The Fourth Trimester by Susan Brink, anyone read/heard of this?

kindlycrystal · July 2015

Hey! I'm a FTM and was browsing through my library's books on newborn care. I came across this one and picked it up:

I'm only a couple chapters in and it's been pretty interesting and informative. Has anyone ever heard of this or read it and would like to share their thoughts?

ameares721 · July 2015

I've heard of the first three months being referred to as "the 4th trimester" but I haven't seen this book. I'll check it out!

silly514 · July 2015

Haven't heard of the book but would totally vouch for the concept. I was not prepared for the first 3 months with my first. I ended up being a pretty flexible momma and it was fine but it is a very different time. I tell my friends who are in that time to adjust their thinking.... The baby is almost like another limb for you! Lol I think it would be a good read to prep for how crazy and exhausting those first few months are

kindlycrystal · July 2015

Someone had mentioned 'fourth trimester' on another post, which is why this book caught my eye. I'll try to remember and post a review once I've finished it (assuming pregnancy brain doesn't strike

).

ElleMF728 · July 2015

The concept of the fourth trimester is one that was invaluable to me. As new moms we tend to have completely unrealistic expectations of what our newborns are capable of. Most other mammals are much more developed when they are born but due to our biology ours are born before they are really mentally and physically "ready".

It also helps us better understand how to comfort our LO's through mimicking the conditions present in the womb. It explains why babies find white noise, swaddling, feeding on demand, skin to skin and baby wearing so pleasurable.

I didn't read Brink's book but I follow Dr. Harvey Karp's work and discusses this idea frequently. My pediatrician also promotes the 4th trimester.

SarahAnne1101 · July 2015

I've read that. I'm studying to be a midwife, so lots of birth and postpartum / newborn reading here. i really liked.

kindlycrystal · July 2015

@ElleMF728, Thanks, I'll have to look up Dr. Karp. Being a FTM I have no idea what to expect and this concept makes a lot of sense to me. When you consider the developing brain of a newborn coupled with the exposure to a literal new world, it's no wonder they are so demanding. One thing I have liked so far (only made it to chapter 3 last night) is that the author gives a short narrative of the birth experience from the newborn's perspective. If nothing else, I feel a little more prepared to empathize with my baby as he adjusts to 'our world.'

@BrooklynBroussard, I took it as meaning the 4th three-month block of development, so it didn't bother my inner grammar nerd. Much.

ElleMF728 · July 2015

@kindlycrystal Dr. Karp is the author of Happiest Baby on the Block but if you don't feel like reading another book you can check out the video on itunes which is just as good IMO.

My mom bought us a children's book call Angel in the Waters which is essentially the same thing that you are describing. It narrates pregnancy, birth and the early newborn phase from the baby's perspective. Honestly, it made both DH and I cry when we read it because it becomes so apparent how scary the whole experience must be for them. Whenever I was struggling with a really rough day with DS I would try to remember that he was making an even bigger adjustment than I was!

komorebi · July 2015

I've been wanting to read that. "Our Babies. Ourselves." is another good one.

abbythebigdiehl · July 2015

ElleMF728 said:
@kindlycrystal Dr. Karp is the author of Happiest Baby on the Block but if you don't feel like reading another book you can check out the video on itunes which is just as good IMO.

My mom bought us a children's book call Angel in the Waters which is essentially the same thing that you are describing. It narrates pregnancy, birth and the early newborn phase from the baby's perspective. Honestly, it made both DH and I cry when we read it because it becomes so apparent how scary the whole experience must be for them. Whenever I was struggling with a really rough day with DS I would try to remember that he was making an even bigger adjustment than I was!

I would highly recommend happiest baby on the block. It's not a long video but it could be so vital to your first few months with the baby. The methods he's used I've seen with a few moms I know and when they started using them it changed their lives. Please watch the video and consider it. It will help you soothe your baby quickly and effectively.

kindlycrystal · July 2015

Thanks, @ElleMF728 and @abbythebigdiehl. I'll look up the video and I just added Angel in the Waters to my registry.

Something about hitting the 25 week mark triggered the realization that DS will be here soon, so I'm trying to learn as much as I can.

komorebi · July 2015

https://evolutionaryparenting.com/when-your-infants-sleep-isnt-normal/

This article popped up in my Facebook feed today. Good to keep in mind before jumping to sleep training.

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