My son turned 3 months old yesterday, and I don’t know where the time went.
I swear he was born two weeks ago, time just flies! I know that on this day last year, I wasn’t pregnant yet. 6 days from now, I would be. It’s crazy to think it’s almost been an exact year since this incredible journey began. The 4th trimester is ending.
So many people misunderstand the term “4th Trimester”. It’s a common misunderstanding that trimester refers to a stage in the pregnancy, out of 3 stages. Really it means 3 months in a stage, there can be as many stages as you want (depending on the subject). The 4th trimester lasts up to 4 months postpartum, and simply refers to the adjustment period. The newborn stage, the postpartum period, the time it takes for hormones to level out and find your rhythm.
We found our pattern awhile ago. Unlike most other things I’ve tried out in life (dancing, sports, drama, art) parenting came easily and naturally. It was like breathing.
I’m not going to lie to you, it wasn’t all sunshine. The first few weeks were almost a nightmare. In fact, they were. I had constant visitors for the first 14 days of my sons life. I had my first gall bladder attacks. I had to supplement with formula for the first time within those first 3 weeks. I had the beginnings of postpartum depression. I was having trouble getting enough sleep, finding time to eat, showering, or even leaving my baby’s side. In addition to all of these new adjustments, my husband and I were also in the process of moving into our own apartment for the first time.
All in all…it was all too much.
But we survived it with our sanity intact. Without breaking our parenting beliefs. With a strong, beautiful relationship with our son.
We have gotten the lectures from many older relatives, coworkers, and even strangers. How we shouldn’t co-sleep, attachment parent, even how we should formula feed!
It’s been a wild 3 months, but the last 10 weeks have been peaceful. We have our routine, and a happy, healthy baby.
I’m ready for the 4th trimester’s end, and everything else to begin.
The Freestyle Momma 