Fourth Trimester Podcast: The First Months And Beyond | Parenting | Newborn Baby | Postpartum | Doula

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 

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 Tri

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 B

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 Nutriti

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 | InstagramLearn more Natural Resources Online Shop | Snack Trays | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection | Wire Your Baby for Success Through Optimal Newborn Brain DevelopmentResources HelloGaia P

In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Ezrin, award-winning author, world-renowned yoga educator, and maternal mental health advocate, to talk about micro destressing techniques for busy parents.Sarah shares simple, effective ways to regulate your nervous system, restore your energy, and find calm in the chaos of daily life. The best part is that it doesn't take additional time, so it still works even if you have a full schedule.Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Sarah Ezrin sarahezrinyoga.com | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Substack | YouTubeLearn more Mom Group Guide: How To Find, Join Or Facilitate Your Own Mom Group | How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You if You Don’t Have a Doula (What is a Doula?) | A Parent’s Guide To Building Self-Trust (And Why It Matters) | The Power of Yoga Pre & Post Birth | Generational Parenting, featuring PSI Founder Jane HonikmanResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Cu

Parenting isn’t just about raising children—it’s about the roles we all play in supporting the next generation. In this episode, PSI Founder Jane Honikman shares wisdom for parents, partners, and grandparents on the power of community, mental health, and the importance of not doing it alone.Please share with the dads, grandparents, other caregivers and extended family in your life!Special thanks to podcasthon.org, the world's largest podcast charity initiative.Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with PSI Founder Jane Honikman janehonikman.comLearn more Postpartum Recovery Plan | Pinpoint Where You Are on the Spectrum of Mental HealthResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Support International Parent Groups | PSI HelplineConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Birth is one of the most transformative experiences in a person’s life, but when things don’t go as planned - something traumatic or simply not what you thought would happen - the emotional impact can linger. Chanti Smith is a licensed and certified professional midwife and an experienced somatic practitioner. In this episode she talks about healing from birth trauma and reclaiming joy. Listen to learn how somatic experiencing helps release stored trauma, reconnect with the body, and create a new sense of empowerment. This conversation is an important reminder that healing is possible, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Chanti Smith embodiedbeginnings.com | Book A SessionLearn more Somatic Experiencing Can Build Attachment Between Parent And Child | Reproductive Psychiatry: Optimizing Your Mental Health with Dr Ida Eden | Preparing to Enjoy the Fourth TrimesterResources Mindfulness Childbirth and Parenting Courses | Somatic Experienci

I don't know about you, but one of my top goals as a parent of a newborn was getting more sleep. A night doula is a great addition to any postpartum dream team because they will help with achieving exactly that - more sleep. More sleep for you, your other family members in your household, your baby.It's perfectly normal for newborns to be awake multiple times during the night (just ask PhD Sleep Consultant Dr Millette). And, it's also true that sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of postpartum anxiety and depression. Plus, sleep is simply wonderful.In this episode, we talk with Kristin Revere, a doula and the founder of Gold Coast Doulas. She's also the author of Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby. We talk about how to get the most out of your night doula experience, including:Hiring the right person, what to check and askCosts and affordabilityBenefitsA typical night with a night doulaWhat to expect: practical, mental, social, emotional support examplesWishing you happy family sleep!F

Wondering how to make the most of your parental leave? In this episode, we talk with Mamattorney lawyer Daphne Delvaux about your rights, how to maximize your maternity, paternity, and parental leave benefits, and what every new parent should know. Daphne spells out how you can stitch together different types of leaves and benefits to make sure you are getting the full amount of leave available so you can spend the most time possible with your babyFull show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com Connect with Daphne Delvaux themamattorney.com | Instagram | FacebookResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester PlanLearn More Family Financial Wellness: Three Finance Must-dos for Families | A Parent’s Guide To Building Self-Trust (And Why It Matters) | Prepare For Taking Maternity Leave Like A Pro - Maternity Leave GuideConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Discover the benefits of babywearing in this episode with Whitney Dula, IBCLC, postpartum doula, and trained babywearing expert. Whitney shares tips on choosing and using baby carriers, safety essentials, and how babywearing supports bonding and development. Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Whitney Dula themamasdula.com | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookLearn more Babywearing How To Videos | HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE Babywearing Guide | Where to Check if Your Hand-Me-Down Carrier Has Been Recalled: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls | Amy Rainbow AdjoynConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram Additional ResourcesFREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth PlanFREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester PlanFREE DOWNLOAD Birth Team Overview – Who’s Who At The Hospital

