THE FOURTH TRIMESTER: PERSONALIZED POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
Welcoming a new baby is full of joy and wonder, but it is also a challenging time, especially in the first few weeks. These first weeks are often referred to as the “4th trimester.” It’s a period where both baby and parent are experiencing major growth and transition, yet are often left feeling alone and unsupported. A Fourth Trimester Package provided by a pediatrician and lactation consultant addresses these critical needs—right from the comfort of your home.
What Is a 4th Trimester Package?
While pregnant, you are likely used to tons of attention from family, friends, and the medical community. Unfortunately, the way our society is set up, mothers are often left by the wayside after having a baby, while the little one becomes the focus of attention. The postpartum period is a time of major life transitions - becoming a mom, a changing relationship with your partner and other children, a healing body, and huge emotional shifts. Without the proper support, women are at high risk of postpartum mood disorders. In fact, the United States boasts THE HIGHEST maternal mortality rate of any developed country in the world. This is not a statistic to be proud of. This is glaring data that our system needs to change.
My 4th Trimester Package is my way of battling this statistic. It is designed to provide in-home support for the first eight weeks after bringing your baby home. I provide home visits to address all your baby’s newborn pediatric care, including well baby visits, weight checks, sick visits, and those countless questions that arise in the early days of parenthood. Additionally, I provide lactation support as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Breastfeeding Medicine-certified physician in Chicago, ensuring you have comprehensive guidance or assistance in managing any feeding challenges that arise (whether your plans include breastfeeding or not!).
By offering newborn care, infant feeding support, and emotional and mental health monitoring and support, you will never be alone in your journey. This small difference of having postpartum home visits and easy access to your doctor can go a long way in preventing postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and ultimately postpartum medical complications and can be a game changer in improving your personal experience as a new mom.
Who Can Benefit from the Fourth Trimester Package?
The simple answer is: everyone. Every new parent deserves comprehensive postpartum support, but in the United States, services like these are not as widely available as they should be. That’s why I’ve created an option that brings the care to you.
This package is especially helpful for:
First-time parents who might be feeling overwhelmed by the unknown.
Parents with underlying anxiety or depression, or those who have noticed an increase in these symptoms while anticipating the arrival of their baby.
Parents with a history of breastfeeding challenges or medical complications.
Families with infants or parents with medical conditions who may require additional care.
Parents who have struggled with infertility, who may have more questions and concerns post-birth.
For many, getting out of the house in the early weeks can be a logistical challenge. With my home visits, you don’t need to worry about packing up your baby and heading to an office. I’m here to help you navigate this delicate time with personalized, at-home support.
Comprehensive Care for the Whole Family
While our societal focus often centers on the new baby, it's crucial to recognize that postpartum care should involve the whole family. In my visits, I screen for maternal mental health concerns and pelvic floor health, both of which are critical yet often overlooked aspects of postpartum recovery. I’m here to ensure that the parent(s) and the baby are both well cared for. I am part of your team. I work with other postpartum supporters like postpartum doulas, perinatal mental health professionals, local lactation consultants, and other members of the patient's healthcare team to provide collaborative, comprehensive care.
Additionally, I make it a priority to check in on your partner and other children. The adjustment to a new baby affects the entire family dynamic, and it’s important to provide the right support for everyone involved. Whether it’s offering emotional support, providing referrals to specialists, or simply answering questions, I work to create a holistic postpartum care experience that leaves no stone unturned.
Ideal for Every New Parent—And a Thoughtful Baby Shower Gift
The Fourth Trimester Package can be a lifeline for new parents, and it is an incredibly thoughtful and unique baby shower gift. If you’re a grandparent-to-be, a close friend, or a family member, gifting postpartum support is one of the most meaningful ways to help a new family. This gift will go far beyond the early days and will be remembered as a true act of care and love.
Whether you’re preparing for your own baby’s arrival or looking to give the perfect gift, these home visits are a way to ensure that new parents feel supported and less overwhelmed during this transition. Check out Be Her Village for an easy way to search for and add postpartum support to your baby registry! For those outside of the Chicago area, I can provide a virtual version of my package for anyone in Illinois, and I'm happy to help connect you with similar services across the country if needed.
Why Home Visits Matter in the Fourth Trimester
There are so many appointments in the early postpartum weeks—pediatric visits, lactation consultations, and maternal care follow-ups. Going out for each of these, especially when you’re sleep-deprived, can be stressful and exhausting. This is why home visits can be a game changer, allowing you to focus on recovery while ensuring that you and your baby receive exceptional care.
In countries with more structured postpartum support, home visits are a standard part of care. Imagine the "olden days," when postpartum families were inundated with support - all the aunts and grandmas flocked to the family with the new baby, doing all the cooking, cleaning, allowing the new parents to rest and bond with their new (and older) children. While we may never go back to this model of society, we CAN bring postpartum home visits by medical professionals back as the standard of care. I’ve made it my mission to fill that gap here in Chicago, offering personalized, compassionate, and accessible care for new families.
If you’re searching for an IBCLC, lactation consultant, or a house call pediatrician in Chicago, or simply trying to piece together your perfect postpartum support village, I’m here to provide the care and support you need during this special time. Together, we can make the fourth trimester a smoother, more joyful experience for you and your family.