another paragraph. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, minim molestie argumentum est at, pri legere torquatos instructior ex. Vis id odio atomorum oportere, quem modo fabellas sit at, dicat semper est ne. Apeirian detraxit pri eu. No solum accusam has. Ius ne harum mundi clita, eu pro tation audiam.<\/p>

                  This is a blockquote. It is meant to stand out and be inspiring for the reader, pulling them through the content.<\/p><\/blockquote>

                  Sed dicit necessitatibus in, id posse nominati eos. Ea vel dictas facilisi adipiscing, verear phaedrum sed ei, omnes oblique sanctus mea ex. Iudico pertinacia constituam cu eos. Te vel fugit libris, libris nemore no pri, graece oportere sea ea. Amet omnium epicuri cum te, sonet dignissim abhorreant pro ea, mei petentium constituam ad. Suscipit gloriatur necessitatibus has et.<\/p>

                  This sentence is an H4 I'm making this long so I can test the line height settings<\/h4>

                  Here is another paragraph. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, minim molestie argumentum est at, pri legere torquatos instructior ex. Vis id odio atomorum oportere, quem modo fabellas sit at, dicat semper est ne. Apeirian detraxit pri eu. No solum accusam has. Ius ne harum mundi clita, eu pro tation audiam.<\/p>

                  • This is a bulleted list<\/li>
                  • With a few points to it<\/li>
                  • Good for explaining things in blocks<\/li><\/ul>

                    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, minim molestie argumentum est at, pri legere torquatos instructior ex. Vis id odio atomorum oportere, quem modo fabellas sit at, dicat semper est ne. Apeirian detraxit pri eu. No solum accusam has. Ius ne harum mundi clita, eu pro tation audiam.<\/p>

                    This is an example of an H5 I'm making this long so I can test the line height settings<\/h5>

                    Sed dicit necessitatibus in, id posse nominati eos. Ea vel dictas facilisi adipiscing, verear phaedrum sed ei, omnes oblique sanctus mea ex. Iudico pertinacia constituam cu eos. Te vel fugit libris, libris nemore no pri, graece oportere sea ea. Amet omnium epicuri cum te, sonet dignissim abhorreant pro ea, mei petentium constituam ad. Suscipit gloriatur necessitatibus has et.<\/p>

                    1. This is an ordered list<\/li>
                    2. Where items appear with numbers<\/li>
                    3. This is good for explaining a process or ranking<\/li><\/ol>
                      And lastly an H6 I'm making this long so I can test the line height settings<\/h6>

                      Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, minim molestie argumentum est at, pri legere torquatos instructior ex. Vis id odio atomorum oportere, quem modo fabellas sit at, dicat semper est ne. Apeirian detraxit pri eu. No solum accusam has. Ius ne harum mundi clita, eu pro tation audiam.<\/p>

                      Sed dicit necessitatibus in, id posse nominati eos. Ea vel dictas facilisi adipiscing, verear phaedrum sed ei, omnes oblique sanctus mea ex. Iudico pertinacia constituam cu eos. Te vel fugit libris, libris nemore no pri, graece oportere sea ea. Amet omnium epicuri cum te, sonet dignissim abhorreant pro ea, mei petentium constituam ad. Suscipit gloriatur necessitatibus has et.<\/p>

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                      References<\/h4>
                      1. Shifren JL, Mons BU, Russo PA, et al. Problems and distress in United States women: prevalence and correlates. Obstet Gynecol. 2008; 112(5):970-978.<\/li>
                      2. Rosenbaum TY. Musculoskeletal pain and sexual function in women. J Med. 2010; 7(2pt 1):645-653.<\/li>
                      3. Davis SR, Van der Mooren MJ, Van Lunsen RH, et al. Efficacy and safety of a testosterone patch for the treatment of hypoactive desire disorder in surgically menopausal women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Menopause. 2006; 13(3):387-396.<\/li><\/ol>

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