Learn the benefits of a sitz bath DONE PROPERLY for postpartum healing, with step-by-step guidance on how to prepare one using natural, soothing ingredients.This DIY Sitz Bath Guide will teach you how to care for yourself or provide this care for others.Plus, this episode will equip you with additional tools to make a real difference in a new parent’s recovery journey.>> This is one to share with any friend or family member who is planning to provide you with a helping hand while your are at home with a new baby! <<Full Show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Esther Gallagher esthergallagher.comLearn more HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | Postpartum Sitz Bath Herbal Ingredients List | The Dos & Don'ts Of Being A Respectful & HELPFUL Visitor To A New Parent | Postpartum Depression Warning Signs | Breastfeeding Essentials: No Judgement Guide - Say Goodbye To Breastfeeding PainRecipes Snack Trays | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionRecommended

Discover the wisdom of sacred postpartum traditions with Pānquetzani, a traditional healer and advocate for holistic maternal care. In this episode, we explore time-honored practices that support healing, thriving, and deep connection during the fourth trimester. Learn how to honor your postpartum journey with simple, yet powerful practices that support lasting wellness. Whether you're an expecting parent, new parent, or support person, this conversation offers invaluable tools to nurture mind, body, and spirit.Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Pānquetzani indigemama.com | Facebook | InstagramCaldo (bone broth) recipe fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/recipesLearn more A Parent’s Guide To Building Self-Trust (And Why It Matters) With First Forty Days Author Marisa Belger | How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You if You Don’t Have a Doula (What is a Doula?) Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram FREE HelloGaia Parenting CopilotFREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth PlanFREE DO

This episode featuring Dr Amanda P Williams is dedicated to how data can be a tool for informed decision-making, creating positive outcomes for both parents and their children.With 35% of U.S. counties classified as Maternity Care Deserts—lacking essential maternal care resources—data and technology are critical in bridging gaps in access and information. Tools like virtual visits, online data platforms such as Peristats, and virtual parenting assistants like HelloGaia empower parents and caregivers with the resources they need. This approach combines in-person care, virtual care, and technology-based support to create a "best of the best" layered experience.Data-driven parenting using evidence-backed information in combination with the very important practice of self-trust and gut-instinct is increasingly the way forward for many parents and caregivers.Learn how to find and use evidence-based information that empowers parents.Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Dr Amanda P Williams LinkedI

In this episode, Jesse Bennett, an author and advocate for positive thinking among children, guides us on helping kids boost their success by developing a positive mindset through kindness, self-talk, and mindfulness practices. She emphasizes that kindness begins within oneself. By teaching children to love and believe in themselves and encouraging them to recognize their inner light, they can extend this kindness to others.Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Jesse Bennett jessebennett.co | InstagramLearn more Wire Your Baby for Success Through Optimal Newborn Brain Development | Preparing For Your Second Baby - The Second Child Transition | Encourage Infant Speech Learning, Security & Confidence Through Communication and Play | Mom Group Guide: How To Find, Join Or Facilitate Your Own Mom GroupAdditional ResourcesHelloGaia Parenting CopilotFREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth PlanFREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester PlanFREE DOWNLOAD Birth Team Overview – Who’s

