Fourth Trimester: The First Months and Beyond | Parenting | Newborn Baby | Postpartum | Doula
Sarah Roselinda Trott
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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 20, 2025 • 1h 7min
Rediscovering Intimacy After Baby in a Way That Feels Right for You with Dr Shosh
Becoming a parent changes a lot - including how we connect with our partners. On this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, I'm joined by my co-host Esther Gallagher as well as special guest Dr. Shoshanna Bennett, a pioneer in perinatal mental health, to talk about what intimacy really looks like after a baby arrives. Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Dr Shoshana Bennett drshosh.com | Dr Shosh Radio Show | Dark Side Of The Full MoonDr Shoshana's books Children of the Depressed: Healing the Childhood Wounds That Come from Growing Up with a Depressed Parent | Postpartum Depression For Dummies | Pregnant on Prozac: The Essential Guide To Making The Best Decision For You And Your Baby | Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression & AnxietyLearn more The Myths Of Motherhood | Why Women Are Slipping Through The Cracks | Postpartum OCD Is A Thing | postpartum.net | How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You After You Have a BabyResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | InstagramSome of the links we have on the show notes help support the work that we do - if you decide to purchase through an affiliate link, the show receives a small commission and it really helps us out
Sep 6, 2025 • 28min
Fuel Your Baby’s Growth and Success Through Optimal Newborn Nutrition
This is a wonderful conversation with experienced nutritionist Argavan Nilforoush about feeding and nourishing your baby, especially when there are specific dietary concerns. Argavan is a registered dietitian nutritionist and she is based in the San Francisco Bay area. She brings years of experience working with families, infants and children across both hospital and outpatient settings. She founded Baby Steps Nutrition, where she offers individualized support to help children thrive from addressing picky eating, poor weight gain, food allergies to maternal lactation, nutrition, and as a mom herself.Argavan knows firsthand the challenges and questions that come with feeding little ones, especially during the critical fourth trimester and beyond. We discuss typical growth, starting solids, and navigating all the conflicting advice that's out there. She offers practical advice and strategies for baby nutrition generally, as well as when there are dietary concerns.Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Argavan Nilforoush babystepsnutrition.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter / XLearn more A Parent’s Guide To Building Self-Trust (And Why It Matters) | Get A Healthy Start - Nutrition, Breastfeeding & Building Your Community with WIC's Kiran Saluja | Nutrition and Nourishment - The EssentialsOur favorite Fourth Trimester Beach Reads The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother | Becoming the Parent You Want to Be: A Sourcebook of Strategies for the First Five Years | Growing Together: Doula Wisdom & Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth & Early Motherhood | Thriving Postpartum: Embracing the Indigenous Wisdom of La CuarentenaResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | InstagramSome of the links we have on the show notes help support the work that we do - if you decide to purchase through an affiliate link, the show receives a small commission and it really helps us out
Aug 23, 2025 • 44min
Why And How To Bond With Your Newborn - Dr Joanna Parga-Belinkie
On this episode we are joined by Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist, board-certified lactation consultant, and the author of the The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting With Your Newborn.We discuss medical as well as practical and emotional aspects of bonding, including why and how to bond with your newborn. This is great listening for parents, grandparents, supporters, visitors, and well, everyone really.You'll learn the early aspects of newborn development in terms of practical, evidence-based tips for nurturing early connection as well as learn how that impacts lifelong health.Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comDr Joanna's book The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting With Your NewbornConnect with Dr Joanna Parga-Belinkie Pediatrics on Call podcast | LinkedIn | InstagramLearn more Wire Your Baby for Success Through Optimal Newborn Brain Development | The Power of Touch in Supporting Infant DevelopmentResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | InstagramSome of the links we have on the show notes help support the work that we do - if you decide to purchase through an affiliate link, the show receives a small commission and it really helps us out
Aug 9, 2025 • 41min
Fourth Trimester Economics with Pediatrician Dr Sonal Patel
