Way before the 4th trimester, I explored what life would have been like had I decided to not have a child. It was a fear of mine to think out the possibility, but after engaging in the thought, I realized I would choose this life without hesitation.

I spoke in-depth about my pregnancy and how it led to an amazing birth experience. But what about the 4th trimester?

What is the 4th Trimester?

When most animals are born, they are able to figure out how to take care of themselves in a matter of a day or so. With humans? Not so much. It can take years in fact before a newborn human figures out how to walk while a giraffe just needs a day.

To keep it simple, it’s a matter of brain size. Literature suggests humans are born too early, but if we stay in the womb longer, a mother’s birth canal wouldn’t be able to handle the delivery. The 4th trimester is essentially the first three months after birth. It's a time for newborns to adjust to the whole wide world, or just a slice of it anyway.

My 4th Trimester

The first week after giving birth was incredible. It was as if I had entered a new, beautiful world where I was in charge of the most incredible little boy. Granted the lower regions of my body felt like it had been run over by a semi-truck, but everything else felt great.

My hubby had the week off and his meals were delectable. My son slept most of the night and day, so I was able to just marvel at his littleness. I didn't suffer any tears during my vaginal birth, so all I had to deal with was my body getting used to not being pregnant anymore. It was uncomfortable for a week or two, but being able to stay mostly on bed rest for the first month didn't hurt.

After a month, it became clear I would need to assume some of my normal duties. I had to try to find balance in this new role. My attention was now split with another with many needs I wasn't used to giving another person. I can't say I figured it all out in that 4th trimester, but with just us three, I did what I could.

I was excited the first day I took our son out and about. A month of not leaving home was a challenge. Once I left, I couldn't help but want to go back a few times a week. I was usually not one to be bothered by having to stay at home most of the time, but I couldn't help but want to.

I wanted to honor that though I was a mother now, I still enjoyed getting out of the house. My son and I spent more time at the beach than at home. Eventually, right as the 4th trimester began to end, it felt right to start living in a van. We all took transformations.

Conclusion

I was fortunate to be able to have a good 4th trimester despite it being us three, but mostly my son and I because of the hours my partner had to work. I'm glad I had time to heal. Best of all, I loved that my son and I had so much time together to bond.