In this episode, hosted by Didi D'Errico as a special edition, we focus on ACTIONABLE ways you can build more reliable, more accessible and more timely support as a new parent. We know there are enough barriers to support for new parents as it is, as highlighted by March of Dimes in their recent report on Maternity Care Deserts - THANK YOU for providing insights and data!We talk you through specific steps you can take to have a better-resourced fourth trimester and beyond. We highlight FREE planning templates and tools that every new and expecting parent needs to know about, including a service we are very excited about called HelloGaia. HelloGaia is a FREE AI-driven search-based chat tool that is designed to help families find fast, trustworthy, always-available answers to questions that will arise during pregnancy, postnatally and as their child grows. Get started with HelloGaia here.Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.comLinks to HelloGaia hellogaia.ai | Use Cases & Quotes (Listen to the bonus track

In this episode, Sarah Trott talks with pediatric sleep consultant Dr. Angelique Millette to answer the top 10 TODDLER sleep questions every parent has. (Go to the BABY episode if you want help with baby sleep! Link below.)Dr. Millette shares her expertise on the challenges of toddler sleep, providing practical solutions for common issues like bedtime resistance, night wakings, early morning risings, and more. She also covers how to recognize signs of sleep readiness, establish effective bedtime routines, and create an environment that supports restful sleep.Listen to learn strategies tailored to meet a toddler’s specific needs, fostering smoother nights for the whole family.Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com (FREE Birth plan download here)Connect with Dr Angelique Millette angeliquemillette.com | Facebook | YouTubeResources mentioned Safe Sleep Guide for Room Sharing and Bed Sharing Angelique's other sleep episodes Dr Angelique Millette on Sleep Training | The No-low Cry Sleep Method | 

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Ida Eden, a reproductive psychiatrist and faculty member at Weill Cornell Medicine, to explore how you can optimize your emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or simply navigating the transition into parenthood, Dr. Eden will provide insights and practical tools to help you feel empowered and supported. Find out what to do BEFORE baby arrives, and how you can start optimizing if you ALREADY have your baby (or older child!) in arms.Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Dr Ida Eden idaedenmd.com | Weill Cornell MedicineLearn more Birth Doula 101: What to Expect From A Birth Doula with Esther Gallagher | Mom Group Guide: How To Find, Join Or Facilitate Your Own Mom Group | MGH Center for Women's Mental Health | Mother to Baby Factsheets (Check which drugs are okay to use while pregnant or breastfeeding) | Postpartum Support Internatio

On this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, we're bringing you the ultimate travel guide for parents.Our special guests, Mother Up creators Kacie McDonnell Hosmer, former host of FOX Nation and Mansion Global, and Gianna DeMedio Simon, host of the podcast So Sorry for Your Loss, share their tried-and-true tips for traveling with little ones. Between them, they’ve wrangled three children under four while navigating air and car travel, and their advice will help you make your next trip as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re planning a flight or a road trip, Kacie and Gianna will walk you through everything from packing essentials to managing those inevitable meltdowns.Tune in for practical advice, personal stories, and the confidence to travel like a pro with your kids. P.S. Don't forget to chat with your pediatrician for advice on how early you can travel with your newborn - every situation is unique!Full Show Notes (all links on fourthtrimesterpodcast.com)Connect with Kacie McDonnell Hosmer & Gia

Rather amazingly, there hasn't been much research into the causes and potential cures for the nausea that around 70% of people experience during pregnancy. Until now.Thankfully, Dr Marlena Fejzo is dedicating her life's work to finding ways to alleviate the full spectrum of mild cases of "morning sickness" to severe nausea to, on the extreme end, hyperemesis. She herself experienced hyperemesis. She knows firsthand the debilitating effects of the disease. Already she has clearly identified one gene (GDF15) linked to the cause and she is working on finding more.Listen to the full episode to learn what Dr Fejzo recommends for alleviating symptoms of morning sickness and treating true hyperemesis. There are ways to find some relief now, even ahead of the groundbreaking new therapies that are on the horizon.Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com (all links below can also be found here)Connect with Dr Marlena Fejzo USC Profile & Contact | USC Marlena Fejzo Research FundLearn more Time Women Of The Year 20