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The "Fourth Trimester":The Postpartum Period After Birth
Congratulations!You have given birth! Your healthy baby will be placed on your chest so that you can begin to bond with your baby. Bonding involves touching, caressing, making eye contact, and talking to your new baby. This is good for both you and your baby and is an important way to start your relationship. But remember, if for any reason you are unable to bond with your baby immediately following birth, this is only the first of a lifetime full of opportunities. It's never too late to begin.The Postpartum PeriodThe period following birth is known as the postpartum period. This is a time when you and your partner begin your new roles as parents, and your new life as a family. The postpartum period can be both exhilarating and exhausting. As you and your baby get to know each other, remember that all babies have unique personalities with their own likes and dislikes. But no matter what their moods are, babies need to be hugged, held, stroked, and cuddled. So indulge yourself. And indulge your baby. New babies cannot be spoiled by a lot of attention. Like any new experience, parenting takes some getting used to. Don't expect to be an instant success. Remember, like parents over the entire world, you will learn the ins and outs of parenting through your mistakes and achievements. Most recent page update: 9/9/2010
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Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1918 as Maternity Center Association. Our mission is to improve the quality and value of maternity care through consumer engagement and health system transformation. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families. |
News and Features
Listening to MothersSM III is the third national
survey exploring women’s experiences in pregnancy and childbirth.
Commissioned by Childbirth Connection, conducted by Harris Interactive, and
funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the survey polled 2,400 women who gave
birth in U.S. hospitals from 2011 to 2012. Results show that medically
intensive experiences are typical, and evidence-based practices are
underutilized. Childbearing women need better support and knowledge to
navigate their maternity care.
Access the full report and supplementary materials  New Report: Maternity Care and Liability Go to report and supporting materials New Report: The Cost of Having a Baby in the United States Go to report and supporting materials New Cesarean Resources: Go to Best Evidence Report Go to web pages and booklet for women 
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