Dr. Sonal Patel is a board-certified pediatrician, neonatologist, lactation specialist, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of NayaCare: Fourth Trimester Clinic. With a passion for improving maternal and infant health, she offers curated talks designed to empower professional women navigating the intersection of career, motherhood, and personal well-being.Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comSonal's book The Doctor & Her Black Bag: How Old-Fashioned Care Tackles Maternal Mortality and Benefits America’s EconomyConnect with Pediatrician Dr Sonal Patel nayacare.org | Facebook | InstagramLearn more Family Financial Wellness: Three Finance Must-dos for Families | How to Maximize Maternity Leave & Paternity Benefits with MAMAttorney Daphne Delvaux | How Partners Can Prepare for Parenthood (The Power of Snuggling)Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | InstagramSome of the links we have on the show notes help support the work that we do - if you decide to purchase through an affiliate link, the show receives a small commission and it really helps us out
Jul 26, 2025 • 43min
VBACs and Cesarean Recovery Tips with Petra Cruz Doula
Petra is a birth & postpartum doula, birth educator, and fierce advocate for women reclaiming their power in birth.After undergoing three Cesareans, she set off on a transformative journey that led to her vaginal birth after three Cesareans (VBA3C). That experience reshaped not only how she viewed birth but also how she found her voice—one that had been silenced by fear, external authority, and societal expectations.Now, she is dedicated to helping other women do the same: break free from limiting beliefs, trust their intuition, and confidently advocate for the birth experience they deserve. Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Petra Cruz birthingcometrue.com | Instagram | The Journey To VBAC PodcastLearn more How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You if You Don’t Have a Doula (What is a Doula?) | Somatic Experiencing Can Build Attachment Between Parent And Child | Postpartum Support International | International Cesarean Awareness NetworkOur favorite Fourth Trimester Books The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother | Becoming the Parent You Want to Be: A Sourcebook of Strategies for the First Five Years | Growing Together: Doula Wisdom & Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth & Early Motherhood | Thriving Postpartum: Embracing the Indigenous Wisdom of La CuarentenaResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | InstagramSome of the links we have on the show notes help support the work that we do - if you decide to purchase through an affiliate link, the show receives a small commission and it really helps us out
Jul 14, 2025 • 39min
How to Prepare for Hospital Birth (and Avoid Unnecessary Interventions) with HeHe Stewart
Here's a prep guide for hospital births that will help you feel more confident, and empower you with information that could help you avoid unnecessary procedures that can result in trauma and/or injury.Our guest is HeHe Stewart, a birth doula and founder of The Birth Lounge, a non-judgmental, evidence-based childbirth education online platform known for helping parents navigate birth. HeHe also has her own podcast called the Birth Lounge. Here's some of what we discuss:how to avoid unnecessary C-sectionshow to confidently ask for optionswhat to do if things don't go as expectedcrucial information to prepare you for hospital birthFull show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with HeHe Stewart Tranquility by HeHe | The Birth Lounge Education PlatformHeHe's Podcast The Birth Lounge PodcastLearn more The 10 Questions Every First-Time Parent Asks | Home Birth As An Alternative To The Hospital | How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You if You Don’t Have a Doula (What is a Doula?)Our favorite Fourth Trimester Books The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother | Becoming the Parent You Want to Be: A Sourcebook of Strategies for the First Five Years | Growing Together: Doula Wisdom & Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth & Early Motherhood | Thriving Postpartum: Embracing the Indigenous Wisdom of La CuarentenaResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | InstagramSome of the links we have on the show notes help support the work that we do - if you decide to purchase through an affiliate link, the show receives a small commission and it really helps us out
Jun 28, 2025 • 38min
Returning to Work Transition Guide - Michelle Olsen, MA, CPCC
This Returning to Work Transition Guide is led by Career coach Michelle Olsen who specializes in helping women find clarity and purpose during career transitions. Michelle holds a Master’s in Organizational Psychology and is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC)Covered on this episode: Making the back to work transition with intentionFinding the right balance for your familyCreating a plan that aligns with your valuesTips on what to ask forFactors to consider when making your own decisions about when, how and whether to return to workFull show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.comWork with Michelle One-on-One: Greenlight Coaching Offer Code: RETURNTOWK for $100 OFFVirtual workshop: Return to Work Group Workshop: Virtual Code: 4THTRIMESTER for $15 OFF (On $40 or more) Connect with Michelle Olsen greenlight-coaching.com | Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookLearn more How to Maximize Maternity Leave & Paternity Benefits with MAMAttorney Daphne Delvaux | Prepare For Taking Maternity Leave Like A Pro Our favorite Fourth Trimester Books The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother | Becoming the Parent You Want to Be: A Sourcebook of Strategies for the First Five Years | Growing Together: Doula Wisdom & Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth & Early Motherhood | Thriving Postpartum: Embracing the Indigenous Wisdom of La CuarentenaResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | InstagramSome of the links we have on the show notes help support the work that we do - if you decide to purchase through an affiliate link, the show receives a small commission and it really helps us out
Jun 14, 2025 • 35min
Redefining Motherhood for More Joy and Freedom with Dr Gertrude Lyons
Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a leading expert in holistic women’s development with over 20 years of experience. We explore how rewriting our beliefs about motherhood can lead to more joy, freedom, and self-love. This episode is about learning how breaking free from outdated expectations can transform not only your parenting but your entire sense of self.Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comGertrude's book Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust - A Cosmic Approach to MotherhoodConnect with Dr Gertrude Lyons drgertrudelyons.com | Instagram | LinkedIn | PodcastLearn more A Parent’s Guide To Building Self-Trust (And Why It Matters) | The Birth Doula’s Guide to Navigating New Motherhood with Carson Meyer | The Top 10 Baby Sleep Questions Every Parent AsksResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | InstagramSome of the links we have on the show notes help support the work that we do - if you decide to purchase through an affiliate link, the show receives a small commission and it really helps us out
May 31, 2025 • 37min
The Birth Doula’s Guide to Navigating New Motherhood with Carson Meyer
So here's what happens when a seasoned birth doula becomes a first-time mom. Carson Meyer, a sought-after doula, joins us to share her personal journey into motherhood.With years of experience supporting parents through birth and postpartum, Carson brings a unique perspective on what she thought she knew versus what she learned firsthand. In this episode, we talk about the realities of postpartum recovery, lessons from home birth, and the balance of caring for yourself while caring for a newborn.Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comCarson's book Growing Together: Doula Wisdom & Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth & Early MotherhoodLearn more A Parent’s Guide To Building Self-Trust (And Why It Matters) | How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You After You Have a Baby | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection (including Carson's Chicken Seaweed Soup)Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram Some of the links we have on the show notes help support the work that we do - if you decide to purchase through an affiliate link, the show receives a small commission and it really helps us out
May 17, 2025 • 51min
Prevent and Manage Gestational Diabetes With Certified Diabetes Educator Lily Nichols, RD
Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian and the author three books designed to support healthy conception, birth and postpartum, including how to prevent and manage gestational diabetes.Her books are Real Food for Fertility (co-authored by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack), Real Food For Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes.Lily shares important information all women should know about optimizing their diet for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum from a scientific perspective. Even for women who aren't currently in the pregnancy state of mind, knowing this information early on helps everyone to make better choices down the road.Lily's books Real Food for Gestational Diabetes | Real Food for Pregnancy | Real Food for FertilityConnect with Lily Nichols lilynicholsrdn.com | InstagramLearn more The Institute for Prenatal Nutrition | Postpartum Recovery Meals | Fourth Trimester Soups and Stews Collection | Nutrition and Nourishment - The EssentialsResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester PlanConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | InstagramWant trustworthy parenting data at your fingertips? Download HelloGaia Parenting Copilot for FREE today. The app uses reliable sources like ACOG, AAP, The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. FREE app available now on Apple & Google PlaySome of the links we have on the show notes help support the work that we do - if you decide to purchase through an affiliate link, the show receives a small commission and it really helps us out
