Your baby’s here! What to do and learn during the postpartum period

Your baby is here! That means your journey is just beginning. The postpartum period, also known as the fourth trimester, is different for every mama. One universal truth? Mamas deserve just as much (or more) support during this phase as during pregnancy. 

Between recovering from childbirth and caring for your new baby, you have a lot on your plate right now—and probably not nearly enough sleep. Taking the chance to prepare mentally, logistically, emotionally and physically for this chapter of parenthood can help. With bite-sized classes specially created for this moment in your parenting journey, you can get the support you need without getting caught up in too many details.

Here’s what you need to know about postpartum classes to support you + your baby during the fourth trimester:

What is the fourth trimester?

By its definition, trimesters should only have three parts… So what is this about the fourth trimester? A relatively new term for describing the postpartum period, the fourth trimester represents the three months following your baby’s birth—as both of you adjust to this new stage. 

For your baby, this is a huge transition. All they’ve known until this point was a safe, snug and warm life inside the womb. They are likely to crave those same sensations, which is why swaddling and practicing skin-to-skin contact can help soothe them especially when they are overstimulated by all of the new sensory experiences.

For you, this is also a huge transition! If you gave birth to your child, you are physically recovering not just from labor and delivery but also from the preceding months of pregnancy. Add to that the emotions that go along with parenting and, well, it can be a rollercoaster. With the tools, explanations and resources, Motherly’s digital Postpartum classes are designed to help you feel empowered as you navigate the fourth trimester.

How should I prepare for the postpartum period?

1. What happens immediately after birth

Delivery doesn’t end when your baby is born—you still need to give birth to the placenta. In Motherly’s The Post Birth Experience Class, Pediatric Nurse and Certified Doula Diana Spalding covers what to know about the final steps of delivery and what comes next as you begin the recovery process.

2. What to know about about mental health

Postpartum wellness isn’t just about physical recovery. A range of emotions is also to be expected. For about 25% of new moms, that can look like “high levels of depressive symptoms” in the weeks, months and even years after birth. In Motherly’s The Postpartum Wellness Class, we’ll discuss mental wellness, and explain the difference between the baby blues, postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety.

3. What to know about Diastasis Recti 

Diastasis Recti or abdominal separation can occur during pregnancy as your baby—and bump—grows. Thankfully, many women can close the gap with guided exercises. Here’s more info on what to expect, from an expert.

What should I know about online pregnancy classes from Motherly?

The classes are self-paced

When you purchase a digital class from Motherly, it’s yours to watch, pause, rewind and rewatch as many times as you want. By having the freedom to use these classes on your own terms and own time, you can maximize what you learn—and feel more empowered in the process.

The content comes directly from experts

Our expert-driven, woman-centered classes allow you to learn from leading health, fitness and wellness professionals—no matter where you are located. 

You can discover what works for you

Every new mama’s experience is different. With a selection of classes to suit your goals and lifestyle, you can feel empowered to make the decisions that are right for you. Our classes provide expert guidance and support to help you feel confident.

What are Motherly’s Postpartum Classes?

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1. The Post Birth Experience

$14

Now that your baby is here, your body begins the work of healing. In this short course, Diana Spalding, Pediatric Nurse and Certified Midwife, talks about what happens right after birth—including giving birth to the placenta and what else to expect in the hours after delivery.

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2. Postpartum Wellness Class

$14

The first few weeks after welcoming a baby are beautiful—but tiring. This expert-led, woman-centered class covers recovery from childbirth, postpartum mental wellness, and newborn feeding and sleeping routines. In 10 video lessons, you will get the support you deserve to thrive during this stage.

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