

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

Aug 9, 2025 • 42min
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.comConnect 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 | Instagram

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 NetworkResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Jul 14, 2025 • 40min
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?)Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Jun 28, 2025 • 40min
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 Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Jun 14, 2025 • 36min
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.comConnect 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 | Instagram

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.comLearn 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

May 17, 2025 • 53min
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.Connect 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 Play

May 3, 2025 • 57min
Prepare your Vagina for Birth with Britt Fohrman, Birth Educator & Doula
In this empowering episode, we invite you to get up close and personal with the part of your body that’s about to do something extraordinary—birth your baby. Many parents enter labor feeling disconnected from their vaginas and pelvises, but our guest Britt Fohrman offers a different path—one grounded in awareness, preparation, and trust. Drawing from over two decades as a doula, yoga teacher, birth educator, and pleasure coach, Britt shares practical tools to help you prepare your vagina for birth with more ease, confidence, and connection. By deepening your relationship with your body, you not only support a smoother birth experience, but also lay a strong foundation for your baby’s arrival and your own empowered parenting journey.Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Britt Fohrman brittfohrman.com | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInBritt's Classes (Code is FOURTHTRIMESTER for 10% OFF for on-demand course) Preparing Your Vagina for Birth In person - San Francisco | Preparing Your Vagina for Birth On Demand | Yoga for Your Yoni | 7 Days to Becoming More Confident in Opening for Birth with Britt-Free Video Series | Practices for Body Awareness | Prenatal Partners Yoga and Massage: Conscious Connection for Birth and BeyondLearn more Somatic Experiencing Can Build Attachment Between Parent And ChildResources 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 Play

Apr 19, 2025 • 43min
What The Research Says About Vitamin D & Your Baby's Health with Celeste Beck from Heluna Health
Dual-PhD researcher Celeste Beck is a leading maternal health researcher at Heluna Health who just published a groundbreaking study on vitamin D and pregnancy.It turns out something as simple as your vitamin D levels could have a major impact on your pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and your baby’s health. With over 15 years in public health and a dual PhD in Nutritional Science and Clinical and Translational Science, Celeste breaks down what every parent needs to know—how to recognize the risks of deficiency, when and how to supplement, and why this one nutrient can make a lifelong difference for your baby.If you're pregnant, postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode gives you the critical info your doctor might not be talking about - yet. Advocating for yourself with the right information empowers you and gives your baby the healthiest start possible.Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Celeste Beck PhD LinkedInCeleste's research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Maternal vitamin D status, fetal growth patterns, and adverse pregnancy outcomes in a multisite prospective pregnancy cohortLearn more Evidence Based Care for Improving Postpartum Recovery - Advice From Dr Rebecca Dekker | Morning Sickness Causes and Cures: Hyperemesis Genetic Link and Practical Advice from USC Geneticist Dr Marlena FejzoResources 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 Play

Apr 5, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Top 5 Questions Parents Ask in New Parent Groups with Mikka Bonel, Postpartum Ayurvedic Doula
Mikka Bonel is a doula and a long-time facilitator of New Parent Circles. In these groups, parents gather in a safe and supportive, facilitated group. All parents of new babies are welcome to share and connect around the transition to their new role as a parent, changing family relationships, and the vast spectrum of emotions that arise in new parenthood.In this episode, Mikka shares the top 5 questions parents ask in her groups, touching on:Confidence and balancing the pressure to "get it right"Partner dynamicsEmotions during the fourth trimesterPhysical recoveryNavigating first few days to 6 weeksBy listening, you'll benefit from decades of wisdom and experience that supports new parenthood.Full show notes here: fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Mikka birthingyoga.com | New Parent Circles | InstagramSpecial Mention Natural Resources Online Shop Code: 4THTRIMESTER for $15 OFF (On $40 or more)Learn more Snack Trays | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection | Wire Your Baby for Success Through Optimal Newborn Brain DevelopmentResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester PlanConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram