What new mothers really need in the fourth trimester

The fourth trimester is the twelve weeks after birth, a window doulas describe as one of the most tender and overlooked phases of motherhood. We sat down with a postpartum doula to talk about what new mothers really need, and why nourishment so often slips to the bottom of the list.

The first weeks are not what most people expect

"There is so much focus on the birth, and then the baby arrives and everyone's attention turns to the baby," she tells us. "The mother, who has just been through something enormous, is suddenly the person nobody is checking on. She is healing, often breastfeeding around the clock, and running on very little."

Why food matters more than people realise

"Steady energy is everything in those early weeks. When a mother is skipping meals or grabbing whatever is nearest, her energy crashes, her mood dips, and breastfeeding can feel even harder. Simple, nourishing food that she can eat with one hand while holding a baby, that is genuinely useful."

Her advice to new mothers

"Lower the bar for everything except rest and nourishment. Accept help. Keep good snacks within arm's reach of wherever you feed. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and in the fourth trimester, filling your own cup is not a luxury. It is part of caring for your baby."

This interview is part of our ongoing series with the people who support new mothers. Always speak to your own healthcare professional for advice specific